As the school year draws to an end student are looking for ways to stay in shape or get in shape for the summer beach days or the fall sports season. One unique and fun way to accomplish this is to participate in a road race with your friends or by yourself.

“Road races are fun because they challenge you while running with a bunch of different people of all different strengths so you are pushing yourself to a new level. Afterwards you have a large sense of accomplishment,” says senior Hannah Hoffman.

It gives you something to set a goal to, but there are also many non-traditional road races that can offer more than just a morning run and test your endurance, strength, and ability to have a good time with your friends as well.

The Color Run: Although there are no specific details other than that The Color Run will occur in Boston Summer 2013 the local people are already overcome with excitement as they anticipate the return of this race. Known as “The happiest 5k on the planet” The Color Run is an untimed race where at each kilometer marking participants are covered in different colored powder. The race focuses not on individuals racing other individuals but promoting healthy living overall and positive energy. Over 60% of participants are typically first time 5k runners so if you’re overcome with nerves about your first race this is the one for you “We call The Color Run the ‘Happiest 5K on the Planet’ because our events bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment,” said Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run.  You can participate by yourself or in a team of four people. Proceeds from the race go to a charity of choice that is prominent in the city the race takes place in. Although there is currently no official date for the 5k to take place in Boston there are affirmative plans for the 5k to be visiting us soon in the future of Summer 2013. Stay connected with updates at http://thecolorrun.com/newengland

5K Foam Fest: Are you seeking a race full of mud? dirt? foam? tears? Sweat? At the 5k Foam fest on Kimball Farm in Haverhill, Mass. you can find all of that and more. Just a short hour and a half away on July 13th and 14th you and your friends can participate in this race that includes obstacles such as a 30 ft. slip-and-slide, electric mud crawl, bouncy ball bash, cargo climb, and spider web forest. Said to be, “the only obstacle mud race that doubles as a human car wash.” You can sign up to run as an individual or run with your friends as a team. You must have at least 5 people on a team but there is no maximum, teams in the past have been made up of thirty five people. You must be at least 16 years or older to run without a parent or guardian. It is $60 per person to participate but the longer you wait to sign up the more the price will increase.  Of course each person will also get a free T-shirt and medal when they complete the race. Proceeds from the race are donated to the Special Olympics Massachusetts. To find out more details and sign up your team visit http://5kfoamfest.com/locations/NewEngland.php

Triple Threat Half-Marathon: This summer event features three different races including a 5K, Half Marathon, and 1 mile race on August 3rd. This race takes place in Rockport, Mass. with much of the running routes along the coastline. If you are looking for a more traditional road race you will find it here. Being later in the summer season it allows you to train for the beginning of summer and participate just before the fall sport season begins. If you register before May 31st prices are $19 for 1-Mile race, $23 for 5k race, and $55 for the Half Marathon race. Runners are encouraged to take on the “TripleThreat” this includes participating in all three races. Runners who complete the TripleThreat will receive a YuKanRun.com finisher’s mug. Half Marathon competitors will receive a custom finisher’s medal and all other participants will receive a YuKanRun.com technical race shirt. This race will fit all running styles beginner, intermediate, or expert all in one day. For registration visit http://www.yukanrun.com/TripleThreat.html

Spanish teacher Ms. Bird has competed in many different road races and obstacle races. “I enjoy road races because it’s a great way to meet someone who has the same interest as you, and to be outside having fun.” she says, “You should always have a goal in anything you do and running a race is you accomplishing your goal.”

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself individually or looking for a different activity for your friends you are sure to find some sort of road race that fits your needs this summer season.