A 10K can also help you transition to the half marathon or marathon. If you have your sights set on the longer distances, one of these races may be an effective kickoff to an epic season.
Spring Forward 10K
April 18, 2015 - Mountain View, California 1 of 11
Photo Credit: Captivating Photos
This race promises a fast and scenic course along the Bay, starting at the Microsoft Corporate Campus and Shoreline Park. Not only will you get a great workout and a technical T-shirt, race fees benefit Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, which works to end poverty in the local community. Register as an individual or as a team of ten or more for a $5 discount.
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Running GearWhiskey Row 10K
May 2, 2015 - Prescott, Arizona 2 of 11
This looped course starts and finishes in historic downtown Prescott, home of the famous Whiskey Row. While the views of Northern Arizona are gorgeous along this route, be prepared for significant elevation gain. The adjoining marathon is considered to be one of the hardest 26.2-mile courses around, taking runners from 5,280 feet to 7,000 feet in just the first seven miles. While the 10K isn't as difficult, it still provides more of a challenge than your average road race.
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Running GearWindsor Green 10K
May 17, 2015 - Windsor, California 3 of 11
This event is held at the charming Windsor Town Green, just 10 minutes north of Santa Rosa and an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The course takes runners on a bucolic tour through Sonoma County Wine Country, past vineyards, cattle farms and country roads. All finishers receive a hot breakfast cooked by the Windsor Fire Department.
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Running GearHB Fun in the Sun
June 13, 2015 - Huntington Beach, California 4 of 11
Photo Credit: One Foot Free Racing
When it comes to the views, this race can't be beat. The HB Fun in the Sun 10K follows the Huntington Beach bike trail, which offers a run along the ocean. An out-and-back course, runners start at Pacific Coast Highway and Magnolia Street and run north toward Bolsa Chica before turning around at the Huntington Beach Pier and heading for home. A flat and straight route with no turns, this race is an ideal place to log a personal best time.
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Running GearRun and Ride Cedar Point
June 13, 2015 - Sandusky, Ohio 5 of 11
The Run and Ride event at Cedar Point amusement park is like no other race you've ever run. Taking runners under and around rollercoasters with names like "Iron Dragon," "Corkscrew," "Gemini" and "Gatekeeper," there won't be a dull moment. After you finish the race, 10K thrill seekers receive admission to Cedar Point to spend the day riding those very same rollercoasters.
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Running GearMusic City July 4th 10K
July 4, 2015 - Nashville, Tennessee 6 of 11
Photo Credit: Nossi College of Art
Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations with running, music and family fun in Riverfront Park. This race winds runners past Nashville's biggest landmarks, including the new Music City Convention Center, before finishing at Riverfront Park. The finish line party includes a full day of free live music, food, plenty of family activities and fireworks after the sun goes down.
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Running GearShoreline 10K
July 12 - Ventura, California 7 of 11
Photo Credit: EliteSportsCA
If you're looking for an event to test your speed amidst beautiful surroundings, the Shoreline 10K is your race. This flat and fast oceanfront course runs along the Ventura Ocean boardwalk and Ventura State Beach Park and finishes at Promenade Park. All finishers receive a medal, race day T-shirt and custom goody bag with the race day logo.
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Running GearBridge of the Gods Run
August 16, 2015 - Cascade Locks, Oregon 8 of 11
Photo Credit: Adam Lapierre
This spectacular course starts on an open grate bridge that offers clear views of the Columbia River 200 feet below. The race starts in Washington State and crosses over the historic Bridge of the Gods before following the Historic Columbia River Highway under a canopy of old growth forest and past waterfalls and amazing vistas. Finishers are then greeted by a beer garden, music and an expo on Thunder Island in the middle of the Columbia River.
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Running GearTwilight 10K
August 20, 2015 - Canandaigua, New York 9 of 11
This evening 10K held in Canandaigua's historic district is all about fun. After the 6.2-mile race, runners are invited to a post-race party under a big tent on the lawn of the Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens to enjoy live music, food, beer and wine. Runners are encouraged to recruit friends and sign up as a team to run this event.
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Running GearThe ATL 10K
August 29, 2015 - Atlanta, Georgia 10 of 11
Photo Credit: Tiffany Farmer
This event allows participants to compete as a team or an individual. Sign up for the individual 10K or recruit a friend and split the 20K distance by running it as a relay. Held in the Castleberry Hill Neighborhood of Atlanta, this event is a great way to celebrate Labor Day weekend with friends and family. In addition to being a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, the top finishers in the open, masters, and youth divisions receive awards.
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