For many, the 10K distance is long enough to be a challenge, but short enough to still have a life while training. This makes it the perfect distance for both newbie and seasoned runners alike.
Here are the biggest 10Ks in the United States, according to Running USA's most recent data.
1) AJC Peachtree Road Race
Atlanta; 2014 Finishers: 57,660 1 of 11
This Fourth of July run has quickly become a summer tradition for 57,000 runners, making it America's largest road race of any distance. Ending in Atlanta's famous Piedmont Park, the course tours two of the city's major neighborhoods, Buckhead and Midtown. Test your fitness on the infamous "Cardiac Hill," which passes in front of Piedmont Hospital—pun intended, we're sure.
Photo Credit: Paul Kim.
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10K near you2) BolderBOULDER
Boulder, Colo.; 2014 Finishers: 45,816 2 of 11
This Memorial Day event roams the beautiful streets of Boulder, Colorado, before finishing on the field at the University of Colorado football stadium. Post-race, participants hang out in the stands, cheering on their fellow runners with an adult beverage and recovery food. Out-of-towners be aware: This race takes place at an altitude of 5,430 feet, so taking time to adjust is a must.
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10K near you3) Cooper River Bridge Run
Charleston, S.C.; 2014 Finishers: 31,837 3 of 11
With dual objectives of increasing interest in exercise and raising funds for exercise education, this race aims to give back to its community. Have artistic chops? Enter their design contest for a chance to have your creative image on the official race T-shirt and poster.
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10K near you4) Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10K Run
Richmond, Va.; 2014 Finishers: 27,200 4 of 11
This fun 10K invites runners to dress up in their craziest costumes for an event loaded with course entertainment, volunteer support and spectator cheers. Want a chance at $2,500? Enter the AT&T Dash for the Cash, and you'll get a head start on the race. If you can cross the finish line before the fastest elite runner, you win the cold hard cash.
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10K near you5) Crescent City Classic
New Orleans; 2014 Finishers: 18,967 5 of 11
As one of New Orleans' oldest and most famous events—along with Mardi Gras, of course—this Easter weekend tradition was the first 10K to be publicly televised and claims to offer "perhaps the most fun you can have over 6.2 miles." Runners of all ages and abilities take to The Big Easy's iconic streets, with a course that starts downtown in front of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, winds through the French Quarter and finishes in New Orleans City Park via the beautiful Esplanade Avenue.
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10K near you6) Across the Bay 10K
Annapolis, Md.; 2014 Finishers: 14,959 6 of 11
With a point-to-point course that includes 4.35 miles over water, this race is hard to beat. The 6.2-miler begins on Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and finishes on the opposite side for a runner's after-party, offering refreshments, food and live music. Want to make sure you remember completing the sixth largest 10K in America? This event offers free race photos to all runners—an incentive to register in and of itself.
Photo credit: Swim Bike Run.
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10K near you7) Bellin Run
Green Bay, Wisc.; 2014 Finishers: 14,336 7 of 11
The 2016 race marks the 40th anniversary for the seventh-largest 10K in the country, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Runners are invited to a pre-race expo and spaghetti dinner to fuel up the night before. Registration fees cover live runner tracking, a technical fabric race T-shirt and free race photos.
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10K near you8) Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day 10K Race
Cincinnati; 2014 Finishers: 13,282 8 of 11
There are hundreds of Turkey Day races in the U.S., but this one tops them all—in terms of number of finishers, at least. Runners receive logoed gloves, a coupon for a free McDonald's salad or Egg McMuffin, free food and drinks at the post-race party and a long sleeve race shirt. Get your run on, and then get your turkey—and stuffing and mashed potatoes and pie—on.
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10K near you9) Statesman Capitol 10K
Austin, Texas; 2014 Finishers: 11,991 9 of 11
Taking place in Texas' capital city, the Lone Star state's largest 10K begins on the famous Congress Avenue Bridge and heads north toward the Capitol building. After snaking through the downtown area, runners make their way along Lady Bird Lake before finishing at Auditorium Shores. Staying true to Austin's claim of being the "Live Music Capital of the World," this race features live bands both on the course and at the finish line festival.
Photo credit: Ralph Barrera, Austin American-Statesman.
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10K near you10) Disneyland 10K, Part of the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend
Anaheim, Calif.; 2014 Finishers: 9,602 10 of 11
What could be more fun than traipsing six miles through the happiest place on earth? How about doing it with nearly 10,000 of your closest friends? That's exactly what you're in for when you sign up for the Disneyland 10K, a jaunt through the famed theme park with Goofy, Donald Duck and Aladdin cheering you on.
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