Don't let the heat derail your summer running. We've rounded up some of the season's most adventurous races that are sure to keep you running through the hottest months, while still keeping you cool.
Keep Austin Weird 5K
June 25, 2016; Austin, Texas 1 of 6
Channel your inner child at the Keep Austin Weird 5K. Part of a weekend festival, this event was created with grown-up amusement in mind.
Known as the "Slowest 5K on the Planet," runners turn their focus from goal times to chugging adult beverages and sliding their way to the finish. With more than 10 fun stops scattered throughout the run, participants break up the 3.1-mile distance by completing a task at each station. Take a shot, eat some ice cream and fly down the slip-and-slide before crossing the finish line where a night of live music, good food and entertainment awaits.
Hawaiian Falls WikiWiki Night Walk & Run 5K
July 23, 2016; The Colony, Texas 2 of 6
If you've never had run of a water park after dark, this is your chance. Runners and volunteers will don glow gear and do their best to avoid (or get in the way of) those who are doing the dousing with water guns.
The race starts and ends at the Wave Pool, where a post-race party awaits finishers. Runners will also have unlimited access to rides throughout the night. Where do we sign up?
Flavor Run 5K
Dates and locations vary 3 of 6
Simply running through color explosions is so 2015. Bring your summer racing up to date by looking like a rainbow and tasting like a bowl of Fruit Loops. The Flavor Run 5K boasts a family-friendly event that promises to engage all your senses.
See, smell, touch, hear and taste your way through the course. You'll still finish looking like you've been tie-dyed from head-to-toe, but at this race you'll be able to lick your lips and tickle your taste buds with the sweet strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, banana, grape and orange flavors.
Insane Inflatable 5K
Dates and locations vary 4 of 6
If you've ever watched the show Wipe Out, and thought to yourself, "I could do that," now is your chance. The Insane Inflatable 5K amps up the action by weaving blown-up obstacles into each mile of the course.
With obstacle names like Big Balls, Mad House and Slingshot, there's no need to watch the clock while you run—just focus on the fun. And don't forget to bring your friends. This is one race you'll want to rehash stories about for many years to come.
Splash Dash 5K
July 23, 2016; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas 5 of 6
One surefire way to beat the summer heat is to soak yourself in water at the Splash Dash 5K. You might start out dry but between dodging water gun streams, fire hose showers and water balloon brigades, you'll finish dripping wet.
Make sure to pack a change of clothes and stick around for the post-race party. Music, frosty treats and loads of entertainment are perfect for extending the event's fun.
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