Inaugural Races to Run in 2015

Written by
Jason R. Karp, Ph.D.
If you're stuck in a running rut, or just want to try something different, perhaps it's time to run a new race this year. Try these nine inaugural races in 2015.
King of The Hill 5K/10K Trail Run
March 14, 2015 - Las Lunas, New Mexico
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This event is the first of its kind to be held on El Cerro De Los Lunas, more than 1,400 acres of natural open space near the Rio Grande. The 5K, which is mostly flat with a few small hills, takes you along the Bowl Trail on the west side of El Cerro De Los Lunas. The 10K begins on the same route as the 5K, then diverts up a steep hill to meet the Lookout Trail, giving you breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia and Manzano Mountains.
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The Eagle Run 5K
March 29, 2015 - Auburn, Georgia
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The inaugural Eagle Run 5K is an afternoon race that starts at 2 p.m. and takes runners along the paved paths of Little Mulberry Park. Trophies will be given to the top overall and masters male and female winners. Medals will be given to the top three in five-year age categories. Proceeds from this event benefit the Bramlett Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization.
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Run3rd 5K Run/Walk
April 11, 2015 - Mesa, Arizona
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Join actor and runner Sean Astin (from The Goonies, Rudy and Lord of the Rings fame) for the inaugural Run3rd 5K at Red Mountain High School. The race starts and finishes on the track inside the recently refurbished Red Mountain High School football stadium. The flat and fast course around the surrounding Mesa Public Schools' property, is mostly paved roads, with some packed dirt trail and grass.

Run3rd is an inspirational Twitter campaign that shares dedications made on behalf of people's loved ones' causes and ideas. It was started by actor, activist and avid runner Sean Astin in 2012, and has grown to include hundreds of runners, walkers and others around the globe. Proceeds from the event benefit the Mesa Public Schools' after-school run programs.
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5K Mud Run Krusher
May 2, 2015 - Santa Paula, California
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This festive 5K is run in Santa Paula's Ventura Ranch KOA Campgrounds. Camp out the night before and see live bands and eat free pizza, spaghetti and garlic bread at the campground pasta party.

If you're not too tired from running through the mud, test your strength in the challenge ring after the race, and stick around for the food trucks, photo opp with Bigfoot and super cool raffle (a second raffle ticket goes to every runner who participates in the post-race blood drive).
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Inaugural Veteran's Memorial 5K
May 23, 2015 - Marietta, Georgia
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Run the Veteran's Memorial 5K in downtown Marietta Square "For those who can, for those who can't and for those who have fallen." There will be a running distance for the entire family: a certified 5K, 1K fun run/walk and Tot Trot for children ages 4 and under.

All proceeds stay in Georgia and support the charities of the American Legion, which benefits veterans and their families.
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Hot Trot 5K
June 6, 2015 - Baltimore, Maryland
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Exercise your body before you exercise your brain at the Hot Trot 5K, held in conjunction with the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Annual Meeting.

The race, which runs in the area of the Baltimore Convention Center, supports House of Ruth and the Professional Development and Education Fund (PDEF) for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging—Technologist Section.

Each registered runner receives a tech T-shirt and a finisher's medal in addition to awards to top finishers.
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Miles For Our Military 5K
June 27, 2015 - Littleton, Colorado
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The inaugural Miles for our Military 5K is run on the paved and relatively flat roads of Littleton's Clement Park. The race is hosted by The SEAKR Foundation—a nonprofit that helps Colorado military families who have had a spouse or parent killed or wounded in action.
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I Love America 5K
July 4, 2015 - Huntsville, Alabama
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The I Love America 5K is a community-wide event held on—you guessed it—the Fourth of July. Sponsored by Whitesburg Christian Academy, all profits are used to provide youth leadership training for America's future generation of leaders.
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Dick Beardsley Marathon
September 11, 2015 - Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
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Named after one of America's best marathon runners of the 1980s, the inaugural Dick Beardsley Marathon joins the Dick Beardsley Half Marathon in its 20th year. Register early so you can be one of only 500 lucky runners to be a participant of the marathon.

The marathon course takes runners clockwise, then counter-clockwise, around Big Detroit Lake. If you don't want to run the entire marathon yourself, recruit some friends for the four-person marathon relay—each member runs a 6- to 7-mile leg.
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