12 Short-Distance Races That Are Totally Worth the Trip

1. Spring Lake Five Mile Run – May 23, 2026 – Spring Lake, NJ

In 1977, 500 runners showed up for the first Spring Lake Five Mile Run, and now it’s one of the biggest short-distance races in the country. What was once a local, fun run has blossomed into the must-run event of the Northeast that welcomes 12,500 runners and sells out every year.

Part of its appeal is the destination. Spring Lake is not what you think of when you think of the Jersey Shore, meaning you won’t find much clubbing or gym, tan, laundry here. (Though, if you’re looking to fist pump, just run half a mile north to D’Jais in Belmar.) Instead, this small, shore destination boasts an adorable downtown with luxury shops and restaurants, a peaceful coastline, and beautiful beach houses.

Olympic athletes from countries like Poland, Somalia, and Ireland have made the trip to New Jersey to take part in this Memorial Day tradition. The course is flat, fast, and scenic—making it perfect for PR chasers and fun runners. No matter your running level, it’s the perfect way to kick off the summer.

2. L.L.Bean 4th of July 10K and 1-Mile – July 4, 2026 – Freeport, ME

Maine in July is an essential destination. While the rest of the country roasts, Freeport is more like a perfect summer day. The mornings are usually cooler, which makes the L.L.Bean 10K is an excellent Independence Day race.

The 10K course is a single loop that begins and ends in the heart of Freeport. Not to mention, the finish line is on Main Street in front of the flagship L.L.Bean Bike, Boat, and Ski Store, and L.LBean gift cards are given to the top three male and female overall winners, as well as the top three in 16 different age-group categories.

If you’re fast enough to break the course record, you can earn a bonus $100 gift card. The male course record is 30:52 (Pat Tarpy in 2010), and the female course record is 34:35 (Katrina Spratford-Sterling in 2024). Even if you’re not a sub-35-minute 10K runner, you can still treat yourself to a shopping spree plus a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cone at the finish line as you wander around Freeport’s downtown.

3. NYRR New York Mini 10K – June 2026 – New York City

If you’re looking to run a race in New York City, this women’s-only event is iconic. Founded in 1972, the NYRR New York Mini is named after a symbol of women’s liberation—the miniskirt. In 2025, almost 10,000 women participated in this female-only run, the largest in the event’s history.

The race starts on Central Park West and makes a loop to the finish line near the Naumburg Bandshell. After, there’s a great post-race festival that includes bagels (it is New York after all), face-painting, a 360-degree photo booth, a DJ, raffle prizes, and a recovery zone.

4. Groundhog Run – February 1, 2026 – Kansas City, MO

The Groundhog Run is unlike any other race in the world, because it takes place entirely underground! That’s right. The USATF-certified 5K and 10K (plus 15K challenge) runs through the underground tunnels of the Hunt Midwest SubTropolis. Because the course is 100% underground, the subterranean atmosphere maintains a consistent 65-68 degrees F, which sure beats the chilly temps on the roads above.

Funds raised from the event benefit children with disabilities at Ability KC, and there’s a fun run for kids (ages 1-8). After tunneling like a groundhog, you can spend some time touring Kansas City. If you’re a fan of jazz, BBQ, or art, this underrated city is calling your name—especially for a mid-winter weekend getaway.

5. Chi-Town Miles – July 18, 2026 – Chicago

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to be an Olympian, running on the track underneath the bright lights, Chi-Town Miles gives you a taste. This thrilling night of racing at Montrose Beach consists of one-mile races on the track that get progressively faster as the night goes on.

Runners of all abilities are welcome and will be grouped into heat assignments based on pace. This event is part of the Chicago Racing Circuit, so it’s just steps away from the incredible architecture, museums, food, and music of the Windy City.

RELATED: The Local Runner’s Guide to Chicago

6. The Guardian Mile – August 2026 – Cleveland, OH

The Guardian Mile is an iconic Cleveland race where age-groupers rub shoulders with elite professionals from around the world. The run is exactly 1 mile across the Hope Memorial Bridge, which is lined with hundreds of spectators on race day.

You can probably guess the course is fast. In 2022, Johnny Gregorek clocked 3:46:67—the fastest mile in American history at the time. The female record was set the same year by Josette Norris-Andrews (4:19.66).

But don’t assume the course is easy. It’s a half mile up and a half mile down. The course has been USATF and World Athletics-certified, making it one of the only road miles in the world where elite runners can earn points toward their World Athletics rankings.

There are great race perks as well. In 2025, there was a random drawing for Cleveland Guardians baseball tickets, and athletes had the opportunity to “Run With the Pros” on Sunday.

7. Crazy 8s – July 2026 – Kingsport, TN

Are you crazy enough to attempt the “World’s fastest 8K night race?” Taking place in Kingsport—a nature-lover’s paradise on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky—this 4.97-mile race is as much fun as it sounds. Because it takes place at night, the unique figure-eight course is lined with over 2,000 luminaries to light the way. The finish line is on the football green at J. Fred Johnson Stadium.

Not feeling that crazy? You can do the Almost Crazy 3K Run/Walk. There’s also the Little 8s just for kids and the Special 8s for special needs athletes.

The history behind this event dates back to the 1980s, when it was originally the Fun Fest Road Race. In the 1990s, it adopted the new 8K course with candle-lit streets. In 1996, Peter Githuka of Kenya set a new 8K World Record with a time of 22:03. It was broken in 2014 and again in 2018. Rumor has it there’s a $10,008 bonus for the first man to break the existing world record.

8. Red Dress Run – August 8, 2026 – New Orleans, LA

Imagine a sea of 3,000 runners dressed entirely in red winding their way through the French Quarter or Marigny neighborhoods of New Orleans. If you’re looking for a party, this run, on the second Saturday in August, is for you. The Red Dress Run course is “approximately” 2 miles long, and the exact location is announced only to those who register.

Hosted by the New Orleans Hash House Harriers, self-described as a “local drinking club with a running problem,” this quirky run is a Louisiana tradition that’s been going on for over two decades.

The first 3,000 athletes who register get entry into Armstrong Park afterward with food and drink from local restaurants, live music, and a donation to a New Orleans charity on your behalf.

9. The Cowtown Marathon 5K – March 1, 2026 – Fort Worth, TX

If you, like us, have been hooked on “Landman” and thinking about a shopping trip to Neiman Marcus in Fort Worth, Texas, maybe plan it during the legendary Cowtown Marathon weekend.

You don’t have to run the marathon or even the half (though both are excellent races with beautiful, scenic courses featuring Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant, Texas Christian University campus, Fort Worth Zoo, Trinity River, and the Will Rogers Memorial Center). You can instead sign up for a shorter distance like the Cowtown 5K, which will take you through parts of the historic city and leave your legs fresh for sightseeing, cattle drive watching, bull riding, and saloon-hopping at your own leisurely pace.

10. Carlsbad 5000 – April 12, 2026 – Carlsbad, CA

Established in 1986, the Carlsbad 5000 is described as the “world’s fastest 5K.” Aside from being speedy, this event boasts amazing views of the ocean and a lively atmosphere on an out-and-back course on California’s Coast Highway 101.

There’s a masters division, open division, non-competitive, and elite invitational, so there’s something for everyone. If you want a longer distance, you can sign up for the All Day 20K and run four consecutive 5Ks. Athletes receive two beer tickets, a race shirt, medals, free photos, and entry to the post-race Beer Garden with live music and entertainment.

11. Bloomsday 12K – May 3, 2026 – Spokane, WA

Kicking off Spokane’s iconic Lilac Festival, the Bloomsday 12K has been a running tradition for 50 years. With blooming flowers and perfect weather, May is the ideal time to visit (and run in) Spokane. It’s a great destination, known for its scenic riverfront, waterfalls right downtown, vibrant food scene, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Plus you’re just a quick drive to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, one of the most beautiful lake communities in the United States.

And the race is something special. The distance might be short at 7.46 miles, but the course can be challenging as it winds through scenic Spokane with some hills. The event has grown but has kept its charm with traditions like tossing your warm-up shirt into the trees on Riverside Ave. for charity, the Doomsday Hill Vulture (unofficial mascot), Otter Pops, and donuts being handed out by spectators, and the race shirt design that’s kept a secret until you cross the finish line.

12. Boulderthon Heart to Heart 5K – September 2026 – Boulder, CO

Boulder is a runner’s paradise, but also a premier vacation spot with natural beauty to explore and plenty of places to dine, shop, and unwind, making Boulderthon the perfect race-cation. Set beneath the iconic Flatiron Mountains, Boulderthon is a multi-race event with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids run. In its second edition, the event saw runners from all 50 states and 15 countries.

The Heart-to-Heart 5K is known as the flattest and fastest road 5K in Colorado. There’s a Colorado State Record Breaker Bonus of $10,000 for the top participant (male and female) who can break the record. But this race isn’t just for speedy runners. Wheelchair athletes and strollers are welcome in this all-inclusive event that champions physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.