The Wild World of Themed Races

THE WILD WORLD THEMED RACES OF In the last few years, working out in the typical fashion hasn't been enough for some fitness enthusiasts – they're often seeking bigger and better ways to challenge themselves. Out of this need for excitement and novelty, the wild world of themed races was born. BACKGROUND & FIGURES 53 EVENTS ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON Since 2007, dozens of competitors have popped up - such as obstacle course races, like Tough Mudder One of the first big themed races was the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon back in 2007. It featured race courses lined with bands in 2010. The race now boasts approximately 53 and cheer squads events around the world 2005 2010 201 In 2005, there were fewer than 10,000,000 racers crossing the finish line at marathons across the US. With the rise of themed races, this number jumped to around 12,000,000 in 2010, and then nearly 14,000,000 in 201 FEMALE RUNNERS Races have also started catering specifically to women, bolstering the number of female runners in the US 42% (2005) 53% (2010) POPULAR THEMED EVENTS A race for fans of the movie "300" This race combines obstacles (fire, mud, electric string and barbed wire) They have a wide host of locations around the world In 2012, they were voted Outside Magazine's "BEST OBSTACLE RACE" The first race was held in 2010 in Williston, Vermont Most races average over 2,000 competitors 2000 SPARTAN RACE Participants : T-shirt and a medal : Various prizes Winner COMPETITIONS SPARTAN SPRINT SUPER SPARTAN SPARTAN BEAST DEATH RACE 3* miles, 15* obstacles 8* miles, 20* obstacles 12* miles, 25* obstacles 24-hour challenge Runners are showered with colorful blasts of paint along the track The registration fee is around $35 This 5km race is that is hosted in various countries across the world Held in over 50 North American cities, and has become the largest 5km event in the US The first Color Run occurred in January 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona In 2013, the organizers expect to have 1,000,000 participants 1000 THE COLOR RUN There are no prizes and no times recorded 60% 170% of participants are first-time runners in the division of competitors are women aged 18-40 The event encourages teamwork as many of the obstacles are tricky to complete alone Registration fees can range from $4 $85 to $180 As a company, Tough Mudder is already worth $70 million The first Tough Mudder was held in the US in 2010 with 4,500 participants 2012 - 500,000 people participated in SUOK a total of 35 events 2013 - 1,000,000 registrations worldwide in 53 events TOUGH MUDDER Only 78% of participants are able to complete the course 13.1 mile race features Disney characters and entertainment along the course This fun race is hosted annually by the Disneyland Resort in California 21,000 participants expected this coming January 21K The race caters mostly to young women A goody bag with various fun gifts, and a fairy-themed participant's medal ii TINKER BELL 1/2 MARATHON Created by Reed Street Productions (RSP) in 2011 The setting ia a zombie apocalypse and participants fleeing from the undead The race has 10-12 big obstacles which may require team work Runners have 3 flags attached, if all flags have been stripped, they are eliminated The first race was at Camp Ramblewood near Baltimore Apocalypse Party with music, games, drinking and dancing RUN FORYOUR LIVES Both runners and zombies receive a T-shirt, medal and access to the party Started in 2004 at North Carolina State University as a challenge between friends Racer consumes doughnuts totalling 2.400 calories and 144 grams of fat The race is done for charity, and raised approximately $184,000 for the N.C. Children's Hospital in 2012 8,000 In 2013, the numbers of participants 8000 grew to 8,000 KRISPY KREME This brings the challenge's total worth of donations to $558,000 over 9 years CHALLENGE 3000 0059 In this race, participants need to run 2.5 miles before stopping to consume a dozen doughnuts, then continue 2.5 miles back to the finish line ALL IN LESS THAN 1 HOUR Every year, new types of themed races emerge, with each one offering something different and exciting to motivate participants of all fitness levels. From endurance tests and obstacle courses, to the weird and wacky, there is something out there for everyone. fitbug SOURCES: http://greatist.com/fitness/21-most-incredible-themed-races http://www.spartanrace.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Color Run http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/06/20/how-tough-mudder-the-color-run-and-the-rock-n-roll-marathon-are -leading-a-new-pack-of-themed-races http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tough Mudder http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/3/3 6/disney-fairiesthemed-10k-.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Run for Your Lives http://www.runforyourlives.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krispy Kreme Challenge