The Season of Unseasonable Running
Cool weather and big races just go together
The leaves begin changing colors, cooler winds start whipping through the trees, and of course that means it’s time to head outdoors for a run. Whether it’s a Freaky 5K or a Turkey Trot, something about the season of holidays drives people outside in droves to rack up some serious running miles.
Maybe It’s the Weather
As anyone who has ever gone for a run knows, there is no better way to work up a good sweat. Get into a rhythm, listen to some tunes or your breathing, and off you go. In the summer months, the streets line with casual runners and parks are full of joggers.
As far as organized races, summer does not boast the most. The risk of fatigue from the hot sun or expedited dehydration becomes a huge liability for any organization looking to host a summer race.
Looking at the months of early Fall, yes it can get quite cold. However, in most areas of the USA, it is rare to see snow before Turkey Day. If you’re aiming to organize a race, these months offer you and your runners a cooler environment, which can even improve performance. Additionally, many people are looking to salvage their summer workout routines with a last hurrah before the outdoors do become too cold and they’re forced to stay indoors.
Perhaps cool weather races are the way to go.
Maybe It’s the Holidays
With summer already showing a hot sun as a threat to organized races, participation numbers also suffer another way from the warm weather. Most people take advantage of the shining sun and vacation-time in order to travel. The numbers of vacationers are once again on the climb as the economy has shown improvement — which is great, unless you’re hosting a race.
Take a look at the months of Halloween and Thanksgiving though, and you’ll see many more families staying in the area. People typically stay around their neighborhoods for the Trick-or-Treat holiday and the family-oriented feast.
Beyond the sheer numbers of participants who want to run around the holidays, many “non-runners” will put on a pair of sneakers to join a race in order to combat the increased sugar and carb intake that is characteristic to Fall holidays . No motivation is greater than the desire to stay in shape and these spooky or turkey runs do offer a great opportunity to do just that!
The last thing these holidays have going for them when it comes to cool weather running is the great themes they offer! Freaky 5K, Zombie Crawl, Turkey Trot, the list can go on and on. Everyone loves a costume and a reason to show one off…why not kill two birds with one stone and sport a costume while doing a sport.
Maybe It’s the Goodwill
Finally, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. You’ll see it as your favorite NFL players put on pink cleats and gloves as they take the field. You’ll see it as new breakthroughs in detection are announced and promoted on nearly every news network. You’ll see it in grocery stores as packaging goes pink to show support. You’ll also see it in the pink-themed fundraiser races.
The number of races that contribute to a Breast Cancer organization certainly increase in the month of October. Since the disease is so horrendous and sadly, not too uncommon, there is no lack of participants who are willing to pledge the entry fee toward the fundraiser and often get donations for the number of miles completed on top of that entry fee. It’s a good reason to go for a good run.
Whether it’s the weather, the fear of candy and carbs, or the thrilling and good-willed themes, there’s never a lack of things to do or races to run once Summer turns to Fall.
