Unique races are running a circuit throughout the U.S. and beyond, however, those of us at Travefy are fans of getting outside of our home turf and taking advantage of new and exciting experiences. Today we’re bringing you some awesome races you won’t see making the rounds. Though you might not find these unique races at a location near you, the races — and the cities that host them – are well worth the trip.
1. The Market to Market Relay: Omaha to Lincoln, NE
We’ll be a bit biased and kick the list off with something close to home. The Market to Market Relay features seven person teams, that run a relay from to Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska, to the Haymarket in Lincoln. Teams vary from collegiate level runners, to the casual company team – and costumes don’t discriminate based on ability. The Market to Market Relay takes you 78 miles from the largest city in Nebraska to the second largest – and since the race is hosted in October, if it’s a game day, right past the third largest “city” in Nebraska — Memorial Stadium. Once you finish the race, check out any of the awesome local restaurants and bars in the Lincoln Haymarket. Lincoln is also home to some of the greatest spots in college sports – Pinnacle Bank Arena and Memorial Stadium are both worth a peek.
2. Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon: San Francisco, CA
Alcatraz may have stopped operations as one of the most intimidating prisons in the world in 1963, however, you don’t have to be a hardened criminal to try your luck escaping from Alcatraz these days. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon begins with a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island in the chilly northern California waters, followed by an 18 mile bike ride, and an 8 mile run that ends in Marina Green. After your run, check out unique San Francisco sites like The Conservatory of Flowers – the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America – or the Exploratorium, which fuses fun and learning so effectively that the New York Times heralds it as “the most important science museum to have opened since the mid-20th century.”
3. Marathon Du Medoc: France
If you love drinking running long distances, and are confident in your ability to combine the two, then the Marathon du Medoc is the race for you. The Marathon Du Medoc routes runners through the heart of French wine country – Boudreaux, France – and with nearly 25 wine tasting stations along the route, you won’t forget where you are. Look forward to combining good wine and nibbles of fantastic food along the way, and continue that theme once you’re done by exploring one of the best wine regions in the world.
4. The Chiditarod: Chicago, IL
The Iditarod may be a feat of physical and mental endurance for all involved, but the Chititarod offers a whimsical turn on the idea. A group of five humans (four pullers and a musher) pull a shopping cart full of at least 60 lb worth of food for donation through Chicago’s Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park neighborhoods. Sabotage and costumes are encouraged, and there is a prize for the best of both. Once you’re done with the Chiditarod, check out sites like the The Field Museum’s awesome rotating exhibits, or The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier.
If you have a home town race you think is worth going the distance for, let us know in the comments.