Rave Races: Go Wild Child!
Leave civilization in your dust with off-road races sure to satisfy every type of trail nut.
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Leave civilization in your dust with off-road races sure to satisfy every type of trail nut.
DIRTY GIRL
Run through the muck at the Dances With Dirt Devil Lake Race in central Wisconsin. With race distances from 10k to 50 miles (and everything in between), you’re sure to nd a course to match your goals. Leave that brand-new white tech tee at home—with swamp crossings and downhills steep enough to warrant a quick slide on your bum, this race will leave you covered in mud. Your hard work will be rewarded with views of the Baraboo Hills, deemed one of the Last Great Places by the Nature Conservancy.
Where? Baraboo, Wis.
Contact: (734) 929-9027, dwddevilslake.com
ZERO DROP
Does the thought of super-steep climbs have you shaking in your sneakers? Head to the attest state in the lower 48. The Trout Creek Trail Run winds through one of Florida’s most scenic wilderness parks with nary a hill in sight. The event, which offers both a 5k and 15k option, allows you to bask in the glow of the Sunshine State’s spring weather as you zoom through doubletrack trails lined with cypress trees and hickory forests. Bring along a post-race picnic lunch and a pair of binoculars to enjoy an afternoon of alligator watching in the 42 acres of lush land.
Where? Thonotosassa, Fla.
Contact: (813) 232-5200, tamparaces.com
GOLDEN GAITS
Leave a piece of your heart in San Francisco and run the Romancing the Island 12k & 25k. Just off the Frisco coast, Angel Island has been a hunting site for the Miwok tribe, a haven for Spanish explorers and a U.S. Army post. Today, it’s home to one of the most unique trail races in the country. Runners start the full-day adventure early by boarding an exclusively chartered ferry that delivers participants to the event start line. The hilly loop course (run once or twice) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Where? Angel Island State Park, Calif.
Contact: (415) 868-1829, envirosports.com
LUNGS BLAZING
Unlock your inner mountain woman at the Sage Burner Trail Run in Colorado. At 7,700 feet above sea level, your legs and lungs will be challenged, whether you opt for the 25k or 50k distance. But breathtaking vistas of yellow canyons will keep you going as you conquer technical terrain. If you still have energy once you cross the finish, you can extend your endurance journey on two wheels. Aside from a vibrant running community, Gunnison is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.
Where? Gunnison, Colo.
Contact: (970) 943-3263, sageburnertrailrun.com