When it comes to exercise, I am a complete believer that its totally worth the extra effort it takes to workout a bit harder during the holiday season, to be able to indulge in a few of the season’s best treats. My personal weaknesses are family favorites – peanut butter fudge and “crack” candy. (Recipes are linked if you’re interested.) Without a good amount of physical activity, I’m quite certain the fudge alone will leave my belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly (but hey, Santa seems pretty jolly still – so maybe that’s not so bad…). I digress.
If you’re looking for a great way to burn off some extra calories while having a blast with friends and family, Fresno and neighboring Madera are ready to offer you three festive fun runs to enjoy in the upcoming four weeks. (All events are linked to their webpages, you can find addresses, detailed schedules and registration information there.)
The first of the races is the Turkey Trot through Woodward Park, presented by the Sierra Running Express. This event offers a 5k chipped run, a 2k non-competitive run and a 2k walk. There will also be a costume contest and largest family award presented prior to the race’s start, so get there early and wear your festive best for a chance to win! This race is always a lot of fun and it takes place early Thanksgiving morning, so you’ll pre-burn off your turkey day dinner while raising money for a good cause. All proceeds from the event go to support local families who are in need of food via Thanksgiving baskets. The first 2,000 participants also receive some pretty rad novelty socks, so don’t wait too long to get in on the action! Registration is available online here or at in person at Fleet Feet Sports, 9447 N Fort Washington, Saturday the 21st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Wednesday the 25th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The second race, the Jingle Bell Run, takes place on December 12th in Fresno, beginning at Shaw and Palm, and headed down the famed Christmas Tree Lane in all of its decorated glory. This event benefits Toys for Tots and the first 5,000 entrants to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate will receive a Santa hat. Everyone who registers will receive a holiday sweatshirt and this race, like the Turkey Trot encourages racers to wear their holiday best. Hot cocoa and cookies are available at the end of the race loop and Van Ness will be closed to traffic for the event. (I recommend parking in Figarden Village.) Registration information and additional race details can be found here.
The third race, in its second year, is Madera’s Ugly Sweater 5k run/walk. Taking place on December 19th in Lions Town and Country Park, organizers encourage racers to don their ugliest holiday sweater to win awesome prizes from local merchants. This affordable ($10 for adults, $5 for kids) and family friendly event also benefits children in need of some holiday joy – so bring an unwrapped toy with you if you are able to contribute.
So, which race are you most excited about? If you go, be sure to share some of your awesome event pictures on the FresYes Facebook page so we can see how fantastically festive you look!
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I am a local business owner who owns a LULAROE boutique- I have holiday leggings available for kids/tweens sizes 8-12 and leggings in a few different sizes that fit women 0-22. These holiday prints would be perfect to wear to either of these fun runs!