Get Fit this January with Local Races

Did you over indulge this holiday season? Are your pants not as loose as they once were? Is 2017 the year you are going to get fit?

A lot of us make New Year’s Resolutions to get healthy. One way to get off to a good start is signing up for a local race.

It seems like nearly every weekend there is a running club or group putting on some type of run or walk. Many times the money raised goes to a local charity.

Participating in a race is a great way to step up your fitness. Knowing that you are going to take part helps you set goals and helps keep you on track.

In 2014 I made up my mind that I was going to get more fit. If you had looked at me you wouldn’t have necessarily thought that I was out of shape. I actively went to the gym and did yoga, but when it came to my cardiovascular health I was weak.

I tried to go for a jog around a high school track and I couldn’t even do one lap. My chest hurt, I was out of breath… I just couldn’t do it.

Instead of giving up, I kept working on building up my endurance. I signed up for my first ever 5K race and I set a goal of completing it. I wasn’t worried about my time; I just wanted to make it through.

Every day for the month leading up I went for a jog. I was able to go farther and farther! If I hadn’t signed up for the race, I would have easily given up. But I had a goal in mind, I stuck with it and I finished the race. Most importantly I’ve been more fit ever since.

According to Central Valley Running there are seven races happening in our area in January. Seven! That’s a lot of steps. I’ve put together a list that will hopefully inspire you to get moving!

Courtesy: Bad News Bear Runners Facebook

Resolution Run

Sunday, January 1^stWoodward Park – Fresno
4 Mile Run – $35
2 Mile Run/Walk – $30
Kids Fun Run – ¼ mile (Ages 7 & Under) – $10
Kids Fun Run – ½ mile (Ages 8 – 12) – $10

Start the New Year off right with a family friendly race. All registered 2 and 4 mile runners will be entered into a raffle to win one of two New Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS watch with wrist based Heart Rate Monitor.

More info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Fresno/ResolutionRun1

Winchell Cove 10k/10 Mile Trail Run

Saturday, January 14^thMillerton Lake State Park – Friant
10k Trail Run/Walk – $45
Winchell Cove 10 mile Trail Run – $50

The 10k course is good for those wanting to try out trail running for the first time. The 10 mile course is more challenging with a longer distance and a few hills.

More info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Friant/WinchellCoveTrailRun

Winchell Cove 10k/10 Mile Trail Run — Courtesy: CVRunning.com

Thin Mint 5k & 1 Mile Shortbread Shuffle

Saturday, January 14^thRiver Park – Fresno
5k Run/Walk – Adult – $25
5k Run/Walk – Child – $15
1 Mile Run/Walk – Adult – $25
1 Mile Run/Walk – Child – $15

This race supports local Girl Scouts. The first 1,000 people to enter receive a box of Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookies.

More Info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Bakersfield/ThinMint5k1MileShortbreadShuffle

Got Miles 5k Birthday Race

Sunday, January 15^thRailroad Park – Clovis
5k Adult – $25
5k Child (Under 19) – $10

The Bad News Bears Running Team is helping raise money for the Poverello House through this race organized by local teen Miles Alexander.

More Info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Clovis/GotMiles5kBirthdayRace

Kastner 5k/10k Dream Run

Saturday, January 21^stWoodward Park – Fresno
5K – $27.50
10k – $27.50

This 3^rd annual race benefits students at Kastner Middle School. Dress in your favorite football gear and catch footballs the last 50 yards of the race.

More info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/fresno/Kastner5k10kDreamRun

Pirate 5k Booty Run

Saturday, January 28^thWoodward Park – Fresno
5k – $30
Kids 9 & under – $20

This 3^rd annual race helps promote awareness of blood related cancers and is a fundraiser for Relay for Life. Racers are invited to dress up in pirate garb. There’s a treasure hunt involved!

More info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Fresno/Pirate5KBootyRun

Sycamore Island 5k & 10k Run/Walk

Sunday, January 29^thSycamore Island – Madera
5k Run/Walk – $40
10k Run/Walk – $40

This family friendly race benefits the San Joaquin Parkway & Conversation Trust and Sycamore Island. Sycamore Island has three access points to the river for canoeing and kayaking. There are also running trails and picnic shelters. The San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust began operating Sycamore Island in 2013.

More info: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Madera/SycamoreIsland5k10kRun