Electric Zombie Run
WHEN & WHERE
April 17, 6 pm
1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
electriczombierun.com
THE RUNDOWN
Zombies shouldn’t be too hard to outrun; they’re called the “walking dead” for a reason. This nighttime 5K race (glow sticks are provided) is more for thrill than exercise, and if you survive, the after-party promises to be positively apocalyptic. And if you’d rather be a lurcher, you can sign up to do that, too.
Viva la Margarita 5K
WHEN & WHERE
May 16, 10 am
1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
vivalamargarita5k.com
THE RUNDOWN
Post-race margaritas are guaranteed, but we have our fingers crossed that mariachis will make an appearance as well. The pre-race party (arrive early, 10 am is the race time) will help you get pumped for the run, and the fiesta continues long after you cross the finish line.
Moonlight Madness Half and 10K
WHEN & WHERE
May 30, 6 pm
Community Beer Company, 1530 Inspiration Dr.
moonlightmadnesshalf.com
THE RUNDOWN
Race along the Trinity River with the city lights as your guide, then finish back at Community and enjoy a beer—along with bragging rights for finishing a certified half (starts at 8 pm) or 10K (starts at 8:30 pm).
Joe’s Run
WHEN & WHERE
June 6, 6 am
Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth.
joesrunfw.com
THE RUNDOWN
Here’s the thing: Joe is a parrot. But the tropical bird seems to make as good a mascot as any. Feel free to run in leis, grass skirts, or even a parrot costume. (Everyone has one of those, right?) Beach party music, cheeseburgers, and “tropical concoctions” follow the 5K or 10K race.
Jalapeño Half and 5K
WHEN & WHERE
June 21, 6 am
Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth.
jalapenohalf.com
THE RUNDOWN
This half-marathon/5K is—perhaps incongruously—centered on a jalapeño-eating contest. The races start early in the morning to beat the heat, with music, food, and other fun to follow. We’re pretty sure there will be more than just jalapeños for a post-run snack, but stock up on water just in case.
Run Together
WHEN & WHERE
July 11, 6:30 am
Community Beer Company, 1530 Inspiration Dr.
runtogether.com
THE RUNDOWN
Organizers are calling this 5K a “social experiment” in which everyone is encouraged to run physically attached to another human. Teams are (obviously) highly encouraged, unless you don’t have totally understandable issues with sweaty strangers invading your personal space. One free beer from Community Beer Company is included.
Moo Cow Mini Marathon
WHEN & WHERE
Aug. 8, 6:30 am
Galatyn Park, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson.
moocowmarathon.com
THE RUNDOWN
The tagline for this family-friendly race: “To a cow, 2.62 miles is a marathon!” The flat courses are only 1.31 to 2.62 miles long. Dress up your herd for a chance to win extra prizes and celebrate with a “Moo Cow” party (whatever that means) afterward.
Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K
WHEN & WHERE
Sept. 26, 7:30 am
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company, 701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth
rahroktoberfest.com
THE RUNDOWN
Racing in a dirndl and lederhosen is hardly required, but it is certainly entertaining. This 5K is followed by pretzels, beer, and the original party music—live German polka. Can’t wait until September? You can also take part in weekly social runs and brewery tours in the months leading up to the big party.
Deck the Trails
WHEN & WHERE
Dec. 5, 7 am
Coppell Nature Park at Wagon Wheel Park, 345 Freeport Pkwy., Coppell
runproject.org
THE RUNDOWN
Wear your Santa hat for this 3-mile, holiday-inspired run. The pristine off-road trails at the Coppell Nature Park make for an easy, tree-lined course. And speaking of the most wonderful time of the year, you can bring a wrapped gift to donate to the city’s Make a Child Smile program, which benefits needy kids during the holidays.