Want a fun and different way to give back and create some healthy habits for your kids?
Run a race!
When people think of running events, they often think they have to be able to run the whole distance. Not true. You can walk the whole thing if you want to. Just go out and move.
There's usually some type of food or snack, water, music, swag and a great sense of community. And! Most of them donate part of the proceeds to a local charity.
You'll have fun, guaranteed.
Tucson Lifestyle 5k Run/Walk and Cox Charities FitKidz Free One Mile
This is part of the Southern Arizona Roadrunners' TMC Get Moving Tucson weekend. The 5k includes a costume contest, awards and more. The fun run for kids is free and only for kids under 12.
When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown
Cost: $35 for 5k and Free for kids run
Beneficiaries: Proceeds will fund local charities, including Cox Charities, Team Hoyt Arizona, Reid Park Zoo, Child and Family Resources and the Southern Arizona Roadrunners
More info: Click here
TMC, Fleet Feet Veterans Day Half Marathon, 5k and Children Fun Run
Two words: Free breakfast. That's right. You get free Mexican breakfast, free photos and free coffee and iced tea after this race. Plus, you'll enjoy the scenery and live music. If you run the 5k, quarter or half marathon you get a tech shirt and a medal.
Your kids ages 2-9 can participate in the Children Fun Run.
When: Sunday, Nov. 13, 7:25 a.m. for the 5k and 8:20 a.m. for the TMC for Children Fun Run
Where: Sabino High School, 5000 N. Bowes Road
Cost: $35 for the 5k and $5 for the kids run
Beneficiaries: A portion of the proceeds will go to local community groups and veterans assistance organizations
Register and info: Click here
Thanksgiving Crosscountry Classic
You guys. This is such a fun race. There are two distances to choose from — 5k and 1.5-mile fun run — making it perfect for the whole family. You'll jump across water and hurdle hay bales. Plus, you'll work up an appetite for your holiday meal later. Start a turkey trot tradition for your family.
When: Thursday, Nov. 24, 8 a.m.
Where: Reid Park
Cost: $10 for the fun run; $20 for the 5k until Nov. 22.
Beneficiaries: This race benefits Team Hoyt Arizona and Toys for Tots
More info: Click here
A runner in the women's 5K opts to splash her way through rather than over the water obstacle for the 19th Annual Thanksgiving Cross-Country Classic at Reid Park.
Hot Cocoa 5k
Start the new year off right and enjoy the view of Pusch Ridge as you and the kids walk, jog or run 3.2 miles on the multi-use path starting at Steam Pump Ranch (maybe there will be snow to look at). There will be snacks, water and hot cocoa. The best part (aside from hot cocoa) is kids under 12 run free AND strollers are welcome on this course.
When: 11:17 a.m. Jan 1
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $20; Kids under 12 run free
Beneficiary: Proceeds will benefit the Town of Oro Valley's Round Up For Youth Recreation Scholarship Program
More info: Click here
