As the calendar continues to roll into mid-February, you may find yourself slipping farther from your New Year’s fitness resolutions. It’s one thing to say we’re going to do big things like get in shape, lose weight and be healthier — but it’s hard to keep focused on our big lofty goals when we don’t have short-term, concrete goals.
To help with that, you might want to sign up for an upcoming charity fitness event. Having a run/walk or bike ride on your calendar will motivate you to exercise a couple of times a week so that you have a more fun time on event weekend. Plus, locally produced events are often inexpensive, have free options for youngsters, and support local nonprofits.
All of the events welcome participants of all ages and abilities. Not yet ready to commit to go the distance? You can volunteer instead — organizers are always looking for folks to hand out water and T-shirts or cheer for people while providing direction on the route.
Meet Me at Maynards
Patty Burger, left, and Jean Kincaid take part in the Meet Me at Maynards run/walk event on Feb. 5. The pair met and became friends from the weekly walk.
What: This free walk and run begins and ends at Maynard’s Market, with discounts to local restaurants and bars and giveaway awards.
When: Mondays; register/check-in online from 4 to 6:30 p.m. or in person from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
Where: 400 N. Toole
Distance: Choose your own, with a mapped 1-mile and 2.5-mile option
Organizer: BEYOND-Tucson
Cost: Free
Check in: beyond-tucson.org/programs/meet-me-at-maynards
TMC Old Tucson Trail Run
The TMC Old Tucson Trail Run/Walk features a soft dirt route throughout the grounds of Old Tucson Studios and nearby cactus forest.
What: The TMC Old Tucson Trail Run/Walk, with a family mile, features a soft dirt route throughout the grounds of Old Tucson Studios and nearby cactus forest, with a free souvenir shirt.
When: Feb. 18; staggered times starting at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road
Distance: 1 mile, 4 miles
Organizer: Run Tucson
Beneficiary: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Cost: Up to $40
Registration: runtucson.net
Dave’s Run for ALS
Dave’s Run for ALS 8k and free FitKidz mile is a flat, fast course along the Huckelberry Loop.
What: Dave’s Run for ALS 8k and free FitKidz mile, including a flat, fast course along the Huckelberry Loop and a free souvenir shirt.
When: 6:45 to 10 a.m. March 3
Where: Curtis Park, 2110 W. Curtis Road
Distance: 1 mile, 8k
Organizer: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Beneficiary: Jim Himelic Foundation
Cost: Up to $40
Registration: runsar.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Desert Leprechaun Run/Walk
What: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Desert Leprechaun 5k run/walk, as part of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on a flat course near Armory Park with souvenir finisher’s medal and shirt.
When: 8:15-11 a.m. March 17
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Sixth Ave.
Distance: 5k
Organizers: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Beneficiary: Children of Fallen Officers
Cost: Up to $45
Registration: runsar.org
St. Luke’s Home Spring Cross Country Classic
What: St. Luke’s Home Spring Cross Country Classic 5k, featuring a trail course on the dirt trails of Lincoln Park.
When: 7 to 11 a.m. March 23
Where: Lincoln Park, 4325 S. Pantano Road
Distance: 5k
Organizer: Southern Arizona Roadrunners
Beneficiary: St. Luke’s Home
Cost: Up to $40
Registration: runsar.org
El Tour de Zona Bike Ride
What: This is a multi-day bike ride through the scenic landscape and historic locations of southeastern Arizona.
When: March 21-24
Where: Tombstone, Bisbee, Sierra Vista
Distance: Varied
Organizer: Perimeter Bicycling
Beneficiaries: We Ride 4; Alzheimer’s Association; VeloVets Sierra Vista; Davis Phinney; Uphill into the Wind
Cost: $100-$200 and up
Registration: eltourdetucson.org
Your dog needs to exercise and so do you, but is it something you can safely do together? Experts are weighing in on the safety of running or cycling with your dog.
