Fun 5ks

CHS Junior Hadley Alter is decidedly not into running. However, fun 5k’s are beginning to change her outlook on the seemingly torturous activity.

“Since fun 5ks aren’t as serious as traditional ones, I definitely feel like it will become a popular way for people to get exercise,” she said.

Alter participated in the Color Run. A 5k fun run where the object is to get hit with as much color as you possibly can while running.

“During the run you get sprayed with a different color every kilometer, so it really motivates you to keep going,” Alter said.

Noah Engel, another student at Clayton High School runs cross country, which has 5ks almost every weekend.

“I enjoy running because it is a great way to get in shape, make lasting friends, and improve yourself both mentally and physically,” Engel said.

5ks such as Girls On The Run or runs supporting the Autism Speaks foundation are also popular because of the causes.

Engel participated in the Girls On The Run 5k. “I liked the cause and the course through forest park,” said Engel.

The Color Run isn’t the only fun run out there. There are many 5ks for the holidays, from turkey trots in November to Santa or jingle bell runs in December.

The turkey trot has become a popular pre-Thanksgiving athletic adventure.

The Twilight Turkey Trot is one example of a Thanksgiving 5k. Runs like this typically take place on the morning of Thanksgiving, but this one taking place the night before in Chesterfield.

One way to get ready for the Christmas season is the Ugly Sweater Run In Forest Park. Hundreds of people every year participate in this run, wearing their ugly Christmas sweaters and Santa hats.

The 2013 Gateway Cup Cake 5k, a run which takes place in Forest Park, is a an event that runs counter to the goals of many 5ks – fitness. Participants run while munching on cupcakes – a battle between foot and mouth.

There are different cupcake stations located around the racecourse. Each participant is given 5 minutes to eat a cupcake, and, after going to all 5 stations, you earn 25 minutes subtracted from your finishing time.

Failure to keep your cupcakes “down” during the race results in disqualification.

5k races have started to become a way to celebrate holidays and big events and to just promote a general interest in running.

“Personally, I don’t like running but the color run was a fun experience and I’m definitely going to look into doing more fun runs.” Says Alter

“I think that the 5ks are already becoming a very popular way to exercise, ” Says Engel.