10 Great Spring Races for Beginners and Beyond

By RUNGRL Staff

Editor’s Note: Due to the rise in the global COVID-19 pandemic, all races listed after March 8 have been canceled or postponed. Read how runners are coping with canceled races and new social distancing guidelines here.

Planning to amp up your running game this year? What better way to get motivated than to sign up for your next big race? Check out these amazing options taking place across the country and get an early start on your training for the spring race season. You can start small and build up with each new race.

RUNGRL pro tip: If the race you’re interested in isn’t in your home city, why not make a trip of it? What better way to see a new place than by running through it (and getting a medal!)? Grab a friend and make it a whole weekend of fun.

Note: Races are listed in chronological order.

RunThrough VeloPark 5K & 10K

January 11, 2020 | Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, UK

Londoners can kick off the year with this fun race offering multiple distance options. Beginners will love that the course is “flat and fast”.

Life Time Tropical 5K

February 8, 2020 | Miami, FL

The Life Time Tropical 5K serves as a sneak preview and warm-up for those running the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half. Friends and family not running the marathon or half marathon will also be able to share in the inspiring #MiamiFamous weekend experience.

Publix Atlanta Half Marathon and 5K

March 1, 2020 | Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA

Set on a new course that takes you past some of Atlanta's most important monuments, stadiums and neighborhoods, the Publix Atlanta Marathon will show participants from near and far why Atlanta is known as “Running City USA”.

New Orleans Women’s Half Marathon and 5K

March 8, 2020 | New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA

There are options for everyone from serious runners to beginners and walkers looking to have a good time at this women’s endurance event! The half marathon and 5K will wind through some of New Orleans' most iconic landscapes.

ChiTown Half Marathon & 10K

April 4, 2020 | Chicago, IL *POSTPONED* (NEW DATE: 6/14/20)

Celebrating its 10th year, the ChiTown Half Marathon & 10K has all the makings of a great race, featuring a special hoodie, personalized bib options, delicious eats at the finish line and a really nice finisher medal for both 10K and half marathon participants.

Nike LA 13.1

April 5, 2020 | Los Angeles, California *CANCELLED*

Nike is setting out a big challenge with this women-centered run in Los Angeles, inviting women to “run for something more together”. The race weaves through the heart of LA, “following in the footsteps of Angelenos while blazing a new path toward the future.”

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K

April 18, 2020 | Detroit, MI (and other cities) *CANCELLED*

Run through the city’s most scenic spots. Then, celebrate your victory with fellow chocolatiers at the post-race party featuring decadent fondue, and pose for photos with race mascots Marsha and Mello.

Virgin Money London Marathon

Sunday, April 26, 2020 | London, United Kingdom *POSTPONED* (NEW DATE: 10/04/20)

Entries to this extremely popular race—a World Marathon Major—are chosen in a lottery, but don’t worry! If you aren’t able to get a bib in the lottery, you can choose to run for charity. Get info on the race website on how to sign up to race and support a good cause.

Toronto Marathon

May 3, 2020 | Toronto, ON, Canada *CANCELLED*

Boasting runners from more than 50 countries and offering a ton of distance options, this race has something for everyone. Choose your goal and hit it: 5K run/walk, 10K, half marathon, marathon and marathon relay. By now, you’ve been running all year, why not level up?

Blue Cross Broad Street Run - 10-miler

May 3, 2020 | Philadelphia, PA *POSTPONED* (NEW DATE: 10/04/20)

Join the largest, fastest, and most popular 10-mile race in the country drawing more than 35,000 participants from all over the world. Run through the heart of Philadelphia, Broad Street, through diverse communities and neighborhoods, while excited spectators cheer from the sidelines.

Which race (or races!) will you be signing up for this spring? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to tag us on Instagram as you embark on your training journey. We’re here to support your running goals.