There’s no better way to get in shape or maintain your health than a brisk walk, jog, or run. Running has a lot of perks – low startup costs, it’s easy to learn, you can do it anytime and anywhere – and the beautiful weather in Chapel Hill means you can run throughout the year.
Whether you’re a beginner or professional, a walker or a sprinter, you can participate in a 5K. Here are some of the most fun runs around Chapel Hill. Consider signing up for one; you’ll feel more encouraged to run if you have a goal, and you don’t have to set any records!
The Chocolate 5K
Running doesn’t have to be painful. At The Chocolate 5K at the UNC campus, you’ll be treated to sweet Ghirardelli treats all along the route. This is a casual 5K, so if you’re looking to beat your best time or set a record, it’s probably not for you. In the words of the sponsors, “This is a really laidback run/walk/crawl/hop/skip/jump.” You won’t be timed, but you will be full of chocolate when you leave. All proceeds from this year’s Chocolate 5K on March 30th go to the Cornucopia Cancer Support Center. What a great way to spend time outside, give to a good cause, and eat some delicious treats!
The Tar Heel 10 Miler and Fleet Feet Sports 4 Mile Run
Chapel Hill is a beautiful community, and this 10-mile course takes full advantage of it. Run through downtown Franklin Street and the historic Rosemary Street neighborhood, and take the Laurel Hill Challenge by climbing just over 200 vertical feet in about one mile. This 10-mile course is not for the faint of heart (you must be able to run 15:00/miles) but with some training, you’ll really get to see the charm and beauty of Chapel Hill. Seem too hardcore? Try the Fleet Feet 4-Mile Run, also at this event. Find more information here.
Color the Hill 4K and Fun Run
Prepare to get messy! You may have seen pictures on Facebook or Twitter of smiling, happy people covered in crazy confetti-colored stains. They’ve just participated in a color run! Wear white clothes and skip, amble, meander, or jog your way through a 4K of color. At color stations, you’ll be blitzed with color packets until you look like a Jackson Pollack painting.
With a Food Truck Rodeo and fun giveaways, this is a good time for the entire family. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate, and those who don’t want to run can still pelt the joggers with color. Learn more about the Color the Hill 4K and Fun Run here.
Whenever you start a new sport or get a group of hundreds of people together for a run, there is a risk of injury. Make sure that you stay hydrated and take full advantage of water stops along the way. Wear sunscreen and supportive sneakers. If an injury does occur, come to FastMed Urgent Care in Chapel Hill. From sunburns to dehydration to sprained ankles, we’ll get you back on the road again – without giving you the ‘runaround.’
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