9 Best Themed Races You Have to Run ...

1. Run for Your Lives

Zombies seem to be everywhere these days, so why not test your endurance by running for your life in a zombie themed race? The Run For Your Lives race is a 5K filled with a series of man-made and natural obstacles that will test your running abilities. You will have to climb, crawl, duck, and dive, all in mud, water and maybe even some blood. If you thought the obstacles were enough, now add in zombies chasing after you while trying to capture both red flags you wear around your waist. If you would like to be one of the zombies, then participate in a Run For Your Lives race and finish with at least one of your red flags. Run For Your Lives is one of the best themed races with its brain-hungry zombies!

2. Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

If you love running in marathons, then why not run at the happiest place on Earth? These 26.2 miles are the most magical you will ever run. The course will take you through all the Disney World Theme Parks, starting with Epcot, then continuing into the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios before finishing up back at Epcot. You can run in Disney character attire, so you can channel your inner child for a little bit! Plus you receive an all new Mickey Mouse finisher's medal so you can show off your wonderful experience at Disney!

3. Tough Mudder

If you’re tired of running around in circles and need a serious kick in the butt, then Tough Mudder is for you! This 10 to 12 miles challenge delivers more than 20 military-style obstacles that test your strength, stamina, and mental capacity. These obstacles were designed by members of the British Special Forces so you know they will be challenging. The tough challenges are the 12 foot wall and the mud filled tunnels that can’t be done alone and require you to rely on and help out fellow mudders. Tough Mudder does more than just provide a kick-ass run; they also raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. To date, Tough Mudder has raised over more than $5 million for the project!

4. The Color Run

The Color Run is considered the happiest 5K on the planet and who wouldn’t agree? You get to go run and act like a 5 year old while throwing color everywhere. What's not to like? Participates start out the race in all white, and finish later all decked out in a rainbow of colors. You are bombarded with different colors of paint by volunteers and sponsors at ever kilometer. Runners also get a bag of color to test out their own artistic skills.

5. The Empire State Building Run-up

How does a 1,576 stair sprint sound? To me, it sounds exhausting. This energy-sapping run starts from the ground floor of the Empire State Building and finishes at the 88th floor, where the observation deck is located. Not everyone gets to participate in this run. There is a random lottery where a few hundred people are selected each year to run, so good luck!

6. Krispy Kreme Challenge

For all you Krispy Kreme donut lovers, this is a great time for you to indulge while working off the calories at the same time! This race started out as a challenge between ten friends and now is a nationally publicized charity event. The Krispy Kreme Challenge is 2,400 calories, 12 donuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. It may not seem like much, but after eating 12 donuts, you may start to have problems. This sweet themed race will test your physical fitness and stomach’s stamina. Are you up for the challenge?

7. Celebrate America Underwear Run

Ever wanted to run in the nude but were too afraid to actually commit? Well the Celebrate America Underwear Run allows you to get somewhat close to being nude. In this 1.7 mile run, you run around Central Park in your star-spangled theme undies while having a great time! So let go and be semi-free while celebrating America’s birthday!

8. Hot Chocolate 15/5K

If you're obsessed with chocolate then the Hot Chocolate 15/5K is the race for you. The race indulges finishers with Ghirardelli hot cocoa, chocolate fondue and other delicious chocolate treats to satisfy even the biggest chocoholic! The Ronald McDonald House Charities is the official sponsor for this family-oriented themed race which provides shelter for families with children who face serious medical crises. The Hot Chocolate 15/5K will not only satisfy your chocolate addiction, but later help a family in need.

9. Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

What is a better way to get into the holiday spirit than the Jungle Bell Run! You get to dress up with bells and Santa hats and run for a cause! The Arthritis Foundation mission is to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases. The Jingle Bell Run helps raise money for research while providing a great time during the winter, to get ready for Christmas!

Zombies, chocolate, mud, oh my! Well, maybe not in that order. These themed races will take your running experience to the next level and have you craving more-than-ordinary from now on. What did you think of these themed races? Have you run any of them?