As we ease back into regular routines after the school breaks and glittering revelry of the holidays, it’s nice to put new events on the calendar.
And for those of us prone to setting fitness-related goals, fun runs can be part of it. They are also handy as an excuse for putting off more sensible chores, like putting away the holiday lights. Here are some fine, family-friendly events to get you out and moving.
And if fun-running is new to you, we have a fantastic guide.
Wednesday, January 1
Resolution Run and Polar Bear Dive
Whether you want to run into Lake Washington, or just cheer on as others do it, this is a raucous way to start 2020.
Where: Magnuson Park
Time: 5K Starts at 10:30 a.m. Free kids’ dash for kids 10 and under at 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $35-$45 for the 5K, $10 for a t-shirt for the kids’ dash.
Strollers allowed? Yes
Saturday, January 4
Worst Day of the Year Run
Somebody figured out that the worst weather of the year happens around this weekend, and that’s more than enough to get some people to celebrate. Each adult who runs in costume gets a free beer.
Where: McMenamins Anderson School, Bothell
Fundraiser for: Plant-It 2020, who will plant a tree for every runner.
Time: 5K and 10K start at 10 a.m.
Cost: $39-$49
Strollers allowed? Yes
Sunday, January 5
Turtle 5K
An easy-going run geared for the “turtles” of the fun-run world: enthusiastic but not especially speedy folk that typically run near the back of the pack.
Where: Green Lake Park
Fundraiser for: Seattle Aquarium’s sea turtle rehabilitation program
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: $25-$35, $20 for kids 10 and under, free for kids 10 and under with no bib or medal
Strollers allowed? Yes
Saturday January 18
Magnuson MLK Weekend Run
Where: Magnuson Park
Time: 10 a.m. start for 5K, 10K, 15K.
Cost: $23 for the 5K, $28 for the 10K, $33 for the 15K.
Kids’ 400 yard dash at 9:45 a.m. Cost $3.
Strollers allowed? Yes
Sunday, January 26
Seward Park Resolution Run
Where: Seward Park
Time: 10K starts at 9:30 a.m. 5 K and 2.5 K Start at 9:35 a.m.
Cost: $30-$35 for the 5K and 10K, $19 for kids 19 and under in the 5K, $19 for the 2.5K
Strollers allowed? Yes
Sunday, February 9
My Better Half Marathon
Where: Seward Park
Fundraising for: Rebuilding Together Seattle
Time: Half-marathon 8 a.m., 10K 8:05 a.m., and 5K 8:10 a.m.
Cost: $80 to $95 for the half marathon, $49-$64 for the 10K and 5K
Strollers allowed? Yes
Saturday, February 15
Magnuson Presidents Day Weekend Dash
Where: Magnuson Park
Time: 10 a.m. start for 5K, 10K, 15K.
Cost: $23 for the 5K, $28 for the 10K, $33 for the 15K.
Kids’ 400 yard dash at 9:45 a.m. Cost $3.
Strollers allowed? Yes
Alexander’s Hope Valentine’s Day Dash
Where: Heritage Park, Kirkland
Fundraiser for Alexander’s Hope, a non-profit that promotes organ donation
Time: 5K starts at 9 a.m.
Cost: $35-$50, 14 and under $20
Free kids run at 10 a.m.
Strollers allowed? Yes.
Sunday, February 23
Seward Park Revolution Run
Where: Seward Park
Time: 10K starts at 9:30 a.m. 5 K and 2.5 K Start at 9:35 a.m.
Cost: $30-$35 for the 5K and 10K, $19 for kids 19 and under in the 5K, $19 for the 2.5K
Strollers allowed? Yes.
Lunar New Year 5K
Where: Interurban Trail starting at N 175th St in Shoreline
Fundraiser for: International Community Health Services
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $30 to $50 for people 15-59, $25 to $50 for people 60 to 64, free for 65 and older and 14 and younger.
Strollers allowed? Yes
Sunday, March 1
Allstate Hot Chocolate 5K/15K
Feature of the course: “Sweet Stations” with chocolatey treats for runners.
Where: Seattle Center
Fundraiser for: Make a Wish
Time: 6:45 a.m. for the 5K, 7:55 a.m. for the 15K
Cost: $65 to $74 for the 15K, $45 to $54 for the 5K
Strollers allowed? No
Sunday, March 15
St. Patrick's Day Dash
Seattle Center
Fundraiser for: See Ya Later Foundation, Girls on the Run, Young Life Snohomish Capernaum, Mt. Rainier High School Track & Field, Bothell Scouts, Irish Heritage Club
Time: 5K starts in waves at 8:30 a.m., 8:40 a.m., and 8:50 a.m.
Leprechaun Lap 1K for kids aged 10 and younger starts at 8 a.m., cost $15
Cost for 5K: $30 to $50 for adults aged 15 and up, $25 for ages 14 and under
Fun features: green regalia and costumes, Irish-themed hilarity
Strollers allowed: Yes
