Best Road Races
Saturday, November 05, 2011
November may be the finest month for road races (who can resist a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot?). Here are the best fun, offbeat, and inspiring ways to get some exercise, raise funds for good causes, and offset that month-end calorie spree.
Nov 13 Citizens Bank Newport Pell Bridge Run
Take part in the Inaugural event, a 4.2-mile run across the Newport Bridge. This Veteran's Day Weekend race will benefit Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, Meeting Street, Special Olympics Rhode Island and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Don't miss this one: it's the first time in decades runners will be able to cross the Newport/Pell Bridge since its opening in 1969. Registration $50 before Nov 8. For all the information, go online, here.
Nov 13 Colt State Park 10K
For adventurers. This 10K is a steeplechase & 2x5K relay, off-course and "running the old-fashioned way." This means 6 small hurdles, 2 water pits, and beach running. What could be better? Plain, not flavored, water at the finish. Pre-entry fee $16, post-entry fee $20. Did we mention the pint glasses for the top finishers? For more, go here.
Nov 19 Turkey Trot Charity Road Race 4.3 Miles
Warm up for the big holiday weekend (and burn off some calories) with this run that benefits the East Providence Welfare Dept. Food Drive. $10 for pre-registered runners, $11 on race day (or $10 plus a canned good). For more information, go to www.eastprovidenceri.net.
Nov 20 Gear N Beer 5K Road Race
Pick up a pint when you pick up your number. When a race is sponsored by one of RI's best-known taverns (The Mews Tavern), you know you're in for something special. Indeed, online registration price includes your choice of one of Mews' 69 draught beers. Plus, there's a post-race party with a BBQ buffet and 6 different microbrews. Pub teams welcome. For more information, go here.
Nov 20 Lil' Rhody Runaround 8 Mile Trail Race
This one is for the dedicated. The signature event of the Westerly Track Club is an 8-mile trail race that follows Watchaug Pond in Charlestown's Burlingame State Park. Hot soup after! Registration $20 pre, $25 after Nov 11. For more information go here.
Nov 24 NewportFed Pie Run
There's something for everyone in this Thanksgiving Day race... including walkers! The runners can enjoy a 5-mile race and non-runners can really enjoy a 3-mile non-competitive walk along a scenic course with views of spectacular Sachuest Beach. Bring one non-perishable food item. Both races begin at 8:30am. For more information, go here.
Nov 24 Willow Tree Family Turkey Trot
This brand-new family-oriented run will take place right in downtown Providence, making it an easy destination for Turkey Day runners of all ages. The main run is a 5K and there's a 1K run for kids, so everyone's covered. Everything kicks off from the Convention Center. Registrations are already over 700 and organizers expect 1500-2000 runners, making it potentially the largest Turkey Trot in the state. Proceeds benefit RI Food Bank and Project Undercover. For more information, go here.
Nov 26 Trot Off Your Turkey 5K & 1.5 Mile Run/Walk
Finally, trot off your turkey on this Sunday event that offers a 5K run and a 1.5 mile walk at St. Luke's School in Barrington. Entry $16, $22 after 11/21. Raffles and other events benefit the RI Food Bank. For more information, go here.
