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1) King Neptune Challenge • Virginia Beach, VA • March
In conjunction with the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, the King Neptune Challenge is not for the weak. Runners will complete an 8K race on Saturday morning and then rest up for the big day.
The half marathon begins at 7:00 a.m. and runners have an hour and 45 minutes to complete the course before crossing the start/finish line of the full marathon. Fortunately, there is a 7-hour time limit on the full course AND finishers will receive a total of six medals for their efforts.
2) Dopey Challenge • Lake Buena Vista, FL • January
Disney began the Goofy Challenge (the half marathon on Saturday and full marathon on Sunday) in 2006 and expanded to the Dopey Challenge in 2014 when the 10K distance was introduced to the weekend’s activities. Entrants will cover a total of 48.6 miles over 4 days and race in a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon.
Starting at $550, this series is not for the frugal. But for the Disney aficionado and swag collector, this is a must do. Runners will collect 6 race t-shirts and 6 medals by the time the weekend is over.
3) Flying Pig Skyline 3-Way Challenge • Cincinnati, OH • May
As a major sponsor of the Flying Pig weekend, Skyline Chili also provides the namesake 3-Way Challenge. In this case, the 3-Way is not spaghetti, chili, and cheese, but rather a 10K, 5K and a half marathon. The 10K and 5K events are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning while the half marathon distance is at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Runners will receive a medal and shirt for all the 3 events as well as an extra one for the challenge. Overall prizes are awarded for the top 3 male and female runners of the challenge.
4) I-35 Challenge • Kansas City, MO/Des Moines, IA • October
The I-35 Challenge is a weekend double of half marathons. The Waddell & Reed Kansas City Half Marathon is held on Saturday and runners will travel to Des Moines, Iowa for the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon on Sunday. The two cities are approximately 3 hours apart by car.
Each participant will receive a total of 3 shirts and each finisher will receive a total of 3 medals. If the half double isn’t enough, runners can also register for a combination of half marathon/marathon or double marathons. Register early as the challenge is capped and will sell out.
5) Conquer The Capital 19.3 Challenge • Madison, WI • May
With a 10K at 8:00 p.m. Saturday night and a half marathon 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning, the Conquer The Capital 19.3 Challenge certainly lives up to its name. Runners will have just enough time for a quick sleep on Saturday night before they hit the pavement once again. Participants looking to up the ante can complete the full marathon in November for the 45.5 challenge. Each runners will collect a shirt and a medal for each event, plus an extra for the challenge.
6) Critz Tybee Run Fest • Tybee Island, GA • February
By participating in all 5 events offered by the Critz Tybee Run Fest, runners can total 26.2 miles over 2 days. The 5K is the only event held on Friday for adult runners so racers should get plenty of sleep after they cross the finish line.
Saturday’s events include a 10K, half marathon, a 2.8 mile run, and a 1 miler. Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women, top 3 masters men and women, and age group awards will go 2 deep.
7) Double Half Marathon • San Antonio, TX • September
This unique double hosts 2 half marathons in one day. Race one half marathon at 7:30 a.m. and cover 13.1 more miles again at 4:30 p.m. Each race is held on the the Leon Creek Greenway, but covers 2 different sections to give runners different scenery for each race.
The paved trail is a favorite for San Antonio runners. Runners not feeling up to the challenge of 2 half marathons can participate in a single half marathon in conjunction with either a 5K or 10K. Mix and match any combination that will earn you 2 medals in one day.
8) Half Marathon Tahoe Trifecta • Tahoe City, CA • October
The Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend offers a bevy of events for runners over the course of 4 days. Half marathon lovers can sign up for the Trifecta and race the 13.1 distance 3 days in a row. Friday is the Emerald Bay Half, Saturday is the Nevada Half, and Sunday is the Rubicon Half.
Runners will receive a medal for finishing each half marathon along with a special medal for finishing the series. There are over 30 events offered throughout the weekend and runners can completes distances between 5K and 72 miles.
9) Double Dare Challenge • Kitty Hawk, NC • April
Race a 5K on Saturday and keep the momentum going for a half marathon on Sunday. The 5K is a fast, flat out-and-back course that is held at sea level. The half marathon offers a varied terrain in the form of pavement, dirt, and even a little sand, but the mostly flat course is also at sea level. Runners who complete the Double Dare Challenge will receive 2 shirts and 3 medals.
10) Triple Threat • Rockport, MA • August
Featuring three beautiful courses along Cape Ann’s coastline, the Triple Threat series is a full morning of running. The 1-miler is at 9:00 a.m., the 5K is at 9:20 a.m., and the half marathon in at 10:15 a.m. Runners finishing all three race will receive a YuKanRun.com shirt, a custom finisher’s medal, and a YuKanRun.com summer beach cooler.
For locals looking for an extra challenge, they can enter the 6-Pack Challenge and complete all 6 half marathons offered by YuKanRun.com from April through December.
