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1) DC Half and Half Marathon • Washington, DC • November
Unless this is your first half, it’s unlikely you’ll claim a new PR here. Runners travel 6.55 miles to the halfway mark, where they’ll stop at Ben’s Chili Bowl and down a half smoke with chili, mustard, and onions. Only after your “clean basket” is verified by a volunteer can continue on with the race.
2) Baker’s Dozen Beer Run • Marshall, MI • September
“Start with a donut, finish with BBQ and a beer” goes the tagline of the Baker’s Dozen Beer Run. Runners begin the loop course after consuming a(n optional) donut. After the run through town, you’ll finish at Dark Horse Brewing Company, where a complimentary beer and BBQ awaits every finisher — and you can buy Dark Horse beers for $3 all day.
3) 13 Miles of Bacon • Copperton, UT • 4th of July
You’ll run 13 laps of the same loop to finish the 13 Miles of Bacon, where each lap includes an aid station stocked with bacon (there’ll be vegetarian options available). For each piece of bacon you eat, you get to shave 30 seconds off your time. Other goodies will be available, but why bother when there’s bacon?
4) Blue Angels Rock ‘N’ Fly Half Marathon • Pensacola, FL • March
Packed full of things for runners to distract themselves from the actual running part, this race — which often sells out — features bacon at each of 10 water stations along the course. And if you aren’t full from grabbing bacon for 13.1 miles, sandwiches and pizza offered at the finish line.
5) Beat the Blerch Half Marathon • Carnation, WA • September
Developed from the wildly successful comic about running by Matthew Inman, this race looks to the comic for inspiration and aid stations are stocked with birthday cake, Nutella, and magical grape beverages. Conventional (re: boring) runners will be able to grab Clif Bars and Clif Shot drinks at the aid stations.
