There’s no feeling quite like the one you get when you lace up those running shoes and hit the pavement. Over the last decade, fun runs have caught on quickly, and with good reason. They promote good health, they cultivate a community, and typically, they support a great cause.

In spirit of National Running Day, I’m feeling really motivated to start training for my next race, so I’ve done some research on noteworthy 5Ks happening around The Bus. Here are some worth adding to your summer calendar.

1. Columbus Arts Festival 5K — Downtown Columbus

Date: Sat., June 13, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: 333 W. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

If you love art and running, this is perfect for you! The annual Columbus Arts Festival 5K course is set up around Downtown, and it starts and finishes at COSI. Runners have the opportunity to race along the Scioto River and take in some of Columbus’ art scene. After you finish, you can stay and check out the festival.

2. Candy Race — Hilliard

Date: Saturday, June 20 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Franklin County Fair Grounds
4100 Columbia St.
Hilliard, Ohio 43026

A perfect family affair, the Candy Race 5K benefits Dot’s Tots Foundation, a nonprofit that supports families who have children with debilitating disease. Parents are encouraged to bring kids to this 5K, and the little, little ones have the chance to participate in the Little Jelly Tot Dash, which is only a few hundred yards. How adorable? This 5K is a sweet treat for the whole family.

3. Run with the Pack

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Scioto Audubon Metro Park
400 W. Whittier St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Dogs make the best running companions — who agrees? The Run with the Pack 5K race invites runners to pair up with their pets for a 5K that benefits animals at a local shelter, Pets Without Parents. This race is a great way for you and your dog to team up for physical fitness and meet new friends (people and dogs alike)!

4. The Glo Run 5K — Hilliard

Date: Fri. June 26, 2015
Time: 9:40 p.m.
Where: Franklin County Fairground
4880 Northwest Parkway
Hilliard, Ohio 43026

If you haven’t tried a night run, this is a good place to start. The Glo Run 5K is a nationwide run that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Racers light up the night with glow in the dark accessories on a course filled with lights and music. This is a great 5K when you’re in the mood for a fun, high-energy run. Plus, everything’s more fun with glow sticks.

5. The Color Run — Columbus

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2015
Time: 9 a.m.
Where: McPherson Park
218 West Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

This colorful run is a blast, and the perfect choice when you’re looking for a low-pressure 5K. Known as the “Happiest 5K on the Planet,” The Color Run 5K this race is purely for entertainment and lives up to its name. Through a 5K course that weaves around Downtown Columbus, runners are splashed with powdered coloring scattered throughout the course. The charity partner for this event is the Ronald McDonald House Charities Central Ohio.

6. Dublin Irish Festival 5K — Dublin

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Date: Thursday, July 30, 2015
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: 13 S. High Street
Dublin, Ohio 43017

A course around beautiful Historic Dublin, the Dublin Irish Festival 5K is a great way to kickoff the festival celebration. Since this is on a weeknight, it’s a different vibe than the usual Saturday morning start, and you are given a one-day admission ticket to the festival just for running in this event!

 

7. Ohio State Fair 5K — Downtown Columbus

Date: Sunday, August 2, 2015
Time: 8 a.m.
Where: Crew Stadium

The Ohio State Fair 5K allows runners to race along the entire length of the Fair Grounds for unique views of rides, exhibits, animals and more during the annual Ohio State Fair. Along with your race registration, you will receive free admission and free parking to spend time enjoying the fair. Sounds like a win-win.

 

 

8. Zoo Run 5K — Powell

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2015
Time: 8 a.m.
Where: The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
4850 Powell Rd.
Powell, Ohio 43062

Racers have the opportunity to participate in the Zoo Run 5K, which goes around one of the country’s best animal parks, The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. Spot your favorite animals and enjoy extra time to peruse the zoo with the free pass you’ll get for registering!

These are only some of the many 5Ks around Columbus. Which ones are you excited for this summer? Comment below!