Michigan Has One Of The Best Fun Runs In The Country
Let’s be honest, sometimes a long running workout is more grueling than it is enjoyable. USA Today’s 10BEST recently took a different angle on marathons and named the Night Nation Run in Detroit as one of the best “fun runs” in the country.
“Competition is great and all, but plenty of runners of all skill levels appreciate the opportunity to just hit the road and have a good time,” 10BEST said.
In order to compile a list of the most unique and entertaining runs, 10BEST scoured all major markets across the country. The result details events where you will certainly have the chance to get a good workout, but furthermore, you will also get a good laugh.
Joining Night Nation as fun runs to be aware of are races that include beer drinking, doughnut eating, and submerging yourself in mud. The top fun run in America goes is perhaps the most festive, however. San Diego’s Santa Run where all participants rock a Santa suit and glasses, was named the best of the best.
Detroit’s Night Nation Run Ranked 5th
This year, this Michigan celebration of marathons and music will occur on June 15. The Night Nation Run takes the best parts of a music festival and the best parts of 5K and blends them together.
Of course in Michigan, this all fun run comes in slightly behind the king of great races, Dave and Chuck the Freak’s .5K.
The Night Nation run is where you can, “Experience a music filled course with Live DJs, Light Shows, Bubble Zones, Neon and Black Lights,” they say.
In addition, 10BEST says, “You can run, walk, skip, dance, or even glow here, as your registration packet includes a glow necklace.”
Looking at the 2024 course map, this run includes a bunch of spectacles along the route. You’ll trek pass light shows, a bubble world, DJ’s spinning music, and selfie stations.
Gates open at 6 pm with the party starting at 7 pm. The race then starts at 8:30 pm. However, that seems to be the opening act for the main event, the after-party. In fact, much of the Night Nation merch has the tagline, “I Run For The After Party.” This year the after-party includes a set by a surprise DJ.
You can register for the Night Nation Run in Detroit now.
Honorable Mention
As someone who dabbled in fun runs, I must give a nod to the WipeOut run, which I decided to jump into a few years ago. The theme has reshaped a bit over the past few years, and now appears to be show-based and hosted by John Cena and Nicole Byer.
This course was equally challenging and amusing. The obstacles were certainly not as easy as they appeared, but it was beyond fun to fall off a bouncy house and into a pool of cold water mid-race. Though the cool-off moments were nice, I overlooked the fact that once you do get drenched, you are finishing the face with added weight. Luckily, I was not trying to break a personal time record.
