Fun international races to add to the winter calendar

Eventually winter will hit. Why not travel this year? These are some races to consider. Some are serious, others… not so much.

5 Mile

Idiotarod Race, Brooklyn

This race is absolutely not a goal race but might be one of the most fun events on the calendar. This urban race is a parody of the similarly named “Iditarod” the Alaskan dog sled race. Switch out the huskies and replace them with a team of human runners and replace the sled with a decorated shopping cart. Add some costumes (they must be in theme with the shopping cart decor) and you’ve got a race! Shameless teams run through streets of Brooklyn in this January race, oh, and sabotage of other teams is encouraged.

#itsshowtime got called “fat dumpy white people” on #gothamist’s Instagram comments! Haters gonna hate. Winners of best sabotage in 2015’s #idiotarodnyc!

A photo posted by Alix! (@_alix) on Jan 25, 2015 at 9:54pm PST

10K 

Nice Carnaval Run, France 

This race which also offers a 5K option, brags being the most festive running event in Europe. The Nice Carnaval Run celebrates carnival in February. In the two weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, the streets of Nice are populated with people celebrating carnival. Historically this took place before lent, the 40-day fast leading up to Easter and was celebrated with masked balls and parties. This race holds onto these traditions by having runners race in costumes so as to not get recognized. Runners will have fun experiencing the confetti show, live concert and finish line at the Castle of Nice and can spend the days afterwards exploring the area.

Half and full marathons

Maui Oceanfront Marathon, Hawaii 

This race which also offers a 15K and and out-and-back half-marathon is going to be in its eight year on Jan. 16, 2016. Runners start in Waliea and run to Old Lahaina Town. This is quite the breathtaking experience especially for Canadians who will be escaping ice-crusted streets in the middle of winter. Running this one, runners will love the views of whales and mountain vistas as they run the course.

Xiamen International Marathon

If you’re looking to run or watch a highly competitive, elite race, this one should be on the bucket list. The Xiamen International Marathon is a IAAF Gold Label race and is broadcast live. Get a chance to see some of the world’s top runners. This one offers a 5K and 10K too. It has run since 2003 and takes place on the first Saturday of January.