From Pre-K to 5K: Fun Family Runs for Your Little Ones

Whether you’re looking to pick up the pace of your jogging stroller or kick into high gear, it’s time to hit the ground running this fall with your entire family. These upcoming races will get you on your mark to get set for some healthy family fun for a great cause.

Photo Credit: SD Super Heroes Run

San Diego Super Heroes 5K/5 Mile Run/Walk
What kid doesn’t love to be a Super Hero for the day? The San Diego Super Heroes Fun Run encourages you to bring the whole family and dress up as your favorite caped crusader. You have your choice between running or walking the 5K (3.1 miles) or the 5-mile course. Both tracks are relatively flat along Lake Murray. This is a great starter race for your family to take on. Who knows, once your kid hits the starting line they may just turn into The Flash.

Running for a Reason: Proceeds from this race benefits children’s education programs at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Community Center.

Date/Time: Oct. 4, 8 a.m.
Cost: Adult 5K: $38; Kids 5K (5-17): $35; Adult 5-Mile: $42; Kids 5-Mile: $38

5540 Kiowa Dr.
La Mesa, CA 91942
Online: sdsuperheroesrun.com

Photo Credit: Surfing Madonna 5K/10K via Flickr

Surfing Madonna “Save the Ocean” 1K/5K/10K Moonlight Beach Run/Walk
When the tide is low, the fun is high at the 2^nd Annual Surfing Madonna Beach Run/Walk. Participants can choose from a variety of distances to complete, including a 1K Run/Walk for kids 12 and under. Not only will kids love running on the sand along the beautiful Encinitas coast, the Moonlight Beach Fest, Sand Castle Expo and Kids Activity Fun Zone provide an entire day full of fun. Be sure to sign up early as this race sells out faster than the racers!

Racing for a Reason: The goal of this year’s race is to give back $100,000 to benefit local ocean/beach/parks and youth, including sponsorship of the Surf Camp for Special Needs Children.

Photo Credit: Spooktacular 10K website

Spooktacular San Diego 10K & 5K
If your child is already looking for an excuse to don their Halloween costume early, the Spooktacular San Diego race is the perfect run for you. Your little one can participate in the 1-mile Monster Dash and enjoy plenty of tricks and treats throughout the day. Get there early to warm up to “Thriller” and to enter the costume contest. Prizes will be awarded for Best Group (or pair), Scary, Cute, Funny, Team and kids 10 and under.

Racing for a Reason: A portion of the proceeds benefits the Patrick Henry High School Aquatics Program, helping kids to continue living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Date/Time: Oct. 26, 7:30 a.m.
Cost: 10K Run/Walk $55; 5k Run/Walk: $45; Monster Dash (10 & under): $15; Child in Stroller-5k: $10

2960 Truxton Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92106
Online: spooktacular10k.com

Let’s face it, your jack-o-lantern loses a bit of its boo after Halloween. So why not let it go out with a bang (or smash) at the Jack-O-Smash 5000. This new race in Poway offers both a 5K and a 1K walk/jog for families and friends. Kiddos can burn off their sugar rush from their Halloween candy, and if they still have any energy left, they can hit the Kid’s Fun Zone, dance to live music or smash their pumpkin to smithereens. Don’t worry, if you need a little break from all the festivities, a Quiet Zone area will be set aside so you can enjoy the festivities with less stimulation.

Racing for a Reason: All proceeds will go to two local organizations: PoVa Therapeutic Riding Center, offering equine-assisted activities for children and young adults with special needs; and Next Stage U, a proposed facility for post-secondary education and training for young adults with special needs.

Date/Time: Nov. 2, 8 a.m.
Cost: 1K Fun Run/Walk: $20/participant; 5K: $30/participant

Photo Credit: Thank You Run Facebook Page

5th Annual Thank You Run 5K/10K and Kids Run
You’ll have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving morning, including a race through beautiful 4S Ranch. The event will host a chip-timed 5K and 10K run as well as a Kids 1K Fun Run for kids 8 and under. Water, bagels and fruit will be provided at the Finish Line and even more awaits you at the Post-Race Family Festival.

Racing for a Reason: The Thank You Run supports two worthwhile causes. Helen’s Closet, which provides comfort equipment to terminally ill ALS patients, and the 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation that supports local schools, the surrounding community and other priorities.

Date/Time: Nov. 27, 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Cost: 10K: $40/participant; 5K: $30/participant; Kids Run: $20/participant

How do you get fit and give back with your family? Let us know in the comments section.

– Roxanna Holmes