Keep that jogging stroller out – It’s STILL race season!

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Running in the heatYes, it’s hot. And for many of us, the last thing we want to think about doing in the good ol’ Ohio heat and humidity is exert ourselves. Well, I’m here to tell you, if you do it safely, running in the dog days of summer can be a lot of fun! There are many races around town that feature some scenic courses, and one of the benefits of running these races in the midst of the heat is, you don’t have to fight (too much of) a crowd when you get there (which is great when you’re toting a double jogger!).

Before we get to the list of noteworthy races you might want to check out, I’d like to offer some pointers if you do decide to brave the heat and participate in one of these races.

  • Your wardrobe can make or break you! Choose light colored clothing over dark, and try to stick to moisture-wicking fabrics (like all those tech shirts you’ve collected from those swag bags).
  • Hydration is key. This may be a no-brainer, but you’ve gotta keep hydrated when you exercise, especially when it is hot. Water is fine if you’re going for a short run (45 minutes or less), but if you’ll be running for longer, you should consider adding a sports drink to the mix to help with any electrolyte loss.
  • Slow your pace. If you’re not trying to qualify for another run, consider slowing your pace a touch when it is hot and humid.
  • Don’t forget the sunblock! It can take as little as 15 minutes in the summer sun for fair-skinned runners to get burnt. Apply sunblock to any exposed skin, and if you’re not wearing a hat, don’t forget about the part in your hair! This includes any babies you’re pushing in that jogging stroller!
  • Speaking of babies in the strollerdon’t forget water for them. I’d also consider investing in a stroller fan ($10-$15) to help those little ones to stay cool as well.

Once you’ve got your water, your sunblock, and your babies, you’re ready to hit the road! Here’s a list of some great races to check out this June-July-August in Columbus.

Chloe 5K
June 25, 2016 – 9 a.m.
Creekside Park and Plaza, Gahanna, OH
1 mile Stroller Stroll: $15
Youth ages 6-12: $20
Ages 13+: $30
Benefitting Chloe Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and equipping teen mothers.
Strollers permitted

Dash for Donation
July 16, 2016 – 8 a.m.
Genoa Park (303 W Broad St), Columbus, OH
5K: $30
Family Fun Walk: $10
Kids & Mascot Dash: $10
Benefitting Lifeline of Ohio
Strollers permitted

Bull Run 2016 – 5K, 10K, Kids’ Fun Run
Saturday, July 30, 2016 – 8 a.m.
McFerson Commons (Arch Park, Arena District)
10K – $45
5K – $35
Kids’ Fun Run – $15
Benefitting Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Strollers permitted

Ohio State Fair 5K
July 31, 2016 – 8 a.m.
Crew Stadium
$35/$40 race day registration
All participants will receive free admission to the fair (just show your race number to the gate attendant) plus a special Sky Glider ticket.

Mount Carmel Columbus Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
August 7, 2016 – 7 a.m.
Three Creeks Metro Park Sycamore Fields Area
Half Marathon – $55/$60 Race day registration
10K – $45/$55 Race day registration
5K – $35/$40 Race day registration
Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome

CHA Animal Shelter’s Dog Jog 2016
August 21, 2016 – 9 a.m.
Genoa Park
$35/$40 Race day registration
Benefitting CHA Animal Shelter
Dogs permitted

Mom & Me Daisy Dash
August 28, 2016 – 9:30 a.m.
Easton Towne Center
3 mile/1.5 mile: $28 (Ages 17+); $20 (Ages 16 and under)
Mini-Me 100 Yard Dash: $10 (6 and under)