Kid-friendly runs through mud and foam and for yogurt

My teens participated in the Color in Motion 5K chalk run last month with a bunch of their friends. They returned triumphant after the jaunt around Qualcomm Stadium, looking as if they had returned from a Holi festival in India. My daughter had blue chalk on her scalp for a few days, while my son was green around the neck for a day or two. Their friend came home with what looked like a tie-dye inspired hairdo color.

The colorful fun and the group-effort ethos inspired them to continue running. Mom applauded the healthy aspirations, and to help keep their feet moving, researched some upcoming events.

With the choices of runs in San Diego, my peeps could be running every month, sometimes twice a month. I ended up noting the races that I thought would speak to the fun spirit in my children. Here’s to a healthy 2016!

FroYo Run called out to my teens all the way from the Embarcadero. The Saturday, April 30, 5K ends with a cup of Menchie’s frozen yogurt. Aren’t all teens moved primarily by their stomach? Frozen yogurt is healthy, isn’t it? The run makes its way about the Embarcadero with views of the bay, cooling tunnels, best-costume award, Gummy Bear toss contest, and videos at the finish line for all participants. Registration is $47.32; a group of four or more gets in for $42.06 per runner.

Our family participated in the Navy Bay Bridge Run a few years back. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful views of the skyline, the bay, and the ocean. It’s the only day every year pedestrians are allowed on the bridge. The run starts at the Hilton Bayfront and San Diego Convention Center and makes its way over the bridge, finishing at Tidelands Park in Coronado. In its 30th year, the four-mile run/walk will be held this year on Sunday, May 15. Funds raised go to the Navy Morale Welfare and Recreation Program. Runners can participate in the “I Run to Remember” campaign and write a fallen service member’s name on their race bib. Registration for adults is $45, kids aged 4 to 12 are $24, military and seniors are $38.

Saturday, June 4, brings the World Famous Mud Run 5K/10K to Camp Pendleton. With mud tunnels, steeplechase, cargo-net climb, firehose, the participants work their way through nine obstacles to the 100-foot-long mud pit at the finish line. Registration through April 30 is $82 for the 10K and $57 for the 5K; May 1–22 registration is $92 for the 10K and $67 for the 5K.

Live Well San Diego takes off on Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 a.m. from the County Administration Center. The event helps support the San Diego Blood Bank and foster youth. This pet-friendly 5K ends with a post-race kids’ fun zone, autographs with Chargers players, music, and dancing. Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under.  

The World’s First Music Festival Night Nation Run will take place on Saturday, October 1. The race will be in the evening, starting off at 7:30 p.m., with the first DJ revving up the beats at 6:30. Location of the race to be announced soon. The race (danceathon?) will feature party zones with light shows, selfie-stations, DJs, dancers, and glow gear. Early-bird registration is $29; full registration is $60.  

Pacific Beachfest 5K is being held on Saturday, October 3, at 8:30 a.m. Starting off from the P.B. Shore Club and heading south to Belmont Park and back up the boardwalk, runners will receive a tank top, sunglasses, the enjoyment of live music, and a beer for the over-21 participants. The Beachfest will also feature a pro-volleyball competition, a pro-surf competition, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Registration is $25.

Bubble Run 5K will be held at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on Saturday, November 19. The sudsy run kicks off at 8 a.m., with “foam bogs” at every kilometer sending out enough foam for a runner to be covered in colorful bubbly fun. This noncompetitive event uses “100 percent safe foam.” (Was anybody worried about foam safety?) Registration is $50; kids aged 4 and under are free with a paid adult.