Best Spring 2015 Races In Los Angeles

The sun is shining, So Cal temps are just right and spring races are happening now. Angelenos will find a myriad of athletic opportunities ranging from beginner to advanced on the road, in the mud or in the ocean. Some races require advanced training and planning, while others invite participants to just show up and have fun. Check out these spring race options and think about the prize (a medal, a beer, a cause or a feel good) at the finish line.

2015 Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4636
www.rundisney.com
Date: May 7-10, 2015

Marathoners are invited to run through the happiest place on earth - Disneyland Resort. It's a weekend of men's and women's half marathon running, 5k and 10k courses, kids races for children 8 and younger, a Diaper Dash for babies and parents, live entertainment, mingling with famous Disney characters and a pasta party. The 13.1-mile view-filled course takes runners through Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim where they will make their way into Disney California Adventure Park, Main Street U.S.A in Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, Anaheim Center Street Promenade, Anaheim Ice and Anaheim GardenWalk. Characters will be stationed throughout the course cheering on runners. This is a perfect event for the whole family, whether a spectator, cheerleader or racer.

Designed to push the limits of one's strength, teamwork and mental stamina, a Tough Mudder race is one of the more extreme races out there for competitors. This year, participants will get down and dirty on off-road trails and varying terrains throughout the Glen Helen Raceway. The 10- to 12-mile advanced course includes mud trenches, monkey bars, rock walls, rope climbing and more. It's an ideal time to push your limits with friends and compete together as a team. The Tough Mudder race also raises millions of dollars to help support its official charity partner, Wounded Warrior Project.

AIDS/LifeCycle 2015
San Francisco to Los Angeles
www.aidslifecycle.org
Date: May 31 - June 6, 2015

AIDS/LifeCycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a landmark ride to raise money and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The annual seven-day ride takes bikers on a breathtaking course of flat roads and foothills down California's Pacific coast as well as inland through artichoke and strawberry fields. The ride offers multiple rest stops each day, and after each day's ride, “roadies” set up camp in a different town each night, complete with all the fundamental amenities (showers and food). The money raised funds life-saving programs and services at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. There is a lot to prepare before the AIDS ride and it is recommended to go to the website for info on fundraising and travel planning.

Related: Best Biking Trails In Los Angeles

LA Waterkeeper's Stand Up for Clean Water Paddleboard Race
Paradise Cove
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
www.sup4cleanwater.org
Date: April 18, 2015

The 4^th Annual Stand Up For Clean Water race brings together hundreds of paddleboard competitors who enjoy both boarding and supporting clean water, for a spring day at the beach. The paddleboard race is designed for all levels, offering a technical course for the more intermediate and advanced, and a shorter course for beginners. Experts will be doing board demos, and competitors will enjoy an afterparty, live music, raffle and silent auction. The race will benefit LA Waterkeeper, a local organization that protects and restores the waterways in Los Angeles County.

Dead Garden Run
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
1500 N. College Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
deadgardenrun.com
Date: May 2, 2015

The zombies are out and about at the Dead Garden Run again this year. Walk or run, this is not a competitive race (no time codes); you only have to survive. The adventure takes place at the 3.5K course and is all about not being tagged by a zombie. Adults over 21 years old who survive the course without a zombie taking their flag belt win a free craft brew from the beer garden, and those under 21 win a free soft drink. In addition to the fun chase, participants and spectators are invited to check out the Dale Bros Brewery beer garden and food trucks with photo ops with zombies and a DJ. The run is held at a botanic garden to help support nature preservation and beauty, and also supports St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Red Cross.

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