JUDD JONES: Fun Run Bike Events 2018 - Part 1

During this time of year, it is a great idea to start thinking about planning your 2018 fun run, swim and biking activities. 2018 is stacking up to be a year full of physically challenging and physically fun events.

Let’s get off the couch, brush off our activewear and get moving.

By setting goals and preparing to take part in a handful of fun events, it will improve your health, connect you with great people and likely help out a good cause.

Every year for the last seven years, I have published a relatively complete list of late winter/spring races and events that range from fun runs, triathlons, bike rides and other sports. As in past years, we have seen a few of our long-standing events such as the full Ironman go away and a fair number of new programs arrive. The consistent aspect of all these activities is the opportunity for just about anyone to take part, have fun and be a part of a community.

As usual, I have added asterisks to the events that are great for sedentary first-timers and people looking for more fun rather than competitive racing. There will be plenty of room for those whose nature and athletic ability will allow them to break their records if that is their goal.

For the fun runs and kids races, no event is too severe and walking is always an option, so don’t think every event is only for those seasoned road warriors.

Here is the most current list of races from February to the first week in June. The calendar below does not represent all the events and activities, just the ones that have been currently posted or announced. If I have missed any you think should be on the list, let me know and I will try to get them published in a subsequent column or in March when I post the summer/fall 2018 schedule.

February 17: Edge of Hell Trail Run, 4 Mile & 10K, Hells Gate State Park, Lewiston

February 24: Snow Joke Half Marathon, Seeley Lake, Montana

March 10: Leprechaun Scurry, 5K Fun Run, Coeur d’Alene,

March 11: St. Paddy’s Five, 5 Mile Fun Run, Spokane

March 17: *Caveman 5K Roar and Pour, 5K Fun Run, Quincy, Washington

March 18: *Rapid Rabbit Run, 5 Mile/3 Mile Walk/Run, Spokane

March 23/24: Snake River Sprint Triathlon, Clarkston, Washington

March 31: *Spokane Super Hero Run, 10K, 5K Walk/Run, Spokane

April 7: *Hunger Run, 5K & 10K, Spokane

April 8: *Hauser Lake Ice Breaker, 10K, Hauser

April 8: Negative Split Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Spokane

April 21: Wenatchee Marathon/Half & 10K, Wenatchee, Washington

April 22: *36th Annual Spring Dash, 5 Mile, Coeur d’Alene

April 22: *Spokane River Run, 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K, Spokane

April 28: Liberty Lake Trail Run, 8 Mile, Liberty Lake

April 28: *Omak Orchards in Bloom Half Marathon & 10K Run, Omak, Washington

May 5: Spartan Beast 12 Plus Mile Mud & Obstacle Run, Big Fork, Montana

May 6: *42nd Annual Bloomsday 12K, Spokane

May 6: Spartan Spring 12 Plus Mile Mud & Obstacle Run, Big Fork, Montana

May 11: Glow for Hunger Night Kids Run, Joe Albi Stadium, Spokane

May 11-12: *2018 NorthWest Paddle Festival, Lake Sammamish, Washington

May 12: Priest Lake Marathon, 50K, Half & 5K Fun Run, Hills Resort, Priest Lake

May 19: *America’s Armed Forces Kid’s Run, Spokane

May 19: State Park Series-Farragut State Park, Half Marathon & 5 Mile, Athol

May 20: Windermere Full Marathon & Half Marathon, Spokane

May 20: *The Lilac Century Ride 2018, Spokane

May 26/27: 24 Hours Around the Clock MT Bike, 14.8 Mile Laps, Spokane

May 27: Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Run, Coeur d’Alene

May 27: *Priest Lake Spring Festival Run, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kid’s Dash, Coolin

June 2: 38th Annual Spokane Troika Half Triathlon, Spokane

June 3: Woodrat 25/12 Mile Mountain Bike Race, Hills Resort, Priest Lake

June 3: 25th Annual Onion Man Triathlon, Walla Walla, Washington

Create a bucket list, pick a couple of events to take part, then set your goals and get it done!

Make 2018 a year of being at your best.

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Judd Jones is a director for The Hagadone Corporation and Certified Health Coach.