A race isn’t just a great way to get in shape, it’s also a wonderful way to explore your local community and contribute to a charitable cause! Aim to get the entire family involved in a race this fall or winter. The experience will teach your children about the value of fitness while allowing you to spend some time together training.
There are plenty of family-friendly options around town, ranging from 100-yard dashes to festive 10K fun runs. We rounded up 13 of the best races for kids and their parents over the next few months, so mark your calendars and get ready for some family fun!
Jump ahead to races in:
August | September | October | November | December
AUGUST
The Aqua Run
Date: August 11, 2018
Distance: 10K relay or 2K walk
Location: Elmwood Park, Omaha
Photo courtesy of Kevin Dusek via the Aqua Run
The Aqua Run is a 10K, five-person relay race in Elmwood park that raises awareness for the difficulties that South Sudanese women and children face when it comes to collecting water daily. Runners race with a half gallon of water in their packs — but if you’re not excited about running such a distance, you can register for the 2K family walk. After the finish line, you can enjoy a hearty pancake and sausage breakfast along with treats from local food trucks and family-friendly activities.
The Boxer 500 Run and Walk | August 19
Distance: 5K, 1 mile or kids’ dash
Location: Werner Park, Papillion
Have you ever dreamed that you forgot to put pants on in the morning? Leaving your pants at home is okay at the Boxer 500! Men, women and children alike can don boxers (if they so choose) and participate in a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile walk or a kids’ event to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer. If you’re a team, opt for matching boxers — it’s all the more fun!
This is the race’s 10th anniversary event, and proceeds will benefit the Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force, a local non-profit organization that is working in Douglas and Sarpy counties to #LeaveColonCancerBehind with awareness, early detection and prevention. Online registration closes on August 10th.
SEPTEMBER
The Fight for Air Corporate Cup
Date: September 9, 2018
Distance: 2 miles, 10K or 100-yard dash
Location: Aksarben Village, Omaha
Photo courtesy of the Fight for Air Corporate Cup
The Fight For Air Corporate Cup (run by the American Lung Association) is among the largest of corporate road races in the United States! The race began back in 1981 with 29 companies and 681 participants. Now in its 38th year, the race is expected to host more than 5,000 registrants! This is one of the few chances that businesses and employees have to come together and bond while fighting for a noble cause, but it’s not just for businesses. Families are encouraged to attend! Register for the 2 mile course or the 10K — or bring the kids to participate in the 100-yard dash. All proceeds will benefit the American Lung Association. Also, make sure to look for us at the starting line — NP Dodge will be participating!
Breathe on 5K Run/Walk
Date: September 15, 2018
Distance: 5K or the 1K Fun Dash
Location: Miller’s Landing at the Riverwalk, Omaha
Photo courtesy of the Breathe On 5K Walk/Run
Come for the run and stay for the fun! This race takes place along the Missouri River, one of Omaha’s most picturesque destinations. All ages are welcome to participate in the 5K, but little ones will love the 1K Fun Dash! All proceeds will benefit the fight against Pulmonary Fibrosis.
The Friends and Family Mile at the Omaha Marathon
Date: September 16, 2018
Distance: 1 mile
Location: TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
Perhaps one of the most popular races in the Omaha area, the Omaha Marathon draws crowds from all over the country. But if you’re not quite ready to run the full 26.2 miles, there are plenty of other options including a half marathon, a 10K and a 1 mile family fun race. Bring the kids to get them excited about racing, and then hang around to cheer on the marathon finishers at the finish line!
The Superhero Heart Run
Date: September 23, 2018
Distance: Kids’ dash, 2K and 5K
Location: Werner Park, Omaha
Photo courtesy of Heart Heroes, Inc.
Your kid can dress up as their favorite superhero at this charitable race! Gather the team and come participate in the Superhero Heart Run, which raises money and awareness for congenital heart defects. The family-friendly event includes a kids’ dash, a 2K run and a 5K run, and registrants will receive a cape to wear during the race as well as a finisher’s medal!
The Magre Durham Walk for the Animals
Date: September 30, 2018
Distance: 1 mile or 5K
Location: The Nebraska Humane Society, Omaha
Children 10 and under can participate for free in the Margre Durham walk for the animals, and your family pet can come too! This family-friendly race is the largest annual fundraiser for the Nebraska Humane Society and benefits pets in need of a good home.
OCTOBER
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Date: October 7, 2018
Distance: One-mile and three-mile routes at 9 am
Location: 2425 South 67th Street, Omaha
Do your part in the battle against breast cancer by participating in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! The iconic race typically draws breast cancer survivors, supporters and those racing in honor of loved ones, but everyone is welcome. It is the largest and most successful fundraising event benefiting breast cancer in history, and marks its 25th anniversary in 2018. 100% of the proceeds will benefit local breast health programs and support for those facing breast cancer. Be sure to wear pink!
Nebraska Furniture Mart 5K Halloween Run and Kids Run
Date: October 21, 2018
Distance: Kids fun run and 5K
Location: 700 South 72nd Street, Omaha
Don’t forget to come in costume to participate in this festive Halloween 5K and kids fun run! There will be awards for the top three runners as well as prizes for the best costume, scariest costume and funniest costume. The price is $30 per adult and just $10 for kids ages 13 and under, and all proceeds will benefit the Omaha Children’s Hospital.
Skyline Ranch Cross Country Runs
Date: October 26, 2018
Distance: 5K, 10K, half marathon and kids’ run
Location: Skyline Ranches Park, Elkhorn
The Skyline Ranch Cross Country Runs (put on by the Greater Omaha Trail Runnerz) are highly anticipated by trail runners year round! The course traverses beautiful forested areas, magnificent horse ranches, challenging hills and long, fast flats for a race experience that keeps you on your toes. If you’re with the family, make sure to check out the Cowpoke Kids’ Run, which will start after the other races at 10:30 am!
NOVEMBER
The Lil’ Gobber Trot at Feast and Feathers
Date: November 22, 2018
Distance: Kids’ run, 5K, 10K or Half Marathon
Location: Glenn Cunningham Lake, Omaha
Photo courtesy of Sarah Rae Photography via Feast & Feathers
Bring your little turkey along to participate in this Thanksgiving Day race! Kids will love to participate in the Lil’ Gobbler Trot (a TK), or if they’re older, they can join the adults in the 5K, 10K or half marathon! All proceeds will benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland. Since the race’s inception in 2012, Feast and Feathers has donated more than 11,000 pounds of food to people in need. Register here to be part of it.
DECEMBER
The Jingle Bell Run
Date: December 8, 2018
Distance: 5K, 10K
Location: Strategic Air Command & Space Museum
Tie bells to your shoelaces, dress up in your holiday best and join the fight against arthritis at this family-friendly race! The Jingle Bell Run is the longest-running holiday-themed race in the area and will take place at the Strategic Air & Space Museum. The race will feature a timed 5K and 10K, a reindeer dash for kids and an untimed 5K, and all proceeds will benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Click here to register!
The Holiday Lights Fun Run
Date: December 9, 2018
Distance: 4 miles
Location: 10th and Harney Streets, Omaha
Hot chocolate and cookies should be enough to bribe your kids to join you in this race, right? This 4 mile fun run is the best way to view the holiday lights in downtown Omaha! Runners are encouraged to bring friends and family and wear their best ugly sweaters or holiday attire to celebrate, and everyone gets a sweet reward at the finish line.
Ready, set, go!
Are you participating in any races over the next few months? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!