RACING HEARTS : ST. VALENTINE'S DAY PLANS

Shoelace heart. Taken by PKSenagore February 13, 2017. All rights reserved.

LOOKING FOR A ST. VALENTINES DAY 5K RACE? Last year, on and just before Valentine’s Day, there were two online items posted that provided race information on many very fun and unique events across the US.
 
“Most Loved Valentine’s Day 5ks” as judged in February 2017 by ATHLinks.com, and “6 Valentines-Themed Races You’ll Love” by RunnersWorld.com, complied lists of wonderful opportunities to brighten up late winter with organized competition.  One event was purely an obstacle course race but the others involved running and walking various distances. 
 
The articles identify 2017 dates, but the list below, updated from the articles, includes 2018 information.  It may be too late to travel a great distance to participate in 2018, but it’s not too early to look ahead to 2019. Likely there are nearby events to enjoy this February.
 
Local running specialty stores’ websites often will post races on an “events” page. Or search the USATF Calendar https://www.usatf.org/calendars/
 
2018 Dates “Most Loved Valentine’s Day 5Ks” ATHLink.com
 
Be My Valentine Cupcake 5K/Walk; Feb 10
Indianapolis IN;
Notes: Dogs and strollers permitted; fleece blanket instead of a t-shirt
http://fun-races.com/valentine/
 
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Puppy Love 5k Run/walk; March 18
San Diego CA
Notes: Dogs and family friendly; strollers permitted;
https://animalcenter.org/events/puppylove
 
A Fine Valentine Relay 4 Mile and 2 Mile; Feb 18
Tucson AZ
Team of 2 or individual (4 miles) or individual jog/walk (2 miles)
http://www.azroadrunners.org/races/detail/valentine
 
Cupids Undie Run, 1Miler, by Cupid’s Charity; 30 cities, most on Feb 10, some Feb 17, 24
Notes: “No pants, no problem”; charity race supporting neurofibromatosis research, funds go to Children’s Tumor Foundation
https://cupids.org
 
Bradford Valentine Road Race 5 Miles and 6K; Feb 9
Bradford MA
Notes: individuals or couples; male/female; husband/wife, mother/son, father/daughter
http://www.valentinerace.com
 
Red Flannel Run, 3 Mile and 5 Mile; Feb 10
Des Moines IA
Notes: wearing red flannel is encouraged by prizes; several categories, including dogs
https://www.dmymca.org/y-programs/health-well-being-and-fitness/red-flannel-run/
 
Love on the Run 5k Walk/Run; Feb 10
Jarvisburg NC
Notes: 2nd year of this trail run “through the vineyard and under the trees”
https://www.athlinks.com/event/187159?_ga=2.153813432.1027436042.1516288781-1434508559.1516288781
 
My Muddy Valentine Obstacle Race: 5K adults and 1.1 mile kids; Feb 10
Tualatin OR
http://terrapinevents.com/event/my-muddy-valentine-5k-mud-run-portland-oregon/
 
Le Cours del’Amour 5k/10k; Feb 10
Denver CO
Notes: There’s a .25-mile course run for “very little ones”, 1K for older kids; a Daily Double award (1K + 5 or 10 K) too.
http://featonthestreet.com/events/le-cours-de-lamour-5k-10k/
 
2018 Dates “6 Valentines-Themed Races You’ll Love” by RunnersWorld.com,
 
Feel the Love 5K; Feb 10
Bryn Mawr PA
Notes: 4 couples award categories; register as a couple and you’ll run in opposite directions, passing each other frequently. Times are combined. Individuals can be paired up with another solo runner upon request.
http://brynmawrrunningco.com/bmrc-race-flt/
 
Be My Valentine 5K Run/Walk; Feb 10
San Antonio TX
Notes; Order t-shirts “I’m taken”, or “I’m single” at early registration by February 1; day of packet pickup can exchange or pick up “It’s complicated” t-shirts
http://huaracheturbo.com/event_valentine_run.php
 
Love’ Em or Leave ‘Em 5k; Feb 11
Seattle WA
Notes: Bibs allow you to checkoff,  “Taken”, or “Single” or “It’s complicated”  
http://promotionevents.com/valentines/index.htm
 
Run Your Heart Out 5K; Feb 11
Fairfax Corner VA
Notes: many, many couples categories offered including BFFs, co-dependents, boyfriend/girlfriend, and family member combinations
http://www.prraces.com/runyourheartout/race-info/
  
Earned Runs bibs are perfect for occasions in which there's no affordable or convenient organized event to join.  Partners, couples, family members, office workers, or friends can pin on bibs and walk or run together, whenever and wherever!

Plan to make this Valentine's Day an active holiday. Complete your personal event and head out to celebrate immediately, or after cleaning up.  Crowds are fun, but this day in particular can be enjoyed with one or a few other special people.   

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!
 
https://blog.athlinks.com/2017/02/14/best-valentines-day-races/
 
https://www.runnersworld.com/races/6-valentines-themed-races-youll-love