Top 10 fun races to run

Circling around the block can get dull, not to mention not very effective once your body adjusts to the routine. So why don’t you try running through mud, or in heels, or maybe sprint through the streets while having paint chucked at you? Sound interesting? Well, we did a little research and rounded up the Top 10 fun races to run. Check them out!

High Heel Race

Ever complained about a night out in your new pumps? Well, try running 80 meters in them! Guys and gals are both welcome to participate in this dash, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The top five winners will be inspected to make sure their heels stand at least 2.75 inches tall, so no cheating by wearing those short grandma shoes! Proceeds go to Grand Stand Humane Society. See more at Run Myrtle Beach where you can also learn about their half marathon, 5k and Doggie Dash.

Color Run

Around the country, cities have been colored by the annual Color Run. Sprinters and walkers (no discrimination) start in designated white tee-shirts and are prepared to be sprinkled with bursts of colors as they run through their city. But be weary, "It was really fun, but to be honest it should be renamed the Instagram Run...because its all about the pictures!” said Andrea Lauren, a participant in this years NYC Color Run. So bring your camera and a bunch of your friends next year and look out for a run in a city near you.

Merrell Down and Dirty

“Well I'm not really a runner and I love to exercise,” said Kara Moss, who’s running in this years upcoming Merrell Down and Dirty Race, “The mud run’s obstacles bring it to a whole other level of excitement… it provide(s) such motivation to go further and be pushed harder. “ If you’re in the mood to G.I. Jane yourself, then this boot camp-style race may be what you need, “It requires a completely different level of fitness and makes you use your whole body as opposed to just your legs.” Proceeds benefit Operation Gratitude, a charity that sends care packages to military troops abroad.

Warrior Dash

If the name doesn’t intimidate you, the obstacles might. This elaborate age-dividing race will have you trudging through mud and testing your limits .“It was great. So much better than a regular 5K because there were obstacles that broke up the running and made you feel like even if you're not the best runner you can still do well,” said Tim Blaise, a former Warrior. Find a race near you on the Warrior Dash website.

Tribal Run

Yes, we all know you’ve been dying to rock the Mel Gibson face paint from The Patriot, so here’s your chance. Run from sunset to sunrise in this native 5k race that allows you to “fly” through the night trails. You and your "tribe" will pass off your tribal necklace like a relay baton while running continuous 5k relay legs all through the night. The only rule of Tribal Run? Each tribe member must run at least one leg of the race. Otherwise, just keep running!

Disney Races

When it comes to Disney races, we couldn't choose just one! Whether you settle on the Expedition Everest Challenge, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-miler, the women-only Princess Half Marathon or any of the other Disney-fied runs, you're sure to have a blast. This January marks the 20th anniversary of these events, which gives you plenty of time to log onto their website and choose the most magical race for you.

None of these are tickling your fancy? Here are 5 more kooky runs you might want to check out!>>

Leadville Boom Days Pack Burro Race

Think trail racing is hard? Try racing with a pack burro! Yes, a donkey. And no, you don't get to ride it along the trail - you literally run alongside the pack burro throughout this 22 mile race.

Merrell Oyster Adventure Races

Knowing where you're going on a run is really overrated. When you race in these urban adventures, the entire course is a mystery! Just follow the clues, participate in goofy side-events and see how it all shakes out in the end.

Chicago Glo Run

Tired of all the early morning runs? This race is one for the nightowl! Starting after 9:00 pm, you'll race through the city streets at night, all decked out in glow in the dark swag!

7 campus scramble

The 7 campus scramble may be geared toward college students in the Greensboro, NC area, but it's perfect for anyone who loves breakfast and loves to run. This fun race includes four kooky breakfast-themed obstacles along the way, and you can choose to race as an individual or a team.

Rugged Maniac 5k

Looking for an obstacle race that's a step up from the Warrior Dash? Check out the Runner Maniac 5k. The race's 20 obstacles are nuts and will challenge even the most dedicated adventure runner, but the 5k distance remains manageable for beginner runners.

Tell us in the comments -- what races did we miss?

Header image credit: canihazit, http://www.flickr.com/photos/canihazit/7861786018/sizes/z/