The returning runner…

Act 29 – My top funnest 5kish runs within striking distance of Reno, Nevada

For me, the best way to stay in top form is to race (a lot). The races in Reno are few and far between especially during the winter months. So, over the past couple of years I’ve hit a lot of races in the region. The following is my list of the funnest runs. These are not necessary the fastest courses and, in some cases, the distances aren’t what I would call “spot on” but they make up for it in route and attitude!

8 – Placerville Path 10k (also 5  and 15k), Placerville, CA, May 24, 2025 – The route for this race makes it a “winner”! Beautiful paved path with great views. The courses are out and back with some butt-kicking uphills going out. https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=117890

7 – Polio Purple Pinkie Trail Run (5 and 10k options), Reno, NV, May 17, 2025 – Local Reno race covering some of the most rugged portions of Rancho San Rafael Park. 2024 5k course was a touch short but still a fun route.  https://renopoliorun.com/

6 – Suvidha 5k, Folsom, CA, April 27, 2025 – Ok, the route wasn’t gorgeous, and the distance was a touch short, but this run raises $ for a great cause (underprivileged student support) and the race crew though inexperienced has a great attitude. Last year they had a guy with a punch trying to punch a hole in each runner’s number at the turn-around. It was an impossible effort with waves of runners arriving at the same time but they thought that they needed to do that to avoid cheaters. In frustration with losing time being pulled off to the side, I exclaimed “what the hell?!”. I felt so bad for cursing at the volunteer that I apologized later and ultimately had a great laugh with the race crew. https://suvidhainternational.org/5k

5 – Bartley Bunny Run 5k, Reno, NV, April 19, 2025 – Ok, going out on a limb on this one. Haven’t actually done this race as 2025 is their first year. But, it is in Reno and covers some of my favorite local running “turf” – Bartley Ranch and the connecting paths to the Anderson Park area. The course starts out on wide trails and finishes up with a more challenging narrower stretch which includes the view from the Windy Hill overlook. Besides a fun course, this run also benefits a great program. The AztecaFC youth running program focuses on both athletics and development of youths into great student-athletes. https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/Reno/BartleyBunnyRun  

4 – Pioneer Day 5k Fun Run, Meadow Vista, CA, June 1, 2025 – Great small town feel with this event which supports the Colfax High School Cross Country team! Fairly hill paved course but scenic with lots of trees. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/MeadowVista/PioneerDayFunRunMV

3 – Apple Hill 5k (also ½ marathon), Apple Hill, CA, November 17, 2024 (2025 date not set yet) – Ok, this is a pretty ginoromous event. In 2024, the 5k had 949 participants. You have to be doing things right to get that size of crowd for a 5k – great venue/course, plenty of restrooms, well-marked course, high-end swag (including very nice long-sleeved shirts), and, wait for it…, PIES for the age group winners!!! Yum… I gotta have my carbs ;O). https://www.applehillhalf.com/event-info

2 – Ninja Run, Reno, NV, April 13, 2025 – Local to Reno with mostly shaded paved path along the Truckee River in the Idlewild Park area. Pretty route and super-cool looking “Ninja” awards for winners! https://www.active.com/reno-nv/running/distance-running-races/8th-annual-ryan-volker-and-rose-scarpa-memorial-scholarship-5k-ninja-run-2025

1 - The BEST!! – Any of the many TBF racing events in the Folsom Lake area! Ok, these guys have a number of races in the 5k to 30k range plus biathlons and I’ve been taking particular advantage of the early and late-season racing opps. Great race organization with plenty of restrooms, well-marked and super-fun courses, ample age-group awards, and good food at the end! You can view both upcoming events and results at: https://totalbodyfitness.com/site/

Photo: A good laugh with the Suvidha 5k crew!