Four Party Races You Need to Run

Nathan Freeburg March 11, 2022 5K, 5k race review, Party Races

There’s an invasion. Large, themed races touring the country. They create elaborate running events, more entertainment then competition. Some aren’t even timed! When party trumps performance, have we lost sight of what really matters?

No. Don’t be dumb.

Party races encourage non-runners to train for and run perhaps their first 5k. Recently, I encouraged a group of college students I work with to run one of these. 10, mostly non-runners, wanted to be part of something epic and fun. Running together was the deciding factor for many. Peer pressure at its finest.

I discovered four color & light touring party 5k’s taking place in the Twin Cities. These four races may not only be a welcome change of pace for your own training, but also a way to get your non-running friends to join you.

The Rave Run - 5/10/2021

The Rave Run is a un-timed, night 5K where “runners, artists and insomniacs unite.” There are stunning light displays, fast paced electronica music, and an overabundance of bright lights. Participants get a t-shirt, LED bracelet, glow glasses, and glow necklace. There’s also an unforgettable after party.

Visiting 13 cities, the Rave Run Twin Cities will take place at Valley Fair. The race starts at 9:00 pm and proceeds go to benefit the Minnesota Adoption Network. Entry is $50, but currently there is a 50% off deal through Amazon Local. Signup now as this one is filling fast.

The Electric Run - 5/31/2013

The “Electric Run™ is a 5k run, a show, participation art, and celebration of life. Incredibly talented artists and lighting technicians with experience creating beautiful art and light at Coachella, Dreamworks Animations, and some of Vegas’ hottest shows have come together to create a world that will fill you with wonder.” Wow.

This tour runs through 28 cities. The Twin Cities course is at the Minnesota State Fair grounds. It begins at 9:10 pm and has a $50 entry fee. Get a special discount by using the code “MNRUNS” for 10% off your entry fee!

The Color Run - 7/14/2013

The self proclaimed “Happiest 5k on the Planet,” the Color Run is a paint race that celebrates “healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community.” This 5k, un-timed event douses participants head to toe in various colors at three points along the course. The finish line “Color Festival” uses more colored powder to create a sort of live art party.

This is the biggest tour, stopping in over 100 U.S. cities and five countries around the world. Also happening at the State Fair Grounds, participants are required to wear white t-shirts. The race has a staggered start between 8:30 am - 9:30 am. Entry fee is $40, but less if you build a team.

The Glo Run - 9/14/2013

The Glo Run course, features party lights, strobes, and multiple DJ’s rocking your jam. You will “experience the craziness of running a 5k course alive with exciting colors and effects jumping to on course DJs all while sporting glow in the dark shirt and swag.” You’ll receive glow necklaces, sun glasses and/or bracelets.

This tour is rocking 15 cities, and ours is around Mt Normandale Lake in Bloomington. Starting at 8:00 pm, the DJ begins promptly at 8:20 pm. Registration opens March 18, and looks to be about $40. Proceeds go to Way to Grow, an early childhood education non-profit in Minneapolis.