The Most Epic New Year’s Races

Written by
Erica Schuckies
Listen, while your friends suffer through New Year's Day with splitting headaches caused by cheap champagne, you could be the champion of health. Commit to a New Year's Eve or New Year's Day race and conquer January 1, 2019 with a new PR! Here are some races that'll inspire you to be your best this year.
Stamp Out Poverty 5K Run/Walk
December 28, 2019 in Atlanta
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Start out your year by both feeling good and doing good. Held at Atlanta's Piedmont Park, proceeds of this 5K run and walk will go to the Charity Benevolent Fund to Stamp Out Poverty in Georgia's capital city. The organization provides hygiene kits and clothing to homeless and needy individuals in the area.
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Hair of the Dog 5K Run/Walk
January 1, 2020 in Williamsburg, Virginia
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This isn't just a race for people—dogs are welcome and encouraged at this 5K run and walk in this small Colorado mountain town. If the fresh air and exercise doesn't cure your New Year's Eve hangover, runners can hit the E-Town Restaurant, close by the race finish line, for some actual hair of the dog. And the race doesn't start until 11 a.m., so you can get a decent amount of recovery sleep beforehand.
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Ring in New Years Trail Races
January 1, 2020 in Fort Mill, South Carolina
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Go off-road on the first day of 2020 at this 16K and 4-mile trail race on the northern edge of South Carolina. The technical, looped course takes runners over roots, rocks and stream--and provides a good chance to run through the snow. The 4-mile course is recommended for first-time trail racers, while the 16K provides a tougher challenge for the more experienced runner. With a later start time of 10 a.m., you can sleep off a bit of that New Year's Eve partying.
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Rio Grill's Resolution Run
January 1, 2020 in Carmel, California
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Participants of all levels are welcome at this 10K and 5K race, featuring stunning views of trails and water vistas along the course. Post-race activities include a prize drawing, award ceremony and brunch prepared by Rio Grill and Kiwanis of Monterey. Each year, this New Year's Day event benefits a different local non-profit and this year, event organizers have chosen Coastal Kids Home Care as their charity partner.
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The New Year's Duathlon and 5K Run
January 4, 2020 in Granite Bay, California
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Want to mix up your running routine? Why not jump on the bike in the middle of a long run? This duathlon (run-bike-run) event features a 6.5-mile bike flanked on both sides by a 2-mile run. The course is inside Folsom Lake State Park on a mix of granite paths, single-track trails and pavement. Rather stick to running? The 5K course offers views of wildflowers and Folsom Lake as you cruise through a Northern California oak forest.
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