Endurance Events to Do in 2014

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The new year is the perfect time to start thinking about what endurance events you want to try. We've combed through the hundreds of triathlons, marathons and century rides for you and picked some events that are sure to make your 2014 a memorable one.
2014 Stagecoach Century
Ocotillo, California - January 18, 2014
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Kick off the year with a century ride along the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849. The 100-mile ride begins 80 miles east of San Diego and then winds north over several desert passes before the turnaround point. The best part? Riders will only encounter two stop signs on this out-and-back route.
Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - February 16, 2014
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The fast, flat course is along coastal road A1A, giving runners views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beach all the way to the finish line at South Beach Park. Endurance athletes looking for a shorter race can opt for the half marathon.
Ironman Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico - March 30, 2014
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Swim in the Sea of Cortez, bike on a new faster and flatter course tucked between water with 90 percent visibility and desert mountains, and then run by a number of signature places including the hotels zones, downtown main plaza and Puerto Los Cabos.
2014 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
Louisville, Kentucky - April 19, 2014
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This Boston qualifier has grown from a small local road race into one of the largest events in Kentucky. The course, which starts and ends in downtown Louisville, takes runners through Iroquois Park and historic Churchill Downs.
EX2 Adventures: 9 Hours of Cranky Monkey Mountain Bike Relay
Flintstone, Maryland - May 3, 2014
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Race solo or join a team for this mountain bike challenge. Participants will ride as many 9-mile laps as they can in nine hours (three hours if you're riding solo) through the trail network in Rocky Gap State Park. Racers are encouraged to camp in the park next to two gorgeous beaches, or stay at the on-site lodge or a nearby bed and breakfast.
2014 Michelob ULTRA Chicago 13.1 Marathon
Chicago, Illinois - June 7, 2014
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This half marathon is designed for all levels—even walkers. The course, which starts and finishes at South Shore Cultural Center, will remain open for 3 hours and 30 minutes, which is a 16-minute mile pace.
2014 Full Vineman
Guerneville/Windsor, California - July 26, 2014
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This classic long-distance triathlon is celebrating its 25th year. The race begins with a swim down the Russian River and then takes racers on a bike tour of Sonoma County's vineyards and wineries through the Russian River Dry Creek, Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill grape growing regions. The race ends with a three-loop run along scenic, spectator-filled roads.
Fitathlon Challenge
Various Locations and Dates
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Want to test your fitness level? The Fitathlon is not typical mud run or obstacle course. It's a fitness challenge designed to test your speed and agility, strength, endurance and balance and core strength.
Ironman Canada
Whistler, British Columbia - July 27, 2014
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The 112-mile bike course is considerably difficult, exploring areas used in the 2010 Winter Olympics and showcasing stunning mountain peaks along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The race concludes at the Whistler Olympic Plaza, the finish of a scenic day.
2014-X100 The Ultimate Mountain Bike Xventure
Traverse City, Michigan - August 23, 2014
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This 100-mile race takes riders on a twisting single track that winds in and out of county gravel roads through deep woods and over steep hills. Not sure you're up for the challenging 100 miler? There are 50-mile, 20-mile and 10-mile course options as well.
Ironman 70.3 Foz do Iguacu
Itaipu Hydroelectric, Brazil - August 30, 2014
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How's this for an attraction—this race is the first of its kind to take place in two countries. The entire race is within the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, which straddles the border of Brazil and Paraguay. Foz do Iguacu is a huge tourist destination, in part because of the magnificent Iguacu Falls.
Trailapalooza Running Festival 2014
Penn Runn, Pennsylvania - September 27, 2014
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This fall running festival features a short, intermediate and advanced course with distance ranging between 3.5 and 10.5 miles in and around Yellow Creek State Park. The trails aren't the only attraction. The festival will feature food, live music, arts and crafts, kids games, a sailboat race and free kayak tours.
2014 Palm Beaches Marathon and Run Fest
West Palm Beach, Florida - December 6-8, 2014
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When the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling in much of the United States, why not head south to run in a warmer locale? This event offers a distance for everyone from a marathon and a half marathon to a waterfront 5K and 10K. Every one of the races, which all start and finish at Waterfront Commons in downtown West Palm Beach, bring runners along the water.
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