Start Training Now: 2015 Races

If your New Year’s resolution involved an earnest (but vague) promise to get off the couch, then you might just need a little focus. Here are five fun 2015 races that you should start training for now. Pick one and go for it:

Cupid’s Undie Run: February 14
Cupid’s Undie Run is no ordinary 5k. Don your best bright pink and red undies to run in the cold weather and raise money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and Neurofibromatosis research. The run starts at Newport on the Levee and goes across the river near US Bank Arena. Thirty-eight cities participate in the run and more than $2.8 million was raised for the Children’s Tumor Foundation just last year alone. Activities begin at noon on racing day and the run starts at 2 p.m. at Arnie’s on the Levee. cupidsundierun.com

Mercy Heart Mini: March 15, 2015
The Mercy Heart Mini, one of the most popular Cincinnati races, comes back for its 38th race this spring to raise money for the American Heart Association. Around 25,000 runners and walkers participate in the race every year to fight heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular illnesses. The Mini offers many different races, including a 5k and a 15k, as well as Mini Morning Yoga and a 2k Kid’s Race, starting Saturday and lasting until Sunday afternoon. cincinnati.kintera.org/faf/home

Flying Pig Marathon: May 3, 2015
Cincinnati’s most popular race is back for its 17th run this year. The event is hosted by the nonprofit organization, Cincinnati Marathon, Inc., which also hosts the Christian Moerlein Beer Series and the Queen Bee Half Marathon. With sponsors such as P&G, Walmart, Sam’s, and many others, the event works to raise money for many charities including the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati, the American Lung Association, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and many more. The race hosts more than 36,000 participants and offers volunteer opportunities for those less inclined to race. The event gathers on Walnut Street near the Aronoff Center for the Arts. flyingpigmarathon.com