Find Your Fit: The Ten Best Fun Runs in Australia

The Athlete's Foot pride themselves on helping you find your fit, and if you haven't found a fun run that suits your exercise style yet, you're in luck — we're coming up to the major running event season for 2013.

While nothing like an actual marathon, fun runs range from the absolute crazy to the absolute gruelling. Whether you're in costume, taking a stroll, or crawling through mud, some things remain the same: it's a great way to get fit, socialise, and have some fun.

If you're planning to do one or more of these, make sure you've got the right shoes to tackle all the obstacles. The folks at The Athlete's Foot pride themselves on excellent service and really know what shoes you need. Drop into one of their 130 stores nationwide or shop online. They have footwear solutions for muddy runs and colour runs, and they know all about the shoe technologies to keep you ahead of zombies, Spartans, and more.

1. The Zombie Escape Survival Challenge

One of the most inventive fun runs around, and in keeping with the current zombie fad, the Zombie Run pits runners against zombies. Runners must brave various obstacles while pursued by 'zombies', who have professional make-up applied before being let loose to go after the runners' brains. The organisers' recommendation for preparation is "Run. Watch zombie movies. Run some more." Spectator tickets are available for those who wish to purely watch the action.

When and where: 13 April (Brisbane, Gold Coast), 13 May (Sydney), 13 June (Melbourne, Perth)
Length: 5km
Cost: TBC, pre-register here.

2. Cupid's Undie Run

Purported as putting "the hilarity back into charity", the Cupid's Undie Run tells hopefuls to leave their Sunday best at home and don nothing but their underwear. Participants raise money for the Children's Tumour Foundation of Australia, an organisation dedicated to fighting neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder which can cause deafness, blindness, cancer, and chronic pain. Runners are rewarded for their good deeds with prizes, post-race entertainment, drinks, and awards. Get in the spirit with some cool red, pink, or purple Nike Frees — flexible footwear in great colours for the run.

When and where: The weekend before Valentine’s Day at Bungalow 8 and the Barangaroo Foreshore Walk, Sydney
Length: 1.5km
Cost: $30

3. The Color Run

The Color Run certainly puts the fun into the run. Decked out in white shirts, runners are blasted by volunteers, staff, and sponsors with a new colour each kilometre: pink, orange, yellow, blue, then a mishmash of colours for the final stretch. Stick around at the finish line for more colour, food, and activities. Participants are encouraged to raise money for charity; the Color Run has a different charity partner for each city. The run in Sydney supports HeartKids Australia, which provides support to children with heart disease and their families.

When and where: 10 February (Sydney) at Sydney Olympic Park, with other capital cities throughout the year
Length: 5km
Cost: $55 (solo) or $50 (4+ group)

4. Tough Mudder

The Tough Mudder run means taking a cup of tough with a spoonful of humour. Designed by British Special Forces, the run is an obstacle course which tests strength, endurance, and solidarity but is more enjoyable than a marathon. 'Mudders' work in teams, with the option of wearing outrageous team costumes, and are greeted at the end with live music, beer, and good cheer. A season pass is available for entry to all Australian events, including those already sold out.

When and where: 13 & 14 April (Sydney), 17 & 18 August (Sunshine Coast), 14 & 15 September (Melbourne), 12 & 13 October (Sydney) or 26 & 27 October (Perth)
Length: 18–20km
Cost: $80-$180

5. Spartan Race

The Spartan Race is no joke. In a bid to transport participants back to ancient times, the race, a little sibling of the Spartan Death Race, is set on harsh terrain with obstacles of fire, water, mud, and barbed wire. The first races in the season are 'Sprints' of 7km, which progress to 'Super' of 14km and 'Beast' of 21km. People can fly solo or register as a team, and the Spartan Kids race allows children to experience some of the challenges. The race is followed by food, drink, and stalls.

When and where: 2 March (Melbourne), 16 March (Sydney) and 22 June (Brisbane)
Length: 7km (Sydney, Melbourne) or 14km (Brisbane)
Cost: $85-$95

6. Mother's Day Classic - Sponsored by The Athlete's Foot

Kill two birds with one stone by getting fit and raising money for breast cancer research. People can choose to run or walk the easy Mother's Day Classic course, which has a 4km or an 8km version. If you are one of the fastest, or have the largest school team, corporate team, or friends and family team, you could score a trophy. It's a perfect day out for the family, with entertainment, food vendors, and kids’ activities, such as face painting and jumping castles, on site. Participants can be sponsored for their run or walk by setting up an online fundraising page.

The Athlete's Foot is one of the major sponsors of this event, and you should look out for their stand after you complete the race to score awesomely rewarding treats (like their 'I did it!' medals last year). Make sure you get fitted properly for your training in your nearest store, and join them on Facebook — we hear rumours they are giving away lots of tickets for free, plus training tips, training nights, and more very soon.

When and where: Mother's Day, 12 May, at The Domain, Sydney (other capital cities and regional areas also hold events)
Length: 4km or 8km
Cost: $20-$50, with special prices for families

7. True Grit

If you’re looking for minefields, 4 metre high cargo nets, rivers of fire, and crisscrossing routes, True Grit is for you. The term 'fun run' is used loosely for True Grit; with over 30 obstacles in each military-style event specially designed by Australian Special Forces, it is not for the faint-hearted. Two training programs assist participants in their preparation, as well as improving fitness and body strength. Their promotional videos will either entice you or scare you away from the challenge.

When and where: 11 & 12 May (Adelaide), with other capital cities to be announced soon. Pre-register here.
Length: 10–12km
Cost: $70-$120

8. Greatest Athlete

The Greatest Athlete Challenge is much more than a fun run: participants compete for the chance to appear on the Greatest Athlete TV Series which will appear on the Nine Network from September 2013. The challenge is an obstacle course with 16 obstacle stations, ranging from easy to advanced. The top 50 men and women win a place on the TV series, where they will battle against each other and well-known sporting legends for $200,000 in cash and prizes. TV-shy athletes can take the 'Adventure Challenge', a modified, non-TV version of the course.

When and where: 18 May (Gold Coast, Brisbane), 25 May (Sydney), 1 June (Canberra), 8 June (Melbourne), 15 June (Adelaide), 29 June (Perth)
Length: 5km
Cost: $110 (Adventure), $145 (TV Series) or $350-$500 for a season pass

9. The Warrior Challenge

This is an obstacle course for people who don't mind getting dirty. Stretching over forest, bitumen, mountain terrain, mud, and snow, the Warrior Challenge organises tough challenges throughout the year, regardless of the seasons. The Samurai Challenge is coming up in March, with large mud pits, huge walls, cable climbs, commando crawls, a snow pit, and prizes for the winners. Accommodation and food packages are on offer, and there's no need to worry about the kids, who can be left to amuse themselves in a jumping castle.

When and where: 2 March at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Victoria
Length: 15km
Cost: $55 (early early bird), $69 (early bird) or $79 (regular admission)

10. The Great Tribal Chase

Working in tribes of two to six, people scour Sydney's streets for 'checkpoints' by solving riddles on their clue sheet. At each checkpoint, there are two activities to be completed, which might be a history question or a puzzle. Tribes raise money for Good Beginnings Australia, a charity that provides support to disadvantaged children and their parents. There are great prizes for those who solve the most puzzles and raise the most money.

When and where: 5 May at Sydney CBD and foreshore
Length: 4 hours
Cost: $24 (individual), $49 (family)

If you need some inspiration to start training, make sure you visit The Athlete’s Foot. We're also loving their latest Brooks Float or Feel range, in stores and online now.