Themed races highlight benefits of running as a group
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 Last updated: Tuesday August 13, 2013, 8:22 AM
BY SAM PASSOW
SPECIAL TO THE RECORD
The Record
Running a race is often a solitary pursuit. But that has been changing, thanks to the popularity of themed races that sometimes feature obstacles. Groups of friends are making them into cardiovascular social events.
“It definitely seems to be the trend,” said Tim Styler of the Ridgewood Running Co. “It’s always been a semi-social activity but all those Tough Mudder-type of races brought about a new type of runner.”
Tough Mudder (a hardcore race through mud and over walls), Spartan Race (“the global leader in obstacle racing,” according to its website) and Rebel Race (a military-style weekend race with barricade-climbing, mud-crawling, rope-swinging and fire-jumping) is not your typical weekend warrior run. Just ask River Vale resident Julie Miller.
“Mud runs are the most fun,” said Miller, who likes to race with a group of 30-something friends. “You’re not really doing it for speed,” she said. “So you do it as a group activity and have a fun weekend.” A lot of the mud runs have parties afterwards with a band and beer, Miller said.
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