Racing season is upon us, so USA TODAY 10Best editors teamed up with a panel of experts to find the best races across the United States by selecting top nominees across six categories. Then, we asked readers to vote for their favorites — and the results are in.
Whether you’re just starting out with 5Ks, enjoy testing your mettle in triathlons, or like hitting the streets in road cycling events, there’s a race for you to add to your bucket list.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best 5K Race: Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K in Indianapolis, Indiana
Join thousands of other participants for the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K — Photo courtesy of Banayote Photography Inc.
The Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K race has you running a 3.1-mile course through downtown Indianapolis, and the event draws thousands of runners, walkers, joggers, and wheelchair participants each year. There’s live entertainment along the race route, as well as a fabulous post-race party, with live music, food, and plenty of celebrating.
Full list of winners: Best 5K Race »
Best Fun Run: San Diego Santa Run in San Diego, California
San Diego Santa Run wins Best Fun Run for second year in a row — Photo courtesy of 3PIXstudios
The San Diego Santa Run is a unique holiday celebration featuring a range of runs for all levels of participants. Dress up in your best — or worst — Christmas outfit to be a part of this unforgettable event. No Santa suit? No problem! All 5K runners receive a Sunny Santa Suit and Santa Run Sunglasses. Afterwards, catch the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade.
Full list of winners: Best Fun Run »
Best Half Marathon: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis, Indiana
For second consecutive year, OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon wins Best Half Marathon — Photo courtesy of Banayote Photography Inc.
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, also known as the Indy Mini, is a half-marathon that takes place annually in Indianapolis, Indiana. The course takes runners through downtown Indianapolis, past historic landmarks and famous sites like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
One of the largest half-marathons in the United States with around 35,000 runners each year, it is part of the larger 500 Festival of events leading up to the iconic Indianapolis 500 car race.
Full list of winners: Best Half Marathon »
Best Marathon: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon combines fun with competition in this unique marathon — Photo courtesy of Pig Works
The Flying Pig Marathon is loved by runners, and for good reason. It’s fun, with pig motifs used everywhere, from the “pig pen” corrals where different speed groups are segregated, to crossing the “finish swine” and attending the post-race party with pizza and beer.
The course is also super attractive, albeit hilly, running through the most diverse and scenic neighborhoods of Cincinnati and surrounding townships, and alongside the Ohio River. Finishers get medals and mylar blankets to go with all the post-pig party refreshments.
Full list of winners: Best Marathon »
Best Road Cycling Event: Hotter’N Hell Hundred in Wichita Falls, Texas
Be sure to hydrate as you take on the Hotter’N Hell Hundred — Photo courtesy of Richard Cleaver
Called “a Texas ‘ride’ of passage,” Hotter’N Hell Hundred is one of the oldest and largest bicycling events in the country. You might need to be a bit mad to take on the Endurance Ride, which lives up to its billing of “hell on wheels” by doing 100 miles in the often 100-degree August heat.
However, there are plenty of other perks to keep you sane, from a spaghetti dinner and breakfast buffet to a welcoming Finish Line Village where you can cool off.
Full list of winners: Best Road Cycling Event »
Best Sprint Triathlon: Chicago Triathlon in Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Triathlon is a great event for getting started with sprint triathlons — Photo courtesy of Michael Concialdi
The Chicago Triathlon is one of the world’s largest, as well as most accessible, with events for everyone of all ages and abilities. The sprint triathlon features a half-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run, taking in the heart of downtown Chicago, going up and down Lake Shore Drive, and culminating with a run through the museum campus to the Grant Park finish line.
Full list of winners: Best Sprint Triathlon »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more of our Readers’ Choice Awards contests.
