Top Spring 2015 Races In South Florida

When spring is here, the air is crisp and dry, the sky is blue and it is the perfect time for the working professionals of South Florida to stop the weekly routine and breathe. A 5K race sounds exhausting but many of the racing events in the spring in South Florida are run/walks which means even the most novice of competitors can race without having to run for the hospital. A 5K race can also be trained for but the experience alone can be invigorating. Races are run to fundraise for worthwhile causes. There are experts and novice runners who come together in union and leave as friends, exchanging emails or social media friend requests.

Carnaval Miami Run/Walk

Beacon Blvd & 8th St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 644-8888
www.carnavalmiami.com

Date: March 1, 2015

Proceeds of the race benefit the Children's Caring Cancer Center and the race is open to all participants. For those competing in the 8K, there will be awards given to the overall male and female winners along with the top three in the category. The 5K category winners will receive an official time along with awards. There will be a kiddie run from 100-800 feet for children two to 10 years old and everyone gets Spanish rice with chicken (arroz con pollo) upon finishing the race with salsa music to keep the blood pumping.

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run 5K

301 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 666-7223
www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com

Date: April 23, 2015

Bragging rights are up for grabs in the Mercedes-Benz Corporate run where teams compete, not individuals. Teams could be comprised of four full-time males, four full-time female or a combo team of two males and two females. Run through the streets of downtown Miami and take the day in with numerous sponsors and tents with wonderful information available along with food and drink.

Junior League Riverwalk Run

32 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 462-1350
www.riverwalkrun.com

Date: April 11, 2015

The Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale puts together a great event which features a five-mile run, a 5K fitness run/walk and a 1K kids run. It's set in the heart of Downtown Ft. Lauderdale on the beautiful Las Olas Blvd. The proceeds benefit programs that the Junior League runs such as Childhood Fitness, Nutrition-Kids in the Kitchen and Healthfully Ever After. View all the beauty of Ft. Lauderdale such as the Rio Vista Neighborhood, the bricked path of the Riverwalk, the New River and the famous system of canals which give Ft. Lauderdale the title of "Venice of America".

Related: Top Running Clubs In South Florida

(Source: cityofdoral.com)

Doral 5K

5300 N.W. 102nd Ave.
Doral, FL 33178
(305) 593-6600
www.cityofdoral.com

Date: April 25, 2015

Participants can watch the sunrise at beautiful Morgan Levy Park in Doral before running west through the city to loop back around to the park in this 5K. Awards are given to the top three male and female participants and the racers can get ranked in their age group with official times. Kids also can join in (as young as three) to race alongside their parents, take pictures and enjoy the day. The palm trees, the green grass and the covered pavilions can convince anyone to stay around after the race to picnic with friends and play soccer, basketball or tennis to finish out the day.

Greater Ft. Lauderdale Undy Run/Walk

401 S. Powerline Road
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(954) 357-5100
www.ccalliance.org

Date: May 16, 2015

The Colon Cancer Alliance promotes this great event where participants are encouraged to run in their boxers or even undies to highlight awareness of one of the top three cancer killers--colon cancer. The aim of the fundraising is to increase screening, treatments and remove barriers to treatment. There is a 5K and a one-mile untimed fun walk for participants. There will be medals given for the top winners in each category and medals will be given to the top finishers in each age group.

Related: Top Spots For A Fun Run

Eric L Labrador is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. His work can be found on Examiner.com.