Time to put your New Year’s resolution to get fit into action! There are lots of 5K and 10k walks and runs taking place in Tempe this spring that will help you get fit while also supporting some great organizations. Here’s a list of a few of my favorites in Tempe and Papago Park.

13th Annual Walk the Fight & Run – February 8, 2020 – Tempe Beach Park
This year, hit the road to once again to Walk the Fight/Run the Distance for Parkinson’s! Parkinson’s disease impacts every aspect of someone’s life and is about much more than medicine. To achieve the best quality of life, people need to be engaged in exercise, be engaged in mindful activities, engaged with each other and their community…and having fun! Your support for this event is crucial and will have a lasting impact on the Parkinson’s community in Arizona. The 5 K Walk/Run starts at 8:00 a.m.

AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run – February 22, 2020 – Tempe Beach Park
AIDS Walk Arizona & 5K Run is the largest gathering in Arizona to support people living with HIV and raise community awareness. AIDS Walk Arizona is proud to move to its new home at Tempe Beach Park. The event is family-friendly and features Paws for the Cause – the dog-friendly portion of the walk, and Kids for the Cause where we invite kids of all ages to get involved and fundraise! Other highlights include entertainment, food trucks, vendors and resources. All proceeds benefit community partner agencies in greater Phoenix that provide critical HIV services. The 5K run starts at 5:00 p.m. and the walk is at 6:00 p.m.

The Hope Run Supporting Education – March 8, 2020 – Kiwanis Park
Join us for the 7th Annual Hope Run event supporting education for children living in our community and around the world. According to UNICEF more than 50 million children are out of school today and there is a good chance most of them may never enter a class room. No matter what your run/walk speed is, join us for the event. Event will include Superhero 1 mile kids run and STEM-robotics education expo from local robotics teams, schools and businesses. All proceeds from our event support US based non-profits working for children. Invite your friends, form a team & donate to your favorite charity. The 10K Run/Walk Begins at 7:30 a.m.

Zoo Move & Groove 5K Run/Walk – March 7, 2020 – Phoenix Zoo
Join the Phoenix Zoo for a day of moving and grooving for the animals! Don your favorite animal attire and take part in the 5k walk/run, one mile leisure loop or kids dash on Saturday, March 9, at nearby Papago Park. The Zoo Move and Groove starts at 7 a.m. and includes all-day Zoo admission, T-shirt and post-walk refreshments. And don’t miss the Zoo Move and Groove Festival, starting immediately following the race. The fitness focused festival, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes a Bounce Boot Camp, dance party, Zoo-robics, animal yoga, Zoo-mba, and more! This walk is stroller friendly, but no pets please. All proceeds benefit the Phoenix Zoo.

8th Annual Run For World Water – March 14, 2020 – Kiwanis Park
Give meaning to your miles by running in the 8th Annual Run for World Water 5K and helping Water for People reduce water poverty in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, Central and South America. The Run for World Water 5K is a USATF certified course professionally timed by StartLine. Immediately following the 5K start will be a 1K walk around the lake, followed by a Kid’s Lollipop Run (50 yard dash). There will be fun for the whole family with a DJ, face painting, kids’ inflatables, and snacks! T-shirt and goodie bags will be provided for all 5K and 1K registrants while supplies last. Runners will have a choice between a t-shirt or tank top. All proceeds from the race will benefit Water For People. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.

DC Wonder Woman Run – March 22, 2020 – Tempe Beach Park
Put on your cape and join your fellow superheroes when you run or walk the Inaugural DC Wonder Woman 5K, 10K or Half Marathon! Experience heroic race course entertainment, earn the stunning Inaugural DC Wonder Woman finisher’s medal and celebrate with your fellow superheroes at the post-race party! Race registration includes: Race Kit, DC Wonder Woman Run finisher’s medal, commemorative race bib and chip timing, professional race photos, and a heroic race course experience and post-race party! The 5K and 10K races start at 9:00 a.m.

Brain Injusry Alliance of Arizona Run, Walk and Roll 10K/5K/1 Mile – March 22, 2020 – Kiwanis Park
Come join the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona for the 2nd Annual Run, Walk and Roll 10K – 5K – 1 Mile event on March 30th! This event will be hosted at Kiwanis Park in Tempe and will feature a 10K and 5K run along with a 1 mile fun walk! Proceeds benefit the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ). This event will hopefully create awareness around brain injury survivors and caregivers, in addition to raising funds to assist with support groups and recreation events. Each participant receives a custom event medal and a custom event dri-fit tech t-shirt. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.

13th Annual Laura’s Run 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, and Doggie Trot – April 4, 2020 – Kiwanis Park
Laura’s Run features a 10K & 5K Run, 1 Mile Run/Walk, Doggie Trot, and Kids’ Dash. The event concludes with a silent auction, music, refreshments, and fun for the WHOLE family. The first “Laura’s Run” was held in 2007.  It was organized by Laura’s family and friends as a celebration of her remarkable spirit.  Everyone agreed that it was a fun day of shared remembrances and family-friendly events.  The recurring question was, “Are we going to do this again next year?”  The answer was “Yes!”  So began the annual “Laura’s Run”, proceeds from which support the lung transplant program at the Norton Thoracic Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Each participant receives a custom event medal and a custom event dri-fit tech t-shirt. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.

Pat’s Run – April 18, 2020 – ASU Sun Devil Stadium
Run or walk Pat’s Run on Saturday, April 27 to honor Pat’s legacy while raising important funds to support the programs created to pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service. Pat’s Run features a 4.2 mile run/walk, a .42 mile Kids Run for children 12 and under and a Finish Line Expo. The 4.2 mile course winds through the streets of Tempe, symbolic of the #42 jersey that Pat wore while he was a Sun Devil, and finishes on the 42 yard line at ASU Sun Devil Stadium. Participants will receive a race shirt and a collector series medal for all 4.2 Mile finishers. Across the finish line, enjoy the post-race party with beer and music. Proceeds from Pat’s Run directly support the Tillman Military Scholars program. Pat’s Run starts at 7:05 a.m. The Kids Run starts at 10:00 a.m. The Expo and Kids Corner will open at 6:00 a.m.

Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis – April 26, 2020 – Tempe Center for the Arts
Great Strides 5K Walk provides a fantastic opportunity for family, friends, students, and colleagues to come together and make a difference in the lives of people with Cystic Fibrosis. The event harnesses the power of people with a shared vision and encourages collaboration, team building, and leadership, as we collectively take steps to find a cure. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds. Your support will help accelerate innovative research and drug development, as well as advance care and advocacy. Check-in is at 7:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 8:00 a.m.

If you know of a race in Tempe that I didn’t mention here, please let me know and I will add it to the list!