Skip to content
Join Life Time
bikers and a green road

Does anyone else peruse potential athletic events like they’re picking an entree from a restaurant menu? That one looks fun! That one looks risky! That one looks adventurous! Should you stick with the tried-and-true? Or go for something new?

That is exactly what I do in when I weigh my options for big athletic events.

I’m from Minnesota and my tried-and-true events are local road races. Until last year, I had never run anywhere else or taken on a new climate. But then I discovered the Miami Half Marathon, which happens every year in late January/early February. It was a chance to not only get outside my racing comfort zone, but also escape the freezing Minnesota winter. So, I signed up — and I both finished the race and enjoyed a little warm-weather getaway. (You can read about how my training for that went here!)

Signing up for an athletic event and having it on the calendar months in advance always motivates me to push hard. It allows me to prepare mentally and physically for the endurance needed to accomplish the task ahead of me.

If you’re reading this, maybe it’s a sign you’re ready to sign up for a new athletic challenge and start considering the menu of options. Haven’t traveled for a race before? Perhaps you start narrowing down potential races with a destination in mind. Have run a half marathon but not a full? Why not now?

Or maybe you’re an avid biker who’s ready to take on new distances and elevations. There’s a race for that!

We’ve compiled this guide to Life Time athletic events for 2024 to help you learn more about your options from some of the experts who know them best. As a fellow racer, my hunch is you might just be inspired to put one of them on your calendar. (Psst: If you’re a Life Time member, you also get early access to registrations.)

Tropical 5K trophies

Tropical 5K, Miami Half Marathon, and Miami Marathon

When: January 27–28, 2024

Where: Miami, Fla.

How to Register: Registration for the Tropical 5K is now open. Register here. Registration for the Miami Half Marathon and Miami Marathon is sold out, but you can join the waitlist here.

This weekend of events caters to a field of some 21,000 runners from all over the world. The Tropical 5K is on Saturday morning, while the Miami Marathon and Half are both on Sunday.

The 5K course runs along Miami Beach, which is also part of the course for the full and half marathons, which weave through the city of Miami and begin and end in the downtown metropolitan area.

“These races are known for their scenic, turquoise waterfront views, flat roads — which are great for setting a personal record — international flair, and high energy,” says Nicole Bostick, associate marketing director with Life Time. “Additionally, these events are a great way for runners to escape cold winter temperatures where they may live and turn a race into a vacation.”

↑ Back to Top

The Baptist Health 305 Half Marathon and 5K

When: March 3, 2024

Where: Miami, Fla.

How to Register: Registration is now open. Register here.

These warm weather running events typically host around 3,000 athletes, primarily Florida locals. “The entire event — the starting line, the course, and the finish line — is in Miami Beach, specifically South Beach,” says Bostick. “In fact, the finish festival takes place on the sands of the beach itself.”

The medals are a coveted component of Life Time’s races in Miami. “We make the best finisher medals in the business for the 305 Half Marathon and the 5K, as well as for the Miami Marathon races,” says Bostick. “In the past, for the 305 races, we’ve handed out a ‘3’ medal one year, a ‘0’ medal the next year, and then a ‘5’ medal on the third year. So, if someone runs three consecutive years, they form a complete set. People participate in these races just to get their hands on one of our medals!”

In addition to the fun swag, these road races are for people of all ages. “Our participants range from 8 to 100 years old, from first timers to 50-state marathon streakers, and from walkers to elite speedsters,” says Bostick. “And our races are friendly to athletes with disabilities who may be wheeling.”

↑ Back to Top

Sea Otter Classic

When: April 18–21, 2024

Where: Monterey, Calif.

How to Register: Registration is now open. Register here.

This world premier cycle festival, which spans across four days, is a monumental event in the biking industry. “The Sea Otter Classic started as a mountain bike race in 1991, and now there are multiple races ranging from as short as four miles up to 100 miles,” explains Michelle Duffy Smith, senior marketing director for Life Time Athletic Events. “There are also events and expos that happen all weekend long.

“In addition to competing in races,” Duffy Smith continues, “people have the chance to interact with their favorite brands at the festival — in 2023, we had about 500 to 600 hundred different vendors representing more than 1,000 exhibiting brands. You can test ride bikes, drink beer, and eat food. There’s so much fun to take part in,” says Duffy Smith.

Oftentimes, when someone becomes a cyclist, they tend to immerse themselves in one type of riding. Sea Otter is a great opportunity for people to see and try out other types of bikes, according to Duffy Smith. “For example, if you’ve always stuck to the road but you think you’d like to try mountain or gravel biking, you can check out a demo bike — there are hundreds available,” says Duffy Smith.

The Sea Otter Classic is a family-friendly event too. “All ages and abilities are welcome,” shares Duffy Smith. “This is a great place for kids, whether they want to ride themselves or participate in other kid-friendly activities provided for them.” The Sea Otter Classic even offers races for e-bikes; it was one of the first events to allow those bikes.

↑ Back to Top

Chicago-spring-races-runners

Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K, and the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K

When: May 19, 2024 and September 29, 2024, respectively

Where: Chicago, Ill.

How to Register: Registration for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K is now open, register here. Registration for the Chicago Half Marathon and 5K is now open. Register here.

The Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K is a great way to kick off the running season. It’s located in Maggie Daly Park on the north side of Grant Park, right in the heart of downtown Chicago.

“It’s the perfect event to train for coming off a long, cold winter,” says Allison Humbert Wilkinson, senior marketing manager for Life Time Athletic Events. “This event is all about the post-race party. I like to describe it as a spring-themed brunch with mimosas, beer, food, flowers, photo ops, and music.”

The Chicago Half Marathon and 5K in September offers a fun race in the beautiful south side of Jackson Park. “The views of Lake Michigan and the skyline are stunning — unlike any other race in the city,” says Humbert Wilkinson.

The events are accessible to all, with inclusive categories. “It’s fun to provide race distances that are less than a full marathon if people are wanting something shorter,” says Humbert Wilkinson.
Athletes who complete both the spring and fall half marathons are considered a part of the Life Time Chicago Half Marathon Series and receive a third medal to go along with their two traditional medals for completing the races.

↑ Back to Top

UNBOUND Gravel

When: May 31–June 1, 2024

Where: Emporia, Kan.

How to Register: Registration is lottery-style for the general public. Life Time members can bypass the lottery and get a guaranteed entry, while the general public can submit their name to the lottery during the following dates: Register here for the XL (350 mile) event Nov. 23–30, 2023, and for the 25, 50, 100, and 200 events Dec. 1–15, 2023.

UNBOUND Gravel is the world’s premier gravel event that’s the weekend after Memorial Day. “This is a wish-list event for cyclists,” says Duffy Smith. “They love to race the hilly, sunbaked gravel that’ll shred their tires — and this course is known for. We expect to have more than 4,000 riders from all over the world traveling here.”

This four-day event offers races in multiple distances — a high-school race of 25 miles (open to 7th through 12th graders), 25 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles, 200 miles, and 350 miles — in the Flint Hills. There’s also an expo, shakeout rides, after parties, and more fun activities.

“The town of Emporia is highly involved with this race, and they treat it like a celebration,” explains Duffy Smith. “Despite it being a super long race, the finish line is always full of people, and the crowd cheers every rider home — even the last rider at 3 a.m.!”

↑ Back to Top

Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half

When: June 15, 2024

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half races are set on one of Life Time’s most unique courses. The race starts in Leadville at 10,152 feet of elevation and climbs the summit of Mosquito Pass, which reaches just over 13,000 feet — the highest elevation of any Life Time event.

“This race is on a visually striking and absolutely beautiful course that offers views of the Rocky Mountains and looks back on the town of Leadville,” says Ryan Cross, senior marketing manager at Life Time.

“Both the marathon and the Heavy Half are incredibly challenging,” emphasizes Cross. “The marathoners do another loop out through the mining terrain and up through Mosquito Pass before they descend back to town. For the Heavy Halfers, even though it’s a shorter distance, it’s actually mile-per-mile tougher because they’re going straight up the pass and then coming back to town.”

↑ Back to Top

lutsen-99er-kids-with-bikes

Lutsen 99er

When: June 29, 2024

Where: Lutsen, Minn.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Lutsen 99er takes cyclists up to northern Minnesota to experience summer on the North Shore. “This event is truly just full of good vibes and offers a feeling of camaraderie,” says Duffy Smith. “Everyone has a love for mountain biking and is there to have a good time.”

There are multiple distances offered at this event: a kids’ race, 25 miles, 49 miles, 69 miles, and 99 miles. The kids’ race has three sections dependent on age: the micro niner for kids under 7-years-old who race a 0.49 mile lap course; the mini niner for ages 8 to 10 who race a 0.9 mile lap course; and the junior niner for ages 11 to 13 who race a 1.9 mile lap course.

“This is also one of our Leadville Trail 100 MTB qualifiers,” explains Duffy Smith, “We get a lot of athletes who come to compete and earn a coveted spot at our iconic race in Leadville.”

The festivities continue long after riders cross the finish line: Everyone comes out for a beverage, to listen to live music, and to celebrate the awardees.

↑ Back to Top

Silver Rush 50 Run and Silver Rush 50 MTB

When: July 6 and 7, 2024, respectively

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here for the Silver Rush 50 Run; register here for the Silver Rush 50 MTB.

The Silver Rush 50 Run and Silver Rush 50 MTB take place on the same weekend, on the same course. They are also set in the beautiful mountains in Leadville, Colo.

“For the run, the mile-per-mile in this race is actually harder than the Leadville trail 100-mile race in Leadville because it has more climbing,” says Cross. “But this one is unique in how it shows off a whole different part of Leadville. The Silver Rush course goes through our east side mining terrain. Some of these mines are a couple hundred years old; they’re abandoned at this point, but they provide an epic and beautiful backdrop. The runners go right below a 14,000-foot peak — the view is just stunning.”

This is a unique event that combines the running and mountain biking audiences for a weekend-long endurance festival. “The two communities are mingling, staying in town together, going to restaurants, and hanging out at the finish festival. It’s really cool,” says Cross.

There’s also a competition for athletes who want to compete in both events. If someone wants to run the 50 miles on Saturday and bike the 50 miles on Sunday, there’s a challenge called the “Silver King” and “Silver Queen.”

Runners can choose to register for the 15-mile run if they want a shorter option. The start and finish will be on the same course as the Silver Rush 50 Run. This provides an excellent entry option into the ultra-running world, accompanied by the amazing views of Leadville.

There’s even a race for kids: Young athletes can participate in a junior 5K run to experience an endurance-festival-type of weekend at a young age — but at safe race distances for them.

↑ Back to Top

Crusher in the Tushar

When: July 13, 2024

Where: Beaver, Utah

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 15, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 23, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

This 69-mile mountain bike race has athletes exploring the back country of the Tushar Mountains of Utah while climbing over 10,000 feet in elevation. “The Crusher in the Tushar is a tough one — but you can bet it’s also a fun one!” says Duffy Smith. “The Tushars are among Utah’s tallest mountain ranges and possess stunning vistas. Despite it being a crazy course, the atmosphere of the event is really relaxed.”

The race finishes at a ski lodge on top of a mountain. Following the event, athletes tend to hangout, enjoy beverages and good eats, listen to live music, and embrace the views.

↑ Back to Top

Tahoe Trail

When: July 20, 2024

Where: Truckee, Calif.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2023, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2023, for the general public. Register here.

The Tahoe Trail offers a 50K and a 100K mountain bike race, and is located at Northstar California Resort in the prime time of summer.

“Many racers do the Tahoe Trail to prepare for Leadville because it has elevation and it’s a challenging course,” says Cross. “For me, I think the coolest part of this race is that you can make it a ‘race-cation’ destination. It’s the type of place where you can bring the whole family: You can stay at the Northstar Resort, and there are great restaurants in this resort community. The Olympics were even hosted in this area back in the day, so it has great history.”

↑ Back to Top

Leadville Stage Race

When: July 26–28, 2024

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Leadville Stage Race takes place over the course of three days and features a 100-mile out-and-back course that’s split into three stages in the midst of the Colorado Rockies. The lowest point is at an elevation of 9,200 feet, while the highest point is at an elevation of 12,513 feet. Most of the course is on mountain two-track fire roads.

“Riders will experience breathtaking backdrops and soul-refining climbs,” says Cross. “These are gritty, gutsy, and determined cyclists. Come for three days of high-altitude riding and to compete to be awarded the coveted belt buckle.”

There is a post-race dinner each day as well as daily awards and celebrations. The Leadville Stage Race is a qualifier for the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB.

↑ Back to Top

leadville-trail-100-run

Leadville Trail 100 MTB

When: August 10, 2024

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Nov. 23, 2023, for Life Time members and Dec. 1, 2023, for the general public. Registration for this event is gained through a random selection lottery, or by attending one of our qualifier events (Silver Rush, Lutsen 99er, Stage Race, Tahoe Trail, or Austin Rattler) and gaining entry through your age group performance. You can also gain entry through a charity or coaching partner. Register here.

The Leadville Trail is a 100-mile mountain bike race that is a common bucket-list goal for many athletes. “Folks come from all over the world to compete in this race,” says Cross. “It’s this giant, grandeur-style event. The grit, the guts, and the determination that people demonstrate to get there is unparalleled with any other endurance mountain bike race in the United States.

“For some, they check it off their list and it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever done. They get their belt buckle at the finish line, silver and gold plated, and they hang that up and look back on it for forever. Whether the rider completes Leadville one time, 10 times, or 20 times — we’ve even had finishers do it more than 20 times — it’s this absolutely amazing accomplishment that you can be proud of no matter what time you finish in. We always say we have more ‘completers’ than ‘competers.’”

↑ Back to Top

Leadville 10K Run

When: August 11, 2024

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Leadville 10K Run is the shortest race in the Leadville race series. It offers runners a unique opportunity to experience what these races are like at a less intimidating distance.

“The 10K crosses the same gravel roads as the infamous Leadville 100 Run course and is cast against Leadville’s breathtaking mountain backdrop,” says Duffy Smith.

The out-and-back course uses the first and last 3.1 miles of the Leadville 100 Run course and features both paved and dirt roads. There’s a 465-foot elevation gain from 9,767 feet to 10,154 feet.

↑ Back to Top

Leadville Trail 100 Run

When: August 17–18, 2024

Where: Leadville, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Nov. 24, 2023, for Life Time members and Dec. 1, 2023, for the general public. Registration for this event is gained through a random selection lottery, or by attending one of our qualifier events (Leadville Trail Marathon, Silver Rush, or Austin Rattler) and gaining entry through your age group performance. You can also gain entry through a charity or coaching partner. Register here.

The Trail 100 Run was the first event in Leadville and the first event as part of the race series, which started in 1983. “This 100-mile-long race presents a totally unique and epic challenge in and of itself,” explains Cross. “The most iconic feature of the course is the Hope Pass climb where runners will go up and over the top and then descend to the halfway point of the race in the ghost town of Winfield before turning around and climbing Hope Pass again.”

One of the most unique elements of this Life Time event is the nature of the race being an out-and-back. “This aspect gives runners an opportunity to see other competitors, and there’s this camaraderie element that you don’t see at other events,” says Cross. “This race is extremely difficult and seeing other people that you’re sharing that endeavor with is encouraging.”

↑ Back to Top

Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival

When: September 14, 2024

Where: Chequamegon, Wis.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

Founded in 1983, the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival is the oldest mountain bike race in the United States. “This is a fast and flowing race that takes riders from Hayward down to Cable in Wisconsin,” says Duffy Smith. “It’s a genuine off-road experience.”

The entire community puts on a surrounding family-friendly festival that features live music, vendors, food, and beverages.

This bike race offers two distances, 16 miles and 40 miles, and a free kids race called Little Logger — a 15-minute continuous loop course that allows kids to race however far they want.

↑ Back to Top

The Rad Dirt Fest

When: September 28, 2024

Where: Trinidad, Colo.

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 1, 2024, for Life Time members and Feb. 1, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Rad Dirt Fest is one of Life Time’s newest events and features three different course options: the Frijole at 47 miles, the Anteloop at 68 miles, and the Stubborn Delores at 112 miles. The towering Spanish Peaks and expansive mesas serve as the backdrop for all three. These mostly rolling routes and courses feature gravel roads that are more than 90-percent maintained.

“The elevation and climbing will humble you, especially if you go for the longer ride,” says Duffy Smith. “You can feel like you’re becoming one with nature — all while having a ‘rad’ time in this eclectic, southern Colorado town.”

↑ Back to Top

big-sugar-gravel-bikers

Little Sugar MTB and Big Sugar Gravel

When: October 20 and 26, 2024, respectively

Where: Bentonville, Ark.

How to Register: Registration for both events opens Feb. 22, 2024, for Life Time members and March 1, 2024, for the general public. Register here.

The Little Sugar MTB offers three distances: 20K, 50K, and 100K. The 20K course is fast, fun, and designed for cyclists of all ages; the 50K course tackles the hollers and ravines of Bentonville and Bella Vista; and the 100K features grinding climbs, rolling descents, and technical rock features. This event is an option for riders looking to join in on the fun in Northwest Arkansas — but at less intimidating distances.

Big Sugar Gravel is one of the last events of the biking year and many athletes wind down their season with this race. There are two distances to choose from: 50 miles and 100 miles.

“It’s not an easy course, but it is fun” says Duffy Smith. “There is chunky gravel and hills. Because of when this race takes place, fall colors are typically in full swing through the canopy-covered roads.”

The most unique aspect on the course is the Whistling Springs Brewery. Athletes can stop there for an aid station, but many riders pull over to socialize with friends over a beer. “The finish festival feels like a party, although the atmosphere is full of energy the entire weekend,” says Duffy Smith.

↑ Back to Top

Austin Rattler MTB and Run

When: November 2, 2024

Where: Burnet, Texas

How to Register: Registration opens Jan. 2, 2024, for Life Time members, and Jan. 9, 2024, for the general public. Register here for the Austin Rattler MTB; register here for the Austin Rattler Run.

The Austin Rattler races are held at Reveille Peak Ranch, a 1,300-acre adventure ranch in the Texas Hill Country that hosts mountain biking, trail running, camping, and many other outdoor events. There are three distances for the bike races — 20 miles, 40 miles, and 60 miles — and three distances for the run — 10 miles, 20 miles, and a 50K.

Right outside of the hustle and bustle of Austin, Texas, this venue is unique. Many athletes come and stay for the whole weekend — they camp, ride, and run, and some even bring the whole family.

“We host a Texas-style party afterward with BBQ, live music, and tons of Austin culture,” says Cross. “We encourage folks to stay a while, drink some beer, and just enjoy the experience all weekend long.”

↑ Back to Top

Turkey Trot Chicago 5K and 8K and Baptist Health Turkey Trot Miami 5K, 10K, and Kids Race

When: November 28, 2024

Where: Chicago, Ill., and Miami, Fla., respectively

How to Register: Registration for both events opens May 1, 2024, for Life Time members and May 8, 2024, for the general public. Register here for the Turkey Trot Chicago; register here for the Turkey Trot Miami.

The Turkey Trot Chicago takes place in Lincoln Park and welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and paces. There are two race distances to choose from: a 5K and an 8K. Cross the finish line and enjoy hot apple cider while you warm up after the race.

The Baptist Health Turkey Trot Miami hosts three different races: a 5K, 10K, and a Kids Race, with the Kids Race distance dependent on the age of your child. Once the race is finished, enjoy the holiday-themed finish festival featuring food, games, and entertainment — you can even snap a pic with the 20-foot Perky Turkey!

“These races are a great way for you and the family to kick off Thanksgiving on a healthy note,” says Bostick. “It’s a tradition that many look forward to year after year.”

↑ Back to Top

Callie Chase
Callie Fredrickson

Callie Fredrickson is a content editor at Life Time.

Thoughts to share?

More From Life Time

A woman in front of a group of runners all racing in the Miami Marathon.

Life Time Athletic Events

With 30+ run, cycle, and triathlon events nationwide, we provide premium experiences designed to highlight and fulfill your training at any level.

Explore Athletic Events

ADVERTISEMENT

More Like This

various people running

How to Train for Your First 5K

By Maggie Fazeli Fard

This beginner-friendly plan can help you become a 5K runner in just 90 days.

Callie Fredrickson on a run outside in winter weather.

From Snow to Sun: Personal Insights About Training for the Miami Half Marathon

By Callie Fredrickson

An honest look at one runner’s destination race training plan — and how she’s preparing to get to the starting line.

Back To Top