4 unusual runs you need to try

Ditch your regular route and sign up to one of these 4 unusual runs you need to try – it’ll cure boredom, give you a sense of purpose and allow you to be free of the restraints of your routine.

What is it that motivates you to run? Is it all about getting fit, losing weight or training for a race? They’re all great reasons to put on your trainers, but running can be about so much more. It can also be a fantastic way to give back to your community, see the sights, raise awareness of an issue or even give yourself a fright! So try out one of these – after all, experiencing something totally new is good for the soul!

Run for the community: GoodGym 

GoodGym is a fantastic group of runners who combine regular exercise with helping their community. It’s the perfect way to get fit, do good and make some like-minded new friends. GoodGym runners do physical tasks like clearing rubbish, gardening and paining for the benefit their community, whether it’s taking part in a project (think gardening, clearing rubbish or painting), working on one-off missions to help vulnerable people or visiting isolated older people every week. Every time they run they give back.

Run for animals: Streak for Tigers

How about unleashing your wild side and trying something totally different (and possibly even a little bit scary) on 19 August 2015? Streak for Tigers will see runners showing their stripes in support of the ZSL Tigers. This unique event sees runners strip off and, quite literally, bare all to support tigers by streaking around ZSL London Zoo. It’s not one for the faint-hearted or shy, but this short run raises vital funds to support London Zoo’s Tigers and raises the profile of ZSL’s vital work with tigers. So unleash your big cat and get naked for this great cause!

Run for the social perks: Midnight Runners

We talk a lot about early morning runs and how to get a few miles in after work, but running doesn’t have to be a daytime pursuit. London Midnight Runners is a group who likes staying fit, loves seeing London at night and that is mad about great music and awesome parties. If that’s not an attractive combination, we don’t know what is! Meeting once a month, late at night, these runners have some serious fun exploring the city while most people are still asleep. With most runs between 8K and 10K these are inclusive events are great for runners, regardless of their level of experience. Midnight a little bit too late? London Midnight Runners also hosts mid-week 10K music runs to a soundtrack of funky tunes against the awesome backdrop of the city.

Run for your life: Zombie Evacuation Race

If you fancy bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘run for your life’, then this is for you. The Zombie Evacuation Race is a 5K run that aims to give you an unforgettable experience as you navigate through the zombie-infested lands of North London, avoiding the undead at all costs. All runners (‘evacuees’) start with three lifebelts and all you need to do is stop those merciless zombies from biting you three times. And if you fail you’ll become one of them! Sounds easy, but these zombies mean business. Only the fittest will survive.