Last updated on December 17th, 2021
We have a family friend who frequently makes “odd” New Year’s resolutions, such as “crush people’s dreams” and “care less.” If your resolutions are more garden-variety, and weight loss or running are part of them, check out our list of Resolution Runs. There are tons of these across the country, and this is just a sampling. Is it too cold out for your liking? Some events–like the New Year’s Resolution Walk/Run in Onalaska, Wisconsin–offer treadmill options. Do the run at home on your treadmill, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as you go online to enter your time. That’s what I call a happy new year.
Las Vegas Resolution Run
Distance: 1 mile, 5K, 10K
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
When: December 31, 2018
You don’t have to wait until January 1 to do a resolution run, and you definitely don’t have to start the new year feeling crummy, either! Kick off your New Year’s Eve celebration by participating in these races, starting at 4 pm. The runs take place on a fast, flat course traversing Kellogg-Zaher Park, the Bonanza Trail, and Bill Briare Park, 20 minutes from the Strip. This is a great race for walkers and runners alike, and strollers are welcome. Finishers will get a shirt and a finisher’s award. Cap off the old year with a race, and get your new year off to the right start.
Register: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=54810
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First Night State College Resolution Run 5K
Distance: 5K
Where: State College, Pennsylvania
When: December 31, 2018
The First Night Resolution Run 5K was first run on New Year’s Eve, 1997, when approximately 130 hearty souls showed up on a frigid, windy night for the race through downtown State College and the Penn State Campus. This race has grown every year, and it’s become a much anticipated part of the First Night State College festivities as well as the start of the local running calendar. The First Night 5K is a fun run attracting first-time racers, families, kids, out-of-town Christmas visitors, costumed runners (there’s a prize for the best costume!), as well as serious competitors. The course is fast, with a relatively mild (by State College standards) hill in the first half-mile, an even milder one in the second mile, and a long downhill to the finish.
The Resolution Run 5K is part of the First Night State College festivities–three days of winter fun including music, crafts, ice sculptures, indoor and outdoor performances and activities, and a grand procession through downtown State College.
Register: https://www.imathlete.com/#/legacy?url=%2Fevents%2FEventOverview.aspx%3FfEID%3D71124
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First Day 5K
Distance: 5K
Where: Sandwich, Massachusetts
When: January 1, 2019
Prizes will be awarded for overall first, second and third male and female, as well as first place male and female in the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+. Race proceeds will be split between the Sandwich Recreation Department Scholarship Fund and the Fladia Wilbert Cancer Fund.
Register: https://southshoreracemanagement.redpodium.com/4th-annual-first-day-5k
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Battle Ground Resolution Run
Distance: 1K, 5K, 10K, Polar Slide
Where: Battle Ground, Washington
When: January 6, 2019
You’ll love the setting in Battle Ground, Washington, whether you’re a local or visiting from outside the area. Proceeds from the race benefit Cindy Wood, a local national anthem singer who is battling cancer. Registration includes a race tech t-shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag, refreshments, chip timing, and music at the post-party. After the previous years’ successes, the Polar Bear Slide is back for 2019. It’s totally optional, but if the urge strikes, you can drop to your bathing suit and hit a cold water slide… if you dare. After braving the Polar Bear Slide, take a warm plunge into one of two hot tubs to warm back up.
Register: https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=130622
Resolution Run and Polar Plunge
Distance: 5K, 1-Mile Dash, Polar Plunge Splash
Where: Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
When: January 6, 2019
Feel like starting the new year with a splash of icy cold water? Look no further–try this 5K, 1-mile dash, and for the grand finale…. a gulf coast polar plunge (splash)! Race one, or be bold and brave the cold for all three events.There’s great swag, a great party, great fun, and as always it’s all for a great cause. The run will benefit The Hancock County Canine Operation, and proceeds from the Polar Plunge Splash will go to Southern Mississippi Aquatic Krewe (SMAK), the local masters swim club. All pre-registered 5K and 1-mile participants are eligible for long-sleeved shirts and finishers medals, as well as entry to our catered after party. All plungers receive a unique medal and special “survivor t-shirt” to commemorate the event.
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=66396?aflt_token=3DCVRLIZU9ZFVB1gjZbbsuYDWS0a9vwk
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New Year’s Resolution Walk/Run
Distance: 5 miles, 5K, 5 miles treadmill, 5K treadmill
Where: Onalaska, Wisconsin
When: January 12, 2019
Part of a series of three runs (but you don’t have to do all three!), the New Year’s Resolution Walk/Run supports the YMCA’s annual campaign, which benefits the community by providing opportunities for youth and adults. All series registrants will be entered for the chance to win one of two $50 gift cards. If you’re not the type to brave the elements, you can choose the treadmill option, record your time in the wellness center, and be entered in a drawing for prizes. Participants who improves their time over the three runs will also get a prize.
Register: https://raceroster.com/events/2019/19672/new-years-resolution-walk-run-2019
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Brooklet Resolution Run/Walk
Distance: 5K
Where: Brooklet, Georgia
When: January 12, 2019
This race is hosted by the Brooklet Kiwanis Club and benefits charities of Delight in the Lord Ministries, Inc. (DLM), a faith-based, nonprofit organization founded by Cierra Crowe. While Cierra now calls Uganda home, she was born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia. She graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in 2015. After graduation, Cierra chose to serve the women and children of Uganda. Since February 2016, she has been investing in the lives of children in the Kabowa community. In April 2016, DLM began its Feeding Program at the Kabowa Community Primary School. In the beginning, DLM was providing rice and beans for 70 of the most needy children every day of the school year. The feeding program has now grown to include every enrolled student, which is currently over 300. All proceeds from the 5K benefit the feeding program.
Richmond Hill Resolution Runz
Distance: 5K, 10K
Where: Richmond Hill, Georgia
When: January 12, 2019
This 5K and 10K are held at J.F. Gregory City Park and benefit the JROTC Battalion at Richmond Hill High School. Enjoy a flat course (yay!) with mixed terrain, and student discounts on registration fees. Awards will be given to top male and female finishers.
McKinney Resolution Run
Distance: 5K, Half Marathon
Where: McKinney, Texas
When: January 12, 2019
How about welcoming the New Year with a new commitment to fitness? The Resolution Run Half Marathon and 5K in McKinney, Texas, will kick off 2019 on a positive note. The 13.1-mile (half marathon) race is a beautiful scenic run on the trails in McKinney. The Run McKinney race series is comprised of three unique half marathons in McKinney. We are bringing the races together to promote running for sport, fun and fitness while earning a special custom medal for your accomplishments. Simply run all three of our half marathons in the same year and get a special custom medal at the end.
San Diego Resolution Run
Distance: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Where: San Diego, California
When: January 13, 2019
Walk, run, skip, crawl–they don’t care! Whether it’s your first race or you’re a trained running professional, there’s something for everyone. At the 12th Annual San Diego Resolution Run 5K/10K/half marathon, enjoy the post-race wellness village, with tons of freebies and services to help make 2019 your best year yet! This event benefits Wild Willow Farms & Education Center, a local, eco-friendly organization supporting a healthier San Diego food system.
Register: https://events.hakuapp.com/san-diego-resolution-run-5k-15k