10 Interesting Run Challenge Ideas for Beginner to Expert Runners

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A run challenge is the perfect way to stay motivated. Whether looking to crush your New Year’s resolution or start a healthy lifestyle, a challenge can help keep you interested in your routine.

I set out to complete a run challenge in January 2023, and it truly started my year on the right foot (run pun 😉).

Here are the ten best running challenge ideas you can try this year, ranging from those for complete beginners to seriously determined runners.

Choose your quest wisely, running buddy!

1. Run/Walk Challenge

This is the best beginner running challenge. Use this challenge to your advantage in a city with standard-sized blocks.

The run/walk method is the optimum way for beginners to start. An easy way to apply it is by running on a rectangle-shaped block. Walk the short street length and run the long street length.

This keeps your run fresh while allowing you to ease into your new run routine.

It also allows you to run for a set time rather than a distance. If ten minutes is your goal during week one, maybe you’ll be ready for twenty minutes of running/walking by week two.

From the chest down, I am running and wearing my warm weather running clothes including a tank top and shorts. There is a brick wall behind me and I'm running on gravel. The sun is behind me and shadows are cast on the front of my body. — Photo: Ali Miller Photography

2. Morning Run Routine

Becoming a morning runner can be difficult.

However, this challenge is especially helpful if you work a 9 to 5 job or have unpredictable daytimes. Getting your run in first thing in the morning means you won’t need to worry about it when you get home late in the evening.

Take proper steps to transform into a morning runner. You might find after a few days or weeks that it’s an easy routine to stick to.

3. 30-Day Run Streak

I completed a 30-day run streak in January 2023. I wanted to see if I could take on the challenge of running 2 miles every single day. And I did!

The best part about a 30-day running challenge is that the end is in sight. Some people continue running streaks with no definite ending. (Ron Hill‘s run streak lasted 52 years and 39 days!)

Once you hit the 15th run, you’re already halfway completed. And you’ll have the confidence of what you accomplished in the first 15 days to take you through the final 15.

Pro tip from my 30-day run streak experience: Remember you can walk during your runs. I used the run/walk method for several days, which helped my body safely complete the run streak.

4. One Race Per Month

The running challenges are getting harder, but one race per month can mean whatever you need.

In the post-COVID-19 world, there are now a plethora of virtual races. This means you could choose one virtual race to run each month, which can take the pressure off if you don’t have the means to travel for several races.

If you enjoy running 5ks, look for one every month. If 10ks are more your style, look for those.

Whatever distance keeps you on track and challenged is a good pick. This monthly running challenge will keep you motivated throughout the entire year.

5. Holiday Race Challenge

My boyfriend and I are posing for a photo after running a Turkey Trot race in Boise, Idaho. This run challenge was cold and we are wearing long sleeves and hats. I have a cup of coffee in my hand. The city capitol is behind us and there are other runners in the background.

I love a good holiday race. The dedication required to wake up early on a holiday and run is one way you know you’ve become a full-blown runner.

While finding a race on a holiday like Christmas might be difficult, rest assured a virtual Christmas race will do. My favorite holiday race is the annual Turkey Trot. I’ve run Thanksgiving day 5ks and, more recently, a turkey day 5-miler.

Find as many holiday races as you can and block off your calendar. Never miss a holiday mile!

6. Grow Your Runs Challenge

It generally takes 16 weeks to train for a marathon, 12 weeks for a half marathon, 8 to 10 weeks to train for a 10k, and 6 to 8 weeks for a 5k.

This means you could start 2024 as a new runner and complete each of these distances by the end of the year. You must be fully committed to training and caring for your body to take on this challenge.

You’ll start with the shortest distance, a 5k, and build up until you run a full marathon. Lock in the races you want to run now to be sure you’ll have enough time between each race training cycle.

7. 2024 Miles

Running the year is a very popular challenge for ambitious long-distance runners.

“Running the year” means a runner runs the number of miles equal to the year number by December 31st.

Example: As we head into 2024, runners will aim to run 2,024 miles by the last day of the year.

You’ll need to average about 39 miles each week in order to accomplish this goal. It’s a great challenge for the long-distance runners.

8. Three Half Marathons in 90 Days

If you’re a half marathon enthusiast, I encourage you to try this challenge when ready.

Running three half marathons within a 90-day span qualifies you to join the Half Fanatics. This is the entry point for the club (as is two half marathons within 16 days).

Once you join the Fanatic Asylum, you’ll likely be inspired by others who have completed 52 half marathons within a 365-day period!

9. Three Marathons in 90 Days

I pose with my friend Rebecca after finishing the St. Jude Marathon in 2015. This marathon helped me complete the run challenge of running 3 marathons in 90 days to qualify as a marathon maniac. It is a sunny day with a beautiful cloudless sky. There are runners around us. — The day I finished my third marathon in less than 90 days at the St. Jude Marathon in 2015.

This is the challenge I opted for in 2015, thanks to some running friends who convinced me.

Just like the Half Fanatics, this challenge ends with you qualifying to become a Marathon Maniac.

In my experience, while the build-up to the first marathon was daunting at times, the training for the second two was easier. Because the races are only a few weeks apart, you’ll essentially run a race and then be in a state of tapering.

If I could have it my way, I’d run races like this forever. Becoming “marathon-ready” is difficult. However, you can run all the fun races if you stay in that ready state.

10. Run a Race in Every State

You can choose this challenge for any race distance.

Run a 5k in every state. Complete a half marathon or full marathon in all 50 states. This challenge is fun if you like to travel and need an excuse to visit a new place.

If you’re missing a few states, you can turn to Race Raves to find some well-rated marathons in those specific states.

FAQ

How Do You Challenge Yourself When Running?

There are numerous ways to challenge yourself when running. Common challenges include the following: ✓ A running streak. ✓ Earning a PR. ✓ Running a further distance. ✓ Running a race in each state. ✓ Trail running.

What’s the 30-Day Jogging Challenge?

Whether you call it jogging or running, this challenge is also known as a run streak. This means you’ll aim to run every day for 30 days. The distance may be just a mile, or, for the long-distance runner, it may mean running 5 miles daily for 30 days.

Final Thoughts: Run Challenge Ideas

Use one or several of these run challenges to get motivated to become your best runner. Remember to modify when you need and always listen to your body to avoid injury.

While it might seem unrealistic to you now, you may have completed several of these fun running challenges within the next year. Happy miles!