Train for a most unusual race

You could run another 5k this fall, but why not put your athleticism to the test on a horse, a muddy course or in a kayak? Try one of these offbeat races and cross the finish line with a new skill under your belt.

* Ride and Tie

What it is Teams consist of two people--and a horse. You run while your partner rides the horse as far as she thinks you can go, then hitches it to a tree or post and takes off on foot. You catch up to the horse and jump on; partners continue alternating riding and running for 20-100 miles across a scenic backcountry course. Go to rideandtie.org for upcoming race dates in your area.

* Muddy Buddy

What it is You and a partner start at the same time--one running and one biking--and continue leapfrog style through a 6-mile, five-leg obstacle course (you take turns biking and running from obstacle to obstacle). Besides monkey bars and cargo nets, every team must crawl through a mud pit (that's where the race name comes from) and cross the finish line together. Ready to get messy? Go to muddy buddy.com for more information.

* A no-swimming-required triathlon

What it is Run, bike and paddle (and not the doggie kind) your way to the finish in a nontraditional triathlon. Check out The Great Race on Aug. 13 in Auburn, N.Y., or the Great Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon on Sept. 17 in Great Barrington, Mass. The races include a 16.6- to 27-mile bike ride, 4- to 5-mile paddle in a canoe or kayak, and 6.2-mile run. Go to great-race.com or joshbillings.com for more information.--J.D.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group