If you like to run, Seattle and the metro area offers tons of venues to get you moving. From city running on asphalt and steep hills to trail running in green spaces, if foot pounding forward motion is your drug of choice, you’re in the right place.

Running for exercise is one thing – I’ve got friends that are die hard road warriors that hit the pavement daily and run miles and miles, rain, snow, fog or sun. Still other buddies of mine call themselves “runners” but only break out their sneakers in fair weather and jog a lazy mile or two before breaking out the beer.

But there are also those that are in it for the glory – and by that I mean a t-shirt that declares your fervent participation in one of the many, many, many 5k or 10k races that abound around Seattle. As a non-runner myself – I prefer to go straight for the beer – I’m undecided if the race shirt is a badge of honor, a declaration of fitness or a humble brag. Either way, some of my friends wear them like their weekend uniforms and seem to have an endless supply of the cottony clothing.

If you’re an avid runner, interested in giving it a go or are an experienced runner that’s never tried out a 5k or 10k, below is a roster of upcoming races between now through the end of 2014. There’s a cause, location and race length perfect for runners of every skill level and interest. For more details, check out SeattleRuns.com, RaceCenter.com or RunGuides.com. Many of these races offer free or low cost fun runs for kids so you can get the little ones out and moving with you.

Of particular interest to me are the August and October zombie-themed runs where you can actually be chased by flesh eating joggers. If anything could get me to put down my beer and get moving, it would be the Walking (or should I say running?) Dead! Get out there and run Seattle!

Best – Chad