Amazing Outdoor Events in May
May is upon us and bringing nice weather across the country. With things coming into full bloom, often including work and life schedules, there is no better time of the year to take a moment, find yourself, and do something outside. And whether you enjoy the scenic beauty of hot air balloons taking off in the distance, or the swift water beneath your paddle as you boat your favorite section of the river, the month of May has a lot to offer for the weekend and full-time adventurer alike. And here for you today, to get those expeditions underway, are 10 Amazing Events happening this May:
Grand Canyon Half Marathon – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona – May 9
Few other racing venues can provide the scenery and larger than life aesthetics that the Grand Canyon can offer. And the Grand Canyon Half Marathon, which doesn’t actually run in the park boundaries but does skirmish the sides, is a looped course open for all levels and abilities of runners. While you are there, it’s worth the time to pop into the National Park and see one of the Nation’s most celebrated holes in the ground. And to find more races near you, head on over to American Trail Running Association.com.
Minnesota Amateur Disc Golf Championships – Saint Paul, Minnesota – May 9 & 10
Perhaps one of the largest and best organized amateur disc golf championships in the nation, the Minnesota Disc Golf Championship provides each player with not only some amazing and world-class courses, but promises to deliver the best player experience around. That’s because with hefty grab bags, big tournament payouts, and legions of like-minded amateurs, this is one event every disc golfer should put on their calendar. And to find more tournaments near you, check out the Pdga.com
The Golden Games – Golden, Colorado – May 15-17
Start off the paddling season right with a visit to Golden, Colorado in the middle of the month. Golden Days represents everything about the sport and lifestyle of paddling sports, and has numerous events primed and ready for your enjoyment. And whether you are looking for SUP demos, slack line clinics, or competitive runs, the biggest guarantee of Golden Days is that you’ll find some like-minded friends to tag along with.
NOLS Wilderness First Responder Classes – Various Locations – All Month
Want to be prepared for anything that Mother Nature can throw at you? The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers 9 day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) classes throughout the year and across the country. These extensive classes are all taught in the field and help you learn how to deal with emergency situations in the wilderness, as well as help you out with your general camping skills. An absolute necessary if you want to get into the outdoor leading industry, and a strong suggestion if you want to explore further in the outdoors, a WFR class can provide you with lifelong knowledge and skills.
Mountain View Epic – Stone County, Arkansas – May 16
Either 60 or 100 miles are yours for the taking at the Mountain View Epic long-distance bike ride throughout the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Following single track and fire roads, this is one race that will have you feeling the pain as you ascend and descend steep mountain trails. But as motivation all around you, the Ozark Mountains will help you along the way as you go from one scenic outlook to another. Fill your tires, grab your water bottle, and to find more mountain biking events around you check out Single Tracks.com
Red, White & Blue Balloon Rally – Letchworth State Park, New York – May 22-25
Providing the most scenic attraction on our list today is the Red, White, and Blue Balloon Rally in Letchworth State Park. That’s because during the weekend of May 22nd through the 25th, thirty hot air balloons will be descending from the Letchworth Gorge and gently floating through scenic views of waterfalls and deep forested canyons. Quite the crowd pleaser, spectators are more than welcome and encouraged to bring their cameras. Hot Air Balloon events occur across the nation, and to find one that is close to you check out Hot Air Balloon.com
Electric Run – SeaTac, Washington – May 23
Fitness meets rave in the Electric Run this May in Washington. With bright lights illuminating the way and creating unique courses, the Electric Run is something unique amongst the categories of fun runs. That’s because not only does it take place in the darkness of night, illuminated with enough flashing lights to raise an alarm for an epileptic, the finish line also marks the beginning to the post-race, rave inspired celebration. Sure to be a blast and give you that jolt of energy you’ve been looking for, to find other fun runs and promotions near you head over to Mud fun run.com
Festival of the Brewpubs – Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – May 24
You had me at Brewpubs… But if you needed to know more, just think of springtime A-Basin and 11 of your favorite breweries hanging out at the base to give you beer samples. $30 gets you entrance to the festival, free samples at all the breweries, and a commemorative mug to boot. And by making the responsible choice of not drinking and driving, A-Basin also offers free transportation to and from Keystone.
Blue Ridge Adventure Race – Blue Ridge, Georgia – May 30
Participants of the Blue Ridge Adventure Race can choose from an 8 or 24 course, but either way they should expect to paddle, bike, trek, and orienteer through some of the most scenic land Georgia has to offer. Perfect for the time of year, racers will enjoy a nice sampling of the Blue Ridge Mountains while pushing their limits on wilderness excursions. Open to all experience levels, Blue Ridge Adventure Race and many others can be found at United States Adventure Racing Association.com
Cow Country Classic- Wolf Creek, Montana – May 31
Hop on your pedals and ride at the Cow Country Classic Road Race in scenic Wolf Creek, Montana. Race lengths vary from 19 miles for juniors to 87 for master riders, and along the way every rider can expect to find the enjoyment that is biking through the American West. Hosted by Team Great Dive, this race will happen rain or shine, and to find other road, mountain, and cycle-cross bike events check out USA Cycling.com
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