There has been an explosion of running events over the last ten years.  I am not just talking the crazy numbers that marathons like Chicago and Boston garner.  Or even the shorter distances seen at Boulder Bolder or Beach to Beacon.  I mean the sheer number of events available to runners to compete in.  From small 5ks in Wahoo, NE that support a local cause to big time ultra trail events, runners have greater selection of events than at any other time in running history to choose from.  Depending on where you live (even here in Nebraska, this is the case) on any given weekend there is a race with decent organization within an easy drive.  The nice thing about of lot of these is that they are grassroots events.  No corporate sponsorship, no huge expo, no bands playing.  You just pick up your number, maybe a t-shirt, and you race.  Usually some food after you get done, maybe some awards.  This explosion of events means nothing but good things for runners and the promotion of running/fitness in a country that is already struggling with their waistlines.  So here is my wish list of events that I would love to see around here:

1)  Nebraska Race Series:  Various distances in locations spread out over the state.  Think Lincoln Half, Lincoln Mile, Columbus Downtown Run Around, Sandhills Full/Half, Race in Ft. Robinson, Nebraska City AppleJack 5k, Omaha Corporate Cup, Ni-bthaska-ke Trail Race.  Whatever. Points given for place finishes in age group and overall.

2)  All-Ages track series:  Mostly in Lincoln.  Free or reduced cost track events.  Records kept, but no awards.  Maybe t-shirts given to entrants in all 3-4 meets.

3) Winter Trail Series:  Championship Race being Ann’s Holiday Run at Pioneers Park.  But do a number of races in the Lincoln area at Wilderness Park, Dietrich/Mahoney, etc.

4)  Doughnut 3k:  Based on events like a beer or milk mile, or the Westside Burrito Mile.  The concept is simple.  Meet on a random morning at a track or otherwise set field area.  You run 200 meters and then have the exchange zone to eat a doughnut.  Run a lap, eat a doughnut.  Repeat.  Penalties are obviously given for barfing.

5)  Haymarket 5k:  A pie-in-the-sky dream event for me.  We used to have something called Haymarket Heydays in Lincoln.  You know, a typical summer festival with farmer’s market, food vendors, street party, etc.  Before the street party I would love to set up a 1000m loop course in Lincoln’s Haymarket.  Close off street crossings (or put up elevated walkways) to make it a closed course.  Event one= family fun run, walkers, recreational runners.  Event two= competitive race.  Team scoring, run four/score top three.