U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

It’s kinda hard to believe that we have the scoop on Stephen Colbert, but we’ve found a race that will raise the flag of any genuine America-lover. We’re talking, of course, about the Run to Win America.

This ain’t your ordinary 5K. No, the reputation of the entire state in which you live is at stake. See, the Run to Win America is pitting all 50 states against each other (so much for the “United” part of United States) to see which state is the “fastest.”

As it says on the Run to Win America website, this race is “an experience and event that captures what America was founded on and what has made America the greatest nation in the world.” Who knew you could capture all in a 3.1 mile run? But here’s one thing that we can all agree does make America great: a national fascination with overblown generalizations and unchecked hyperbole.

In all seriousness, America does have many things to be proud of as a nation, one of which is the enormous amount of charitable giving to other countries each year. So it makes sense that a portion of proceeds from the Run to Win America series will be donated to Project Hope Worldwide, an organization devoted to improving the lives of orphans in developing nations.

Races will be taking place in all 50 states (though Arizona, Texas and Kentucky have already been run). Seven more states will have races before April is through.

If you’re really red, white and blue enough, head over to runtowinamerica.com and register today.

Matt Running Sport run to win america, running warehouse race of the month

When we were watching the ‘Niners lose on Sunday (sorry all you SF fans), we couldn’t help but think that New Orleans looks like it would make for a great vacay destination. With too many historical districts to name, and the mouthwatering thought of gumbo, we were pretty much ready to buy our plane tickets. We like it best when our vacations involve running, so we were fired up to see that New Orleans will be hosting a stop on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series on February 24.

If you haven’t heard of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series yet (seriously, are you living underground or something?), then prepare yourself for awesome music, great swag and a healthy helping of fun with friends. The race sports a different live band at each mile marker, to keep you pumped up and motivated for your entire race. Post-race, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band will flaunt their musical prowess at the after party. The ensemble had their start 35 years ago, and offers a fresh, inviting spin on big brass music.

Enjoy a half or full marathon, or partner up with a running buddy to tackle the half marathon as a 2-person relay. The race begins at seven a.m. for all competitors and half and full marathon runners will race together for the first 12 miles of the course. All participants will enjoy a journey through historic St. Charles Avenue, the French Quarter and City Park. The race ends – and the after party starts – on Roosevelt Mall behind the New Orleans Museum of Art. It’s a post-race bash  you won’t want to miss.

Ready to experience some of Louisiana’s finest? Register now for Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans.

Alice Running Sport Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans, running warehouse race of the month

OK, you got our attention with the word “naked” in the title. We fell for your tricks, race organizers. Turns out, the only thing that’s naked in this race (at least legally) is the bare feet of the runners who choose to go shoeless for a worthy cause.

This race, now in its second full year, encourages participants to bring a pair of gently used shoes and donate them to Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity that delivers shoes to people in need around the world. As the name suggests, it’s a 5K, covering a cross-country style course. Participants are free to choose whether to run barefoot or not.

You can learn more about The Naked Foot 5K at their site (http://thenakedfoot5k.com) or on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheNF5K). The footwear-optional race made a stop in Nashville last weekend, and it heads to Seattle on September 30. If you need a little more advance warning to make it to this race, sign up for the race stops in Austin on October 6 or Santa Barbara on October 27.

You also have an opportunity to learn more about improved running form, barefoot running, running nutrition, and other aspects of the sport at the mini-expos held at the Seattle and Austin events. Runnin’, learnin’, supportin’ charity – is it possible to have more fun than this while naked?

Matt Running Sport running warehouse race of the month, the naked foot 5k

We're pretty sure this guy's doing it wrong.

It’s the shortest month of the year, and we’re celebrating with the shortest race we’re featuring all year. Cupid’s Undie Run is just 1.5 miles long, meaning that for a lot of you it’ll be over before you can say “Meb Keflezighi.”

So what’s the big deal? Well the name says it all, people. Keyword: Undie. February 11, 2012 is your chance to run with hundreds of other people in natty nighties, boffo boxers, and too-revealing tighty-whities. Add in a pretty solid chance for brisk weather in most of the cities hosting an event (New York, Washington DC, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Denver and Seattle) and you’ve got a recipe for race-day memories.

All this fanny freezin’ is for a good cause of course, with proceeds benefitting The Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization dedicated to ending neurofibromatosis through research. Race organizers have raised over $75,000 to date for research into this debilitating genetic disease.

PR in Your PJs

We’re betting this all sounds like a pretty big hoot. But, you say, I don’t have an undergarment that’s ready to see the light of day. First of all, that’s a little nasty. Seriously. Put underwear on your next Target shopping list. But also, think about buying a pair of “custom Cupid’s undies” to clothe your behind and raise a little extra cash for the cause.

So you’ve got the time, you’ve got the skill, you’ve got the undies and you’ve got a bunch of race locations to choose from. It’s not too late to register and run, unless you live near DC. Then it is too late. That race is sold out. But still 5 cities are just waiting for you so register today for this race on February 11, 2012!

• New York City Cupid’s Undie Run
• Cincinnati Cupid’s Undie Run
• Atlanta Cupid’s Undie Run
• Denver Cupid’s Undie Run
• Seattle Cupid’s Undie Run

Matt Running Sport cupid's undie run, run race events, running warehouse race of the month

Once a month we’ll be profiling a run event that sparks our interest. Don’t think of it as an exhaustive survey of the cool races out there or a ringing endorsement of any one event. We just want to share our take on some fun events and encourage you to get racing in 2012.

Maui. January. Yes, Please.

So it’s gotta be pretty obvious why we picked this first race, taking place on Sunday, January 22, 2012. 100% oceanfront. Sunny skies. Whales and surfers on your left side, the West Maui Mountains on your right. Rainbows. Need we say more?

This would be a fantastic outing for all of you East Coasters and Midwesterners who are just starting to get walloped by some real winter weather. Of course, if you haven’t planned on it already, you don’t have time to train for a marathon on such short notice. But don’t sweat – a 15K, 10K and 5K are also on tap. Heck, this might be an even better option – your race will be over faster and you’ll have more time on the beach.

Race Details

For the serious competitors out there, this course is a Boston Marathon qualifier and is pretty darn flat overall. The first mile is downhill, starting at 112′ and ending at sea level. You’ll stay at zero altitude for another 9 miles, then jump up to 157′ before gradually working your way down to sea level again at the finish line. View the course map on the site for the race.

Matt Running Sport maui oceanfront marathon, running warehouse race of the month