The new year is upon us and for many of us, getting in better shape is on our resolution list. Running is one option to strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness and build strong bones. If taking up running or increasing your activity in 2020 is one of your goals, one of the best ways to make sure you stick to it is to make some event commitments. Our team of storage unit experts at Hollywood Storage Center has made the planning a little easier for you. Sign up for some of these local runs and enjoy camaraderie in addition to a great work out. We’ve included fun options for every fitness level!

January 25 – Paramount Ranch Trail Runs

For those runners with experience, here’s a great way to start the year. This Agoura Hills race offers 10k, half marathon, 30k, marathon, and 50k options. If you didn’t get enough holiday cheer in December, join in on the event’s best holiday costume contest for great prizes.

February 1 – Nun Run 5k and 1Mile

Beginner runners can get their feet wet by participating in the 5^th annual Sisters of Notre Dame Nun Run at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks. The event will include a community service fair with representatives from non-profit organizations who will be on hand to share information about their programs and great volunteer opportunities.

March 28 – Great Race of Agoura Hills

This is a biggie and has been happening for a whopping 35 years! It also has one of the best post-race parties, so you can celebrate your record race time. There’s a course for everyone including a one-mile kids’ race, a 5k, 10k and half marathon. Past participants have raved that the Great Race has the most beautiful courses in Southern California, and plenty of running and fitness magazines have presented awards and accolades to the race over the years. After the run, listen to great music and load up on food and refreshments donated in part by local restaurants and companies.

April 26 – Aut2Run

If you feel you ought to run for a cause, check out Aut2Run in Camarillo, benefitting the Autism Society of Ventura County. You’ll find a 1-mile walk/run for newbies, a 5k run/walk, a 10k trail & road race, and a 15k super hero race. Additionally, a “Fun-K” allows kids under 12 and adults with special needs to participate.

May 2 – Stronger Families Safer Kids

Run to help prevent child abuse at this 5k and Kids Fun Run at Oxnard State Park. Not only will you be supporting the Partnership for Safe Families & Communities of Ventura County, you’ll enjoy the beautiful views as you run along a beachside path.

June 28 – Arroyo Creek Half

Just over the hill from Thousand Oaks, you’ll find the 10^th annual running of the Arroyo Creek half marathon, 5k and 10k in Simi Valley. After the race, enjoy a complimentary glass of beer (root beer for the under-21 crowd) and plate of street tacos at the post-race expo. Additionally, all runners will receive a finisher medal, race-day tech shirt, water bottle and goody bag.

July 4 – Calabasas Lakeside Fun Run

For the past 42 years, the Calabasas Park Homeowners Association has held this annual run, and we have no reason to believe it won’t continue in 2020. This past year included four- and two-mile runs, a 2-mile walk and a ¼ mile youth race. Check in with the City of Calabasas website to learn more as details are released.

August 22 – The Bulldog Ultra 25k and 50k

This Calabasas/Malibu race is not for the faint of heart because the shortest run is a 25k (more than 15 miles) and the course is tough, including 6,000 feet of vertical gain and running on sandstone rock. As the oldest 50k in Southern California, the Bulldog Ultra has been a portal for many into the world of ultra-running.

September 26-27 – Malibu Triathlon

We know. “Triathlon” sounds daunting. But there are “options”. There’s a long course that contains a 1.2-mile ocean swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.  The Olympic distance course takes a 1.5k swim, a 40k bike ride and a 10k run. Or, go for a “simple” half-mile swim, 17-mile bike ride and 4-mile run. For kids 12 and under, the Tot Trot and Fun Zone offer plenty of entertainment.

October 3 – Hiawatha Trail Races

In the Longfellow poem “The Song of Hiawatha,” for which this race was named, the legend states Hiawatha could shoot an arrow and run forward with such fleetness that it would fall behind him! Thank goodness such speed is not required to run this race in the Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park. This autumn race takes runners into the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Half and full marathoners continue into the Boney Mountain Wilderness of Point Mugu State Park and beyond.

November 26 – Turkey Day Dash

This event is a lot of fun for the entire family, and hey, you might as well burn some extra calories because you know what’s coming on Thanksgiving Day. We’ll just say it…Pumpkin Pie! Held at the YMCA near Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks every year, the event includes a 5k Family Run/Walk, Kids 1k race, and Thanksgiving Day costume contest.

December – Run for Holiday Fun 5k/10k

Though 2020 dates aren’t posted yet, this all-ages race hosted by the Camarillo Family YMCA has been happening for 10 years and we expect it will continue. In addition to the longer races the event has a one-mile fun run. All proceeds benefit the community through the Y’s Open Doors scholarship program.

We hope this list gets you motivated and keeps your fitness routine running smoothly! Speaking of physical activity, at Hollywood Storage Center we have lots of guests who store their sports equipment, even kayaks and bicycles, inside our storage units for safe keeping and to keep their garages clean and uncluttered. If you need storage space for your equipment, or any of the other things you love, just give us a call and we’re happy to set you up. Until then, we’ll see you on the running trails!