Forever Young Running Series, Peoria

Forever Young Running Series' races and fun runs traverse the area's city streets, freeways, and nature trails, melding three racing styles into one event. From the starting line, the courses diverge and provide participants with different scenery. The 5K makes a loop on the nearby Skunk Creek Trail System, while the 10K incorporates a leg along the New River Trail System. The half marathon wends its way up 75th Avenue onto the asphalt of a blockaded, traffic-free stretch of Loop 101 and then back down the New River Trail System.

Along the way, runners get a dose of encouragement at morale-boosting entertainment zones, including Hot Rod Alley—hundreds of vintage cars blaring upbeat tunes—and the Superhero Journey, where costumed characters dole out high-fives. Once they've crossed the finish line, the post-race party welcomes participants to recharge with hot-rod and motorcycle shows, live music, and grub from food trucks. And an awards ceremony honors top finishers, unless they've used teleportation.