A fun run gives people an accessible alternative to marathons, just as petting zoos spare them the hassle of discovering that tigers don't like being petted. Lace up for an accessible fitness challenge with today’s Groupon for registration to the Southlands 5K sponsored by the Denver YMCA and held at the Southlands Mall in Aurora on Saturday, September 24, starting at 8:15 a.m. Registration is open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Choose between the following options:

• For $7, you get one youth admission (a $15 value).
• For $12, you get one adult admission (a $25 value).

At the Southlands 5K race experienced athletes and amateurs alike gather to race across 5 kilometers of open street for the benefit of youth programs at the Aurora YMCA. Beginning at 8:15 a.m., runners take their marks on the cool pavement at the top of the town square, stretching out their calves and breathing in the sweet smells from the nearby pretzel shop and telegraphing muscles promises of salty rewards to come. Spectators will line the path, cheering for the zipping crowds and expertly slingshotting encouragement into the ears of passing participants.

In an awards ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m., event overseers will dole out commendations in a variety of categories, calling out the fastest times by age group and the participant with the most securely tied shoelaces. Energized parents and their offspring can stick around for a family fitness festival, which starts at 9:30 a.m., and runners can refuel calorie reserves with wares from the farmer's market, held 8 a.m.–1 p.m.