8 Running Challenges You Should Set in 2024

Sure, you could make your 2024 running resolution the same as everyone else’s. Simply pick a distance, sign up for a race, and vow to cross that finish line. But what if this were the year to shake things up? “The half marathon and marathon get a lot of hype and are super sexy and impressive,” Kayla Jeter, a Chicago-based certified functional strength coach and RRCA-certified running coach, tells Runner’s World. “But there are so many [other] ways to get into running and setting goals.” In fact, getting more creative with your fitness objectives can be a great way to “keep things fun, fresh, and really fulfilling,” says Jeter. Taking this approach can reduce pressure to hit certain benchmarks and instead help you actually enjoy the sport more, Nico Montañez, Mammoth Lakes-based ASICS-sponsored pro marathoner and coach with RunDoyen, tells Runner’s World. Remember: “Not everybody needs to run a marathon,” Kaila DeRienzo, certified personal trainer and certified run coach in South Carolina, tells Runner’s World. Moreover, you don't have to race at all to be a runner, says Jeter. With that in mind, we tapped DeRienzo, Montañez, and Jeter for a roundup of unique run challenges to set in the new year. From relays to streaks to community-oriented events, these ideas will make 2024 an exciting year of running. [View in Browser]( [Runner's World Logo]( [SHOP]( [RW+ EXCLUSIVE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [8 Running Challenges You Should Set in 2024]( [8 Running Challenges You Should Set in 2024]( [8 Running Challenges You Should Set in 2024]( Sure, you could make your 2024 running resolution the same as everyone else’s. Simply pick a distance, sign up for a race, and vow to cross that finish line. But what if this were the year to shake things up? “The half marathon and marathon get a lot of hype and are super sexy and impressive,” Kayla Jeter, a Chicago-based certified functional strength coach and RRCA-certified running coach, tells Runner’s World. “But there are so many [other] ways to get into running and setting goals.” In fact, getting more creative with your fitness objectives can be a great way to “keep things fun, fresh, and really fulfilling,” says Jeter. Taking this approach can reduce pressure to hit certain benchmarks and instead help you actually enjoy the sport more, Nico Montañez, Mammoth Lakes-based ASICS-sponsored pro marathoner and coach with RunDoyen, tells Runner’s World. Remember: “Not everybody needs to run a marathon,” Kaila DeRienzo, certified personal trainer and certified run coach in South Carolina, tells Runner’s World. Moreover, you don't have to race at all to be a runner, says Jeter. With that in mind, we tapped DeRienzo, Montañez, and Jeter for a roundup of unique run challenges to set in the new year. From relays to streaks to community-oriented events, these ideas will make 2024 an exciting year of running. Sure, you could make your 2024 running resolution the same as everyone else’s. Simply pick a distance, sign up for a race, and vow to cross that finish line. But what if this were the year to shake things up? “The half marathon and marathon get a lot of hype and are super sexy and impressive,” Kayla Jeter, a Chicago-based certified functional strength coach and RRCA-certified running coach, tells Runner’s World. “But there are so many [other] ways to get into running and setting goals.” In fact, getting more creative with your fitness objectives can be a great way to “keep things fun, fresh, and really fulfilling,” says Jeter. Taking this approach can reduce pressure to hit certain benchmarks and instead help you actually enjoy the sport more, Nico Montañez, Mammoth Lakes-based ASICS-sponsored pro marathoner and coach with RunDoyen, tells Runner’s World. Remember: “Not everybody needs to run a marathon,” Kaila DeRienzo, certified personal trainer and certified run coach in South Carolina, tells Runner’s World. Moreover, you don't have to race at all to be a runner, says Jeter. With that in mind, we tapped DeRienzo, Montañez, and Jeter for a roundup of unique run challenges to set in the new year. From relays to streaks to community-oriented events, these ideas will make 2024 an exciting year of running. [Read More]( [Read More](   [How to Size Running Shoes So You Can Perform at Your Best]( [How to Size Running Shoes So You Can Perform at Your Best]( Finding a comfortable, well-sized shoe is crucial to your stride. [Read More](       [End Your Next Run With This Cardio-Strength Finisher (It’s Just 15 Minutes!)]( [End Your Next Run With This Cardio-Strength Finisher (It’s Just 15 Minutes!)]( Tinman Elite trainer Chris Lee leads you through this workout that boosts running speed and power. [Read More](   [Looking for a High-Mileage Running Shoe? Here’s How to Pick Between Asics and New Balance]( [Looking for a High-Mileage Running Shoe? Here’s How to Pick Between Asics and New Balance]( Both brands offer durability and support, but which one is best for you? [Read More](       [Quitting: A Love Story]( [Quitting: A Love Story]( After her partner backs out of half marathon training, test editor Amanda Furrer remembers her career as a baker and how running inspired her to quit her day job. [Read More](   [Push Your Training to the Next Level With This 15-Minute Plyo-Strength Workout]( [Push Your Training to the Next Level With This 15-Minute Plyo-Strength Workout]( This session, created by Tinman Elite trainer Chris Lee, can help you shift into a faster gear on the run. [Read More](   [90-Day Transformation Challenge: Abs](   [LiveIntent Logo]( [AdChoices Logo]( Follow Us [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Notice]( | [CA Notice at Collection]( Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2023 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779