Races don鈥檛 have to be ultra-serious affairs where all that matters is a podium finish. They can be fun, irreverent gatherings that include costumes and DJs or a frozen pond as a finish line. But these types of competition can be hard to locate. Here鈥檚 where you can find a few of our favorites.
Folsom Rodeocross

Folsom, California
This lively is held every Wednesday night in September and October at the pro rodeo arena in Folsom, California, just outside Sacramento. While cyclists zip around and over obstacles, a DJ spins punk rock tracks outside the rodeo grounds. It鈥檚 meant to be fun and welcoming for cyclocross newbies鈥攁nd affordable, with $20 entry fees. The last race this fall takes place on Halloween, so riders like Olympic mountain biker and top-ranked cyclocross racer Katerina Nash will likely show up in full costume.
The Picnic

Jackson, Wyoming
First run in 2012 by Jackson Hole local David Gonzales, the is an unsanctioned triathlon of sorts that acts as litmus test for the hardiest athletes in town. There鈥檚 no entry fee, no specific date or start time, and all are welcome to give it a go whenever they like. Simply start in town, ride a bike 21 miles to the east shore of Jenny Lake, swim 1.3 miles across the water, and climb ten miles and 7,000 vertical feet to the top of 13,770-foot Grand Teton. Then repeat everything in the reverse direction. Since you can attempt the race at any time, results are logged by sending GPS-tagged, time-stamped selfies to Gonzales. The current record? Eleven hours and 27 minutes.
U.S. National Toboggan Championships

Camden, Maine
You don鈥檛 need to be an elite athlete to sign up for this national competition. The , taking place February 8 through 10, 2019, at the Camden Snow Bowl, is open to anyone willing to shell out $30 to plunge down a 400-foot-long wooden chute at 40 miles per hour onto a frozen pond. Winners of each category鈥攊ncluding fastest team, oldest team, and best costume鈥攅arn handmade mahogany trophies.
Arctic Man Classic

Paxson, Alaska
It鈥檚 easy to see why professional and amateur adrenaline junkies alike gather for the each April. Skiers race 1,700 vertical feet down to their snowmobile-bound partners, who then tow them uphill at high speeds for more than two miles so the skiers can rip down another 1,200 feet to the finish line. In 2019, the event will include new snowmobile races and an attempt to break the record for longest snowmobile parade. Beyond the races, there is a five-day party and backcountry camp 12 miles north of Paxon Lake off Alaska鈥檚 Richardson Highway. Entry fees start at $250.
Texas Water Safari

San Marcos, Texas
Billed as the world鈥檚 toughest canoe race, the , held each June, is a four-day, 260-mile jaunt from the headwaters of the San Marcos River northeast of San Antonio to the small shrimping town of Seadrift on the Gulf Coast. There鈥檚 no prize money鈥攋ust bragging rights for the winner. Any boat without a motor is allowed, and you鈥檒l have to carry your own equipment and overnight gear. Food and water are provided at aid stations along the way. Entry fees start at $175 and increase as race day approaches.
The Ring

Strasburg, Virginia
is a 71-mile trail running race in early September along the entire length of Virginia鈥檚 rough and rocky Massanutten Trail loop. To qualify, you need to have run a 50- or 100-mile race before the event and win a spot through the lottery system. Entry is free. Complete the run and you鈥檒l become part of the tight-knit Fellowship of the Ring and be eligible for the Reverse Ring, which entails running the trail backwards in the middle of winter.
Plaza2Peak

Santa Fe, New Mexico
Each spring,聽competitors gather聽in Santa Fe鈥檚 historic plaza with a simple goal: be the first to reach 12,308-foot Deception Peak, 17 miles and 5,000 feet of elevation gain away. Competitors run or bike the first 15 miles to the local ski area before transitioning to their waiting ski-touring setups for the final push to the top. Time stops only when they鈥檝e skied back down to the tailgate in the resort鈥檚 parking lot, which is funded by the modest entry fee of around $25. To add to the sufferfest, some participants sign up for the Expedition category, in which they strap their skis, skins, boots, and poles to their bikes for the long ride up. Start dates vary depending on snow conditions, but look for the event page to be posted on Facebook in late March or early April.