The shortness of breath, cramping muscles and humidity of the summer months are all plausible factors to keep us indoors, relaxing in the air conditioning.

But what if you could run a 5k and also be doused with colored paint instead of sweat? Or what if you could relive the obstacle course you completed in elementary school gym on a full course, 5k run?

With the summer in sight, don’t confine yourselves to an indoor gym, robbing yourself of the fresh air and sunshine. As long as you remember to keep hydrated and apply ample sunscreen throughout the day, make a point to exercise outdoors.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge; but, if you can make a summer activity for you and your friends, it can be much more rewarding than clocking in 40 minutes on the elliptical.

Here are some of the most creative and fun 5ks happening this summer in the Northeast.

1. Color Run

Color Run has been likened to the traditional Indian festival called Holi where bystanders throw powdered paint at runners during the race. According to their website, the Color Run is “a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality.” It’s inevitable that at the race’s conclusion you will literally embody every color of the rainbow. Don’t forget to wear white! Check out thecolorrun.com for additional locations other than the ones listed below.

Central Jersey, N.J. – May 16

Rochester, N.Y., Queens, N.Y. and Baltimore, M.D. – May 23

Hershey, P.A. and Boston, Mass. – May 31

South Portland, M.E. – June 28

Brooklyn, N.Y. – July 11

Buffalo, N.Y. – August 1

Erie, P.A. – August 8

Atlantic City, N.J. – August 22

Bangor, M.E. – August 23

2. Warrior Dash

Instead of powdered paint, expect to be cloaked in mud after completing this upgraded version of an obstacle course. Called the race that “anyone can start and everyone can finish,” participants face 12 obstacles; ranging from the deadman’s drop, where runners scale up a 20-foot wall and slide down, to the warrior roast where competitors leap over a row of fire, the Warrior Dash is a feat waiting to be conquered. If the adrenaline rush is not enough of an incentive for you, runners are rewarded with a medal that doubles as a bottle opener and magnet, a T-shirt, a warrior helmet and a beer to celebrate.

New York – July 25

New Jersey – August 8

Pennsylvania – August 29

3. Bubble Run

If the dirt from the Warrior Dash deters you, the Bubble Run is particularly catered to those who like to keep clean. A less competitive race, the Bubble Run is a three-mile stretch with “foam bogs” at each kilometer. The Bubble Run can be described as the event where you can experience what it would be like to be on the outside of a car during a car wash instead of peering through the window. What better way to enjoy a run outside than with a bubble beard?

Portland, M.E. – August 15

Boston, Mass. – September 5

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