Exercise is NOT fun.  Or...is it?  Check out some of these 5k races going on in Western New York this summer and it might give you a whole new perspective on exercise.

It's time to get off that couch and get running if you want to drop that weight you said you were going to drop on New Years Eve.  And if you start now, you might just keep going all summer long.

There are certainly enough races to choose from if you wanted to choose just one, and if you want to do even more, you could probably run a new race every weekend.

Here are the top 10 that looked to be the most fun to me:

Buffalo Greek 5k – May 11

Why It's Cool: 5k race involving Greek food and beer.  Does it get better?

When does it start:  6:30pm racetime

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
146 W. Utica St., Buffalo
Buffalo, NY US 14222

Ellicottville Happy Half – May 12

Why It's Cool: This one can be a half marathon, 5k, or a beer mile for those with stronger stomachs.  Expect fun distractions on the course. Oh...and beer from Southern Tier.  Yes please.

When does it start:  Half marathon starts at 10:00am, 5k at 10:20am

Start and finish at Holiday Valley

Superhero Race – Friday June 1

Why It's Cool: Everyone needs a Superhero and the proceeds for this one go to promote awareness and raise funds for children living with mental health challenges. Oh...and everyone dresses like Superheroes.

When does it start:  Walkers start at 6:30 p.m., Runners start at 7:15 p.m.

Delaware Park and St. George’s Church grounds

Run For The Berg – June 2

Why It's Cool: Live music, a beer tent, a supervised kid’s zone with plenty of kid-friendly activities, plus it starts and ends right at J.P.'s.  And it's for Autism research.

When does it start:  11am start

Village of Hamburg, start and finish at J.P. Fitzgerald's, 4236 Clark Street, Hamburg, NY

Girls On The Run – June 3

Why It's Cool: Girls On The Run is here to inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind.  If you want to be inspired and help build the confidence of a young girl in your life, this one is for you.

When does it start:  9:15am Walk to the start line, race starts at 9:30am.

University at Buffalo, North Campus

Color Me Rad – June 23

Why It's Cool:  They throw color bombs that leave you with a colorful reminder on your clothes after it's all done.  PLUS...you can spend the rest of the day at Darien Lake when you're done.  Your park admission is included!

When does it start:  there are multiple waves throughout the day

Where:  Darien Lake

50 Yard Finish – June 23

Why It's Cool:  The finish.  You will see yourself on the HD Video board as you cross the finish line, which is the 50 yard line of the field where the Buffalo Bills play.

When does it start:  9:00 a.m. (Kids Fun Mile 10:30 a.m.)

Where:  New Era Field, One Bills Drive, Orchard Park, N.Y. 14127

Finn McCool – July 15  https://www.finnmccool4mile.com/

Why It's Cool:  I mean...cool is in the name.  It's not just a race, this is an obstacle course.  And you can count on getting dirty.  Really dirty.

When does it start:  Waves beginning at 9:00 a.m and running throughout the day

Where: Cazenovia Park

Tough Mudder – August 4^th, 5^th

Why it's cool:  This one is one of the original obstacle races that prove what you've got in the gas tank.  It's not a race where time is going to matter, it's just about making it through with the help of your team.

When does it start:  Multiple waves over 2 days

Where:  Tall Pines ATV Park

Andover , NY , 14806

Buffalo Zombie Mud Run – TBA

Why it's cool:  Zombies chase you as you run through the course.  Will you have enough lives to help you survive the pandemic?

When does it start:  TBA

Where:  the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY