The ultimate motivation to give running a try (and we promise it's not 'freedom').

Okay, so we’re now well into 2014, and you’re still thinking about that resolution you made to do more running this year. But you’re yet to get to the point where you’re getting out there regularly to pound the pavement.

The ideal solution? Sign up for a fitness event at some point during the year. That way, you’ll be motivated to train for it. Round up some friends, pick one of the below and then come up with a training plan to make sure you won’t be struggling through when the big day comes.

Here are my favourite events kicking off around Australia this year. Hopefully there’s one in a city near you.

1. Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder is honestly the most fun you’ll ever have running 20km while also conquering various obstacles (think: giant baths full of ice to swim through, mountains of hay bales to scale, great big walls to climb, tyres to drag, logs to carry). The course designed by the British Special Forces, and while it is tough (hemce the name), it’s absolutely manageable if you train for it.

If you’re keen? Definitely sign up with a team, so that you can all help each other through the obstacles. Plus you all get to join the party at the end of the course and drink a beer (included with the ticket price).

When? There are a bunch of Tough Mudder events scheduled for 2014, all over Australia. Go here for dates and locations.

2. The Color Run

The Color Run was one of my favourite events of 2013. It’s a 5km run that you do in a white t-shirt and every kilometre, you’re sprayed with a different colour (don’t worry – you can ingest the powder, it’s safe). You laugh a lot and the photos are incredible.

When? The Color Run is making plenty of stops in 2014 – even Wollongong and Townsville get a turn. Go here for locations and dates.

3. Parkrun

Parkrun is a brilliant initiative: free, weekly, timed 5km runs that are open to absolutely anybody, from beginners to experts. Parkrun happens every Saturday in parks all over the world – you can go just once, or every Saturday if you want. All you have to do is register on their website and then turn up at the designated time and place.

When? Every week, in parks all over Australia. There’s more than likely one near you – go here to find out.

4. The Neon Run

This would actually be the most fun ever. It’s a 5km nighttime run with four different zones dedicated to rock, disco, pop and house music. Bring glowsticks. Lots of them. You’ll need them to match all the lasers, black lights and strobes they have.

When? So far, dates for Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Adelaide are locked in for 2014 – go here for details.

5. The Mud Run

Just like Tough Mudder, only less intense and with even more mud (I know, I didn’t think it was possible either). It’s a 7km fun-run through mud-pits and bog-holes; there’s also a 1km version for kids aged 5-10.

When? In Sydney in December – go here for details.

6. The Raw Challenge

Yet another mud run/obstacle course, but this one is set in some fantastic locations, including Barrington Tops and Tasmania. The course will range in length from location to location, but most are about 6km and designed to be ridiculously fun.

When? All over Australia throughout 2014 – go here for more.

7. The FluroLink

I love the idea of this. You sign up for the 5km run with a team of up to six people. You then get linked together with a bungee-belt system that ensures you all start together, finish together and never lose each other. Oh, and there are obstacles involved… enjoy!

When? Newcastle, Sydney, Brissie and Melbourne all get to experience the flurolink this year – click here for details.

8. The Stampede

Who doesn’t love an obstacle course?! That’s what the Stampede is – it comes in 5km and 10km versions. It’s not a race, just a way to really challenge yourself and your friends/work mates/family/gym group/etc.

When? Throughout Australia – click here for dates and locations.

9. The Electric Run 

A 5km event that’s filled with light and music so that you can make your way through a bunch of different lands featuring glowing trees, neon arches, coloured fountains and lit-up buildings.

When? Throughout Australia in 2014 – everywhere from Cairns to Canberra. Details are coming soon, so bookmark this page.

And if none of the above take your fancy? Check out this incredibly comprehensive running calendar for events near you, and then take the plunge and sign up. You know you want to.

Have you ever done a fun run? How did you find it?