The Pizza Run Is Our New Favorite Way To Exercise

Their T-shirts read, "Will Run for Pizza." And they do. Literally.

On September 17 in New York City, hundreds of runners will conquer a five-kilometer run fueled by oozing layers of carbs and mozzarella. It's the eight annual NYC Pizza Run, the race in which participants must stop at checkpoints throughout to devour two slices of cheesy pizza before they are allowed to proceed.

 

It's the ideal running situation — and even better, the proceeds go to charity. While stuffing your own face with greasy goodness, you can help the folks over at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) fight for the prevention of juvenile diabetes.

The organizers of the Pizza Run clearly can understand the true deepest desire of even the fittest human: pizza. The savory slices are provided by Pizza by Certé, Manhattan's first eco-friendly pizzeria. The chef of the restaurant, Ed Sylvia, organizes the run, drawing more runners each year to the starting line. "Pizza and running are my two loves besides my family," said Sylvia, expressing his clear passion for the pies.

This year, the run sold out — but the organizers still encourage anyone to attend as a spectator. "Even if you don't want to participate and don't know anyone participating, we still think you'll have a fun time checking out the action," their website reads.

Based on the success of the run so far, it's pretty clear that the best time to carb-load is during the run itself. And afterwards, runners follow up with the next best thing for a post-workout refuel: beer.