Yes, it’s April, but you still have time to jump-start your new year’s goals. 

As the temperatures start to heat up, though, the clock is ticking on outdoor activities in Southern Arizona. 

Running, biking and hiking events are happening in the next few weeks, giving you the opportunity to get closer to your exercise goals and improve your mental and physical health. 

We found several activities that you might want to consider.

Get out and run/walk

Dr. Gann’s Diet of Hope Cinco de Mayo 10K & 5K + FitKidz Mile, May 4 at Cholla High School, 2001 W. Starr Pass Blvd. 

This event has been going on for 43 years and will have about 700 participants. It is a great way to meet community members and your exercise goals while celebrating Cinco De Mayo. 

This is a race that encourages people to get into healthy habits, says Lucas Tyler, assistant race director. 

No matter your experience, there is a race for anyone. Tyler recommends the 5k if you are just getting into a fitness routine because it is walker-friendly. If you want more of a challenge, the 10k is an opportunity to run further with different terrain. 

“The 10k I’d say is pretty hilly and the 5k is not flat but it’s not as much climbing,” said Tyler. 

After the event, there will be awards, Eggees, burritos and a mariachi band, which Tyler said is a great way to celebrate finishing the race. 

Other upcoming 5ks include:

• The Nut Run on April 26 at the Green Valley Pecan Company, 1625 E. Sahuarita Road
• Mother’s Day 5k on May 10, starting at Gladden Farms Community Park, 12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road in Marana. 

Hit the ground on two wheels

If you’re more into biking, check out the Texas Canyon Mountain Bike Race on April 26 at Amerind Museum, 2100 N. Amerind Road in Dragoon. They expect more than 115 people will participate.

The race is in the Texas Canyon Nature Preserve, which is now open to the public. This is the only time of year that bikes are allowed on the preserve’s newly formed trail system. This lets people explore the area and see the balancing boulders and Texas Canyon’s other unique rock formations.  

There is a 15.8-mile race and a 7.9-mile race, which has a fun ride for E-bikes. 

“People who aren’t hard-core mountain bike racers can get out and ride,” said Maggie Ohnesorgen, public programs and relations manager for the Amerind Museum on the Texas Canyon Nature Preserve. 

If you want more of a challenge, check out the Mount Lemmon hill climb on May 2 starting at McDonald Park, 4100 N. Harrison Road. 

Running up that hill … kinda

Hiking is another way to stay active and explore the natural beauty of Southern Arizona. Beyond, a Tucson program with the goal of improving the health and well-being of community members, hosts monthly hikes.

“Our monthly hikes are all about getting people outside,” especially people who aren’t as comfortable doing it on their own, said Daniela Diamente, executive director. 

On May 3, Beyond is hiking the Madera Canyon Nature Trail, a six-mile route with some rocky terrain and inclines. Hikers can go at their own pace, making it beginner-friendly, and meet up with other hikers later. 

Halfway through the hike, there will be a two-minute meditation allowing attendees to immerse themselves in nature. 

 It “gets people into nature in a really beautiful spot,” said Diamente. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism