THINGS TO DO

8 fun events where you can get fit this spring

Leslie Bailey
leslie.bailey@indystar.com
Runners hit the finish line of last year's Shamrock Run. This year's event begins at 10 a.m. on March 14.

Forget about winter weight. Forget about swimsuit season.

This spring is about getting your fitness on for fun.

From DOGA (yes, that's yoga with your dog) to mud runs, here are 10 events where you can drop pounds and tighten your tummy — and even cheat on that darn diet — while having a great time.

Bulldog Jog and Dog Walk

9 a.m. March 28, near Hinkle Fieldhouse, $20 in advance, $30 after March 7, (317) 940-4472, butler.edu/bulldog-jog.

Chances are, your four-legged friend wouldn't mind stretching his or her legs after the long winter either. Head to Butler University with your pup for a 1-mile dog walk where Butler mascot Trip will serve as the grand marshall. Participants are invited to bring items and supplies for donation to the Indiana Bulldog Rescue and Humane Society of Indianapolis.

Workout Wednesdays

April through September, free, georgiastreetindy.com.

Kick your mid-week blues with a free workout on Georgia Street's west block every Wednesday from noon to 12:45 p.m. The cardio-based classes led by YMCA instructors will rotate on a weekly basis and welcome all fitness levels. All you have to do is show up.

Bike to the Ballpark

4 p.m. April 10, Sun King Brewing Company parking lot, 135 N. College Ave., free but registration required, indycog.org.

Take (your bike) out to the ball game ... take it out with a crowd. INDYCOG kicks off baseball season with the fifth annual Bike to the Ballpark. The event starts with pre-game festivities in the Sun King south lot from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bikes depart at 6:15 p.m. for Victory Field where the Indianapolis Indians will take on the Toledo Hens.

DOGA

2 p.m. April 12, 970Fort Wayne Ave., $15,(317) 631-9642, invokestudio.com.

Invoke Studio has gone to the dogs. Bring your furry friend for DOGA. All proceeds from the class will benefit FACE Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. After the event, for $10 a photographer will snap a few photos of you and your pooch, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the Indianapolis Humane Society.

The Graffiti Run takes place on April 19, 2015.

The Graffiti Run

9 a.m. April 19, 1202 E. 38th St., $35-$55 depending on registration date, thegraffitirun.com.

Wear your not-so-nicest whites because you will get splattered with every color imaginable at The Graffiti Run 5k. Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the event features an "after party" with explosions of color, music, food and festivities.

Hollis Adams Mud Run

7:30 a.m. May 30,Sertoma East Club, 2316S. German Church Road, $75-$100 depending on registration date, hollisadamsmudrun.com.

Hosted by the Hollis Adams Foundation, which provides social and recreational activities for adults with developmental disabilities, this race features more than 15 obstacles along a 3-mile course — and lots of mud.

The Color Run

9 a.m. June 6, 801 W. Washington St., $45-$55 for team runners and individuals depending on registration date, thecolorrun.com/indianapolis.

You've probably heard of The Color Run by now, but this year, the 5k run will sparkle in your eye with The Shine Tour. Think sweat, color, and a whole lot of glitter.

Dirty Girl Mud Run

9 a.m. June 6, $55,$65 after April 19, 8001S. Grant City Road, Knightstown, godirtygirl.com.

Don't mind making a mess? Check out the Dirty Girl Mud Run Series, a roughly 3-mile obstacle run where women of all ages and fitness levels are invited to run, climb, crawl and walk through a muddy course. Because grown women can do what they want.

Call Star reporter Leslie Bailey at (317) 444-6094 and follow her on Twitter @Lesalina , Facebook.com/Lesalina , and Instagram @Lesalina .