International Sporting Events to Look Forward to, Plus Three to Join

Be a spectator

The "Super" football game and Sochi Olympicshave come and gone, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have other sporting events to look forward to. With a slew of big, international events, you can get your sporting fix year-round, or if sitting on the sidelines ain’t your thing, you can sign up for competitions yourself.

The biggest events to look forward to are well on the other side of winter, when we can all finally thaw a bit and shake off the chill by cheering on our favorite teams and athletes. First up, golf. The PGA tour swings through Georgia’s Augusta National Country Club, which will host the Masters Tournament April 10-13, followed by the US Open in North Carolina in June.

For that seasonal celebration of equine pageantry (and hats), don’t miss the Kentucky Derby (May 3, 2014),

By the time we’re feeling summer, the FIFA World Cup will descend on Rio de Janeiro, with 32 countries competing in the world’s most popular sport, football (or, y’know, soccer for us Americans). Many view the spectacle (June 12 to July 13) as a trial run for the 2016 Summer Olympics, also being hosted in Rio, but the World Cup definitely holds its own as far as coverage is concerned.

Across the pond, all eyes will be on Wimbledon beginning June 23, as tennis superstars hit the courtsand volley for the prized trophy, while New York City will play host to the US Open from August 25 until September 8.

And these are just the sporting events that aren’t international marathons, the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals or NBA Finals. Mark your calendars now!

Join in the fun

If you’re looking to get into the game rather than merely watch, consider signing up for a number of interactive athletic funtivities. The Tough Mudder is an immensely popular obstacle course held in nearly 50 cities worldwide. From 12-foot walls to muddy tunnels, to any number of team challenges, Tough Mudder is not for the faint of heart; it tests your mettle.

It may be a little too late to join a team for the IQA World Cup, but if you’re looking for a little whimsy in your competition, consider picking up a broom. That’s right: IQA is short for the International Quidditch Association. Tap into your inner Gryffindor at this popular co-ed sporting event, played at over 300 international universities and high schools at over 25 sanctioned events, which are open to any age group.

If Quidditch is just too quirky for you, there’s also the Bacon Chase in Atlanta and Chicago. Whether you opt for the 5K or the 0.05K run, there’s a promise of unlimited bacon post-run with hammy, smoky snacks along the way. Get into it.

What events are you most looking forward to?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.