Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Whether you are looking for a change of pace, a fun way to stay in shape, or a chance to 'strut your stuff' in friendly competition, Puerto Vallarta will have something fun for everyone to enjoy in July.

The city is revving up for a series of Fun Runs, each with a different theme, focusing less on breaking records and more on helping others, getting active and having a good time.

The first race in this series of Fun Runs is the 5th AMOHP "Run for a Cause" to raise funds for the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology department at the General Hospital in Tepic, Nayarit, as part of the XXII International Congress of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Onco-Hematology (AMOHP) being held at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias from June 30-July 2.

The AMOHP Run for a Cause (children with cancer), a 3K race with Women and Men categories, will start at 7:00 am on Friday, July 1st at La Unidad Deportiva Agustin Flores Contreras, better known as the Puerto Vallarta Sports Stadium, located across the street from the Sheraton, where you can make the requested donation of $150 Pesos. Your receipt will serve as your entry pass to the run. The winner of each category will receive an iPad!

The second event is Puerto Vallarta's first "Acuatlon Deportivo," an original and fun experience designed to give people of all ages a fun way to stay in shape - and a chance to win big prizes - on Sunday, July 3.

To participate in the Acuatlon Deportivo ("Sports Aquathlon," a race that combines a 5K run and 1000 meter swim) you must register for the event on Saturday, July 2nd between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm at the registration booth, which will be set up in front of the Rosita Hotel at the north end of the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Entry fees are $230 pesos for students and $280 pesos for the general public. At registration you will be given your personal Aquathlon kit, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, competitor number, route and instructions. A preliminary meeting will be held at 7:00 pm.

The Acuatlon Deportivo, which is limited to 300 competitors, will begin at 8:00 am on Sunday, July 3 on the Malecón in front of the Rosita Hotel, with contenders in the Open Category (ages 16 and up) running 2.5 kilometers on the Malecón (1.25km from the starting line to "El Molino" and 1.25km back.) Next, they will go to Playa Camarones for the 1000 meter swim (500 meters out and 500 meters back.) The final leg of the race is another 2.5K run, retracing the original route. In addition to gifts from sponsors, cash prizes will be awarded. The winner of first place will receive $1,500.00 pesos, second 1,000.00 pesos, and third $500.00 pesos.

Shorter courses have been designed for the three Kid's categories: Infantil (under 11), Children (11-13), and Teenagers (14 & 15). The winners of the first three places in these categories will receive in-kind prizes. Hydration will provided throughout the race, and medal will be given to everyone who finishes.

For more information, (in Spanish) visit the Acuatlon Vallarta website or Facebook page.

The third event in the series of Fun Runs being held in Puerto Vallarta in July is designed by Running Puerto Vallarta to promote healthiness and happiness by bringing the community together for a 5K open category race like no other!

The Color Running Race will be held at 7:30 am on Sunday July 10, 2016. Runners will take their marks at 8:00 am the La Unidad Deportiva Agustin Flores Contreras (Municipal Sports Stadium), race to the Holiday Inn and back.

What makes this Fun Run stand out is that as the runners make their way along the five-kilometer course, they will be doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer so you will arrive at the finish line plastered in color!

To enter the Color Running Race, you must register by Saturday, July 9 at the Running Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit office, located in Plaza Genovesa Local 15-A in the North Hotel Zone or online at RunningRivieraNayarit.com.

The registration fee is $200 pesos, ($210 if made via Paypal), which includes a race kit that contains your competitor number, and commemorative t-shirt & sunglasses.

Hydration will provided throughout the race and, at the end of the run, prizes provided by the event's sponsors will be raffled off among all participants.

For more information (in Spanish) visit RunningRivieraNayarit.com.

While these sporting events are all about having fun, the goal is to encourage everyone in Vallarta to enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle. They are also a great way for beginners to get motivated and for seasoned athletes to break up the monotony of training. So what are you waiting for? Register for one, or all of the above, TODAY!