Let's go for a run Friday night

*UPDATED AT 4:48 P.M. THURSDAY: 1,843 PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED UP SO FAR! ON-SITE REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 5:30 P.M. FRIDAY...

Uptown workers should save their energy Friday for one of the area's only annual evening races.

Organizers are hoping to register 2,200 runners and walkers for Right Moves for Youth's Twilight 5K, which starts at 7 p.m. by the Wachovia Plaza in uptown Charlotte and requires a quick change of clothes by the 9-to-5 crowd.

Earlier this week, I traded brief e-mails about the Twilight run with race director Shannon Hames, who's also development director for Right Moves for Youth.

Q. I'm excited about this race, because it's one that I don't have to wake up early for on a Saturday. Do you get that reaction a lot?
Yes. We get a lot of people who are glad to have a chance to run in the evening. The runners also seem to really enjoy the post-race party (at George Herman’s). ... People have more energy in the morning, but people seem to really enjoy the evening run.

Q. Were young professionals the target "audience" when the race was created? Seems perfect for them, given the time and location.
Yes, the plan was to give professionals a chance to participate in a healthy activity that helped to support the charity Right Moves for Youth.

Q. Break down the course layout for me. Is it true there's a big hill leading up to the finish?
The first half the race is flat and downhill. The second half is rolling. There is a gradual rise up by Bank of America Stadium; it’s tough, but not unbearable.

Q. I see each runner gets one free beer per runner at the post-race party. Any chance you could make it two?? ;)
You’d have to talk with the owner of George Herman's! ... But we are giving finishing medals to the first 2,100 runners/walkers!

I also asked about post-race showers, which the uptown Y used to offer during the '90s, back in the race's early years. Replied co-organizer Marie Cassis of Event Marketing Services: "The majority of people head over to George Herman's after the race to take in the celebration -- even without a shower. We get that question a lot, too, but we always tell people not to worry ... that they will be in the same company!"

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Registration is $17 ($20 on race day), $12 for kids in grades K through 12. Walkers can register, too, and a free 1K Kids Fun Run will follow at 8 p.m.

8 p.m. is also when the post-race party starts at George Herman’s, located at 144 Brevard Court in Latta Arcade (across the street from Wachovia Plaza). Yes, each guest gets one beer ticket (admission for runners is free, non-runners must pay $3; additional donations are welcomed).

Proceeds from both the race and the party benefit Right Moves for Youth, whose mission is "to provide the motivation for its members in grades 3-12 to succeed in school, improve their quality of life, and become responsible members of society."

For more info on Right Moves for Youth or to sign up for the Twilight 5K, click here.