And we're off to the races ...

Last weekend, almost all the action was down south. This weekend, all the racing seems to be taking place up north.

Not much variety here distance-wise (it's getting hot enough in Charlotte now, I think, that most runners aren't interested in races longer than 3.1 miles) ... but the ones beyond King Tiger are all small affairs -- meaning they're good opportunities for faster runners to win some hardware.

Anyway, let's get to it.

Ourboys
What: 5K and 1-mile fun run.
When: 5K start is at 8 a.m. Saturday. Fun run to follow.
Cost: $20; $50 for a family of four. Fun run is $10.
Where: Harris Road Middle School, 1251 Patriot Plantation Blvd in Concord.
Why: Proceeds will be used in the fight against juvenile Batten disease, which causes blindness, seizures and learning difficulties in affected children. Eventually, sufferers lose the ability to walk, talk and even swallow.
Of note: Race hosts are Chris and Wendy Hawkins, whose two children both are affected by the disease. For more on Batten Disease, visit www.bdsra.org. For more on the Hawkins family, visit www.ourboysjourney.com. It's a small, no-frills race -- just over 150 runners participated last year -- but for a very worthy cause. The Observer ran a nice column about the Hawkins' efforts recently, which can be read here.
To register: Click here.

RE/MAX at the Lake Run for Miracles
What: 5K run/walk.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday.
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 on race day.
Where: Mount Mourne Volunteer Fire Department, 1577 Mecklenburg Highway in Mooresville.
Why: Proceeds benefit the Children's Miracle Network, which raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals.
Of note: It's reportedly a level, fast course. Top overall runner and top overall youth runner each will get a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate. Another small race: Last year, there were 175 finishers.
Official site: Click here. To register: Click here.

June Bug Road Races
What: Mile walk/fun run; 2-mile cross-country run; 5K.
When: Friday. 6:30 p.m. start for the mile, 6:45 for the 2-miler, 7 p.m. for the 5K.
Cost: $21 for the 5K, $10 for either of the other two events.
Where: Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Road in Concord.
Don't know much about this one, though it sounds good for families, anyone who prefers evening races, or people like me who have a prior commitment Saturday morning and therefore can't run any of the races listed above...
More info: Call Perry Gabriel at 704-920-2701. To register: Click here.

Running one of these races this weekend? Which one, and why?