And we're off to the races ...

I'll be looking to bust 47 minutes this Saturday in my first 10K since Cooper River ... but I'll be doing it 1,000 miles away, in Lenexa, Kan. (Visiting family for the Fourth.)

What races will I miss around here, while I'm gone? Let's find out.

Miles for Marines
What: 15K "motivational" run/walk.
When: 8 a.m. Friday.
Cost: $15.
Where: Westminster Park, 4000 India Hook Road in Rock Hill.
Why: All proceeds will benefit the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund.
Of note: The "challenging and scenic" course is run entirely on trails, and winds along the banks of the Catawba River. There'll be a digital clock at the finish line so you can note your time as you cross, but this is not otherwise a competitive race. The event is being held in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps; the Web site asks participants to think while running/walking about "the discipline, self-sacrifice and rigorous training that Marines endure in effort to better serve our nation and keep us safe." Afterward, participants can enjoy food and demonstrations from the Charlotte Reserves and the local Marine Corps Recruiting Staff.
To register: Click here. Info on the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund: Click here.

Firecracker 5K
What: 5K and kids' Fun Run.
When: 5K is at 8 a.m. Saturday; Fun Run follows at 9.
Cost: $20 for the 5K, $10 for the Fun Run ($30 and $15 on race day).
Where: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Drive in Huntersville.
Why: Proceeds will benefit the Lakeside Scholarship Fund.
Of note: Start line for both races is on the other side of Verhoeff Drive, at CPCC. Last year, 253 runners finished this July 4 race. The 5K course is a trapezoid: Right off of Verhoeff onto Statesville, right onto Mt. Holly-Huntersville, right onto Old Statesville, right onto Verhoeff. The Fun Run course is a little shy of a quarter-mile.
Race brochure: Click here. To register: Click here.

Recon Off-Road Triathlon and Relay
What: Sprint triathlon, with distances of 400 meters (in Lake Haigler), 12 miles on a mountain bike, and a 3-mile run.
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Cost: $60 ($70 on race day). Add $10 if you're not a USAT member.
Where: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Highway 21 Bypass in Fort Mill.
Of note: This is the first time a triathlon has been held on the greenway, and it's all off-road -- so don't show up with your road bike. All registered athletes get both a T-shirt and a nylon backpack in their swag bag. Relay teams are welcome; registration is $140 per team ($170 on race day).
Race site: Click here. To register: Click here.

Know of any other races happening this weekend?