And we're off to the races ...

Things appear to be pretty quiet around town on Saturday, with zero running events that I know of. But if you're looking to stretch your legs on Friday night, there are several unique opportunities -- all happening north of Center City Charlotte.

Anyway, let's get to 'em.

Streetlight 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Where: Academy Recreation Center, 147 Academy Ave. NW in Concord.
When: Fun Run is at 8 p.m. Friday, 5K follows at 8:30. Race-day registration begins at 7 p.m.
Cost: $25 for the 5K. There's no charge for the Fun Run, but registration is still required.
Of note: This is the first time the City of Concord Parks and Recreation has offered a nighttime race. The 5K traverses historic downtown Concord; race director Ryan Jones says the course is flat, with a small hill at the beginning and the end -- "perfect for first-time runners." The Fun Run will be held on the Village Greenway. Smoothie King will be providing free samples of Smoothies and Phidippides will be selling race apparel.
Race brochure: Click here. To register: Click here.

Miles of Mooresville
What: 1-, 2- and 3-mile races.
Where: 116 S. Main St. in downtown Mooresville. All races start at Main and Center streets.
When: Friday night. One-mile race starts at 7; the two- and three-mile events will follow, with breaks between each race.
Cost: For $18, runners can participate in any or all of these races.
Why: Proceeds will be donated to local charities in the Mooresville area, including the Humane Society of Iredell County.
Of note: This is the second event in the Queen City Timing race series that will conclude with a third and final event on Aug. 21. Each runner will receive a technical T-shirt and two free beers (ID required). A Pearl Izumi rep will be on site allowing runners to test running shoes for free.
Official site: Click here. To register: Click here.

summer track series
What: A variety of track and field events, open to all ages from youth to masters.
Where: Irwin Belk Track and Field Center on the campus of UNC Charlotte.
When: Friday. Registration begins at 4:45 p.m. First running event is at 6.
Cost: $3.
Of note: Scheduled order of events is: 50 meters (6 p.m.), 100m (6:20), 800m (6:45), the high hurdles (7 p.m.), 400m (7:20), 1,600m (7:40), 200m (8 p.m.) and 3,200m (8:20). The last event -- the 4x400m relay -- is expected to start at 8:30. Field events include hammer, discus, shot put, long jump and pole vault. There also will be similar meets on July 24 and 31. Sponsored by the UNCC Charlotte track team coaching staff and the Carolinas Track & Field Club.
Information: Click here.

Know of any other races happening this weekend?