And we're off to the races ...

For runners in areas to the extreme east or south-southeast of Charlotte (or for those of you who are willing to drive a little), I've got info on a few events that should satisfy your racing jones Saturday morning. Plus, there's one option out in Belmont that'll leave you feeling very dirty ...

Anyway, read on to find out what's happening this weekend.

Go for Blood!

What: Bike tours, 5K race.

Where: Cane Creek Park, 5213 Harkey Road in Waxhaw (Union County).

When: Saturday. 63-mile and 35-mile rides depart at 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., respectively. Road race starts at 8 a.m. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

Cost: Register by Tuesday for $25. After Tuesday and on race day, it's $35 to participate. Just $10 for ages 16 and younger. T-shirts guaranteed for first 300 entrants.

Of note: This annual fund-raising event supports the American Red Cross. ... The two "cycling adventures" go through "the rolling hills" of southern Union County, and will include rest stops. ... The 5K racers will be treated to "wooded scenery," with awards given to the top three males and females. ... All participants are invited to a post-event cookout (10 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Official site: Click here.

Last year's Go For Blood! 5K.

YMCA Strong Communities 8K

What: 8K (5-mile) road race.

Where: Stanly County Family YMCA, 427 N. First St. in Albemarle.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday.

Cost: $15.

Of note: Peter Asciutto, owner of Vac & Dash in Albemarle, says "it's a challenging yet fair 5-mile course" through residential and downtown areas of the city. ... The top three male and female finishers get Brooks drawstring bags; the top 10 men and women get Vac & Dash "Top Finisher" towels. ... Donate canned goods and you'll be entered for a chance to win a pair of $100 running shoes courtesy of Vac & Dash.

More race info: Click here. To register: Click here.

To Shed Light on Her Darkness 5K

What: 5K road race.

Where: Dickerson Park off of Icemorlee Street in Monroe.

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Race-day registration starts at 7:30.

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 on race day.

Of note: A very small race last year, but with a worthy beneficiary: the Turning Point of Union County domestic violence shelter clients, and their children. ... The Monroe Police Department kicks off its "National Night Out" celebration at 9:30 a.m. at the same site, so runners can stick around for food, drinks and activities.

More race info: E-mail Krystin Jacobs at kjacobs@unioncountyturningpoint.org or call her at 704-283-9150. You also can just e-mail me and I can forward you the brochure.

* * *

I also have an e-mail out to the director of this Saturday's cool-sounding Marine Mud Challenge in Belmont. While we await his answers to my questions, here's a taste, courtesy of a recent Associated Press report:

Registration is open for the 3rd Annual Marine Mud Challenge. The race is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Belmont Abbey College. Proceeds will go to the families of wounded sailors and Marines at Camp Lejeune. The race features a 5-mile course with a variety of obstacles, including mud pits, a low crawl through a pipe and a 5-foot wall. The race is open to the public. Last year, more than 600 runners took part.

Unfortunately, the race Web site (at www.carolinamarines.org) was down this morning. Stay tuned. ...

Know of any other races happening this weekend?