Friday, August 28, 2009

And we're off to the races ...

Although many of us are focused at the moment on tearing up Dilworth Saturday morning at the flat 'n' fast Greek Fest 5K, just wanted to give runners a heads-up on a few attractive races that are two weeks out (oh, and read to the end for some important info on two big upcoming events):

Hog Jog 5K

What: 5K through Center City Charlotte.

Where: Start and finish is on Tryon Street (near Wachovia Plaza) and the finish is on Fourth Street between Church and Tryon.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Cost: $22 until Tuesday (Sept. 1); $25 thereafter; $30 on race day.

Of note: The race is held in conjunction with Blues, Brews & BBQ, scheduled for Sept. 11-12. ... In its inaugural running last year, 583 participants finished with official times. ... The course will wind through SouthEnd, Third Ward and uptown. ... The post-race party, from 8 to 10:30 a.m., will include a free kids' fun run at 9; live music; free beer and food; and a bloody Mary and screwdriver contest. The Childress YMCA will be open for participants to take showers.

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

Historic Mooresville 5K

What: 5K race and Kids' Fun Run held annually on the second Saturday in September.

Where: Start and finish is at the Mooresville Public Library (304 S. Main St.).

When: 5K is at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Fun Run is at 8:30.

Cost: $20 in advance; $25 on race day.

Of note: Last year's event hosted more than 250 runners. ... The course, according to the Web site: "a rolling, certified course through historic Downtown Mooresville and Mooresville Mill Village, past Mooresville High School and historic Willow Valley Cemetery." ... All participants will be eligible for post-race door prizes. ... Proceeds will support children's literacy programs in the area (the YMCA's Starfish program and the Mooresville Public Library).

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

Birkdale Triathlon & Kids Aquathlon

What: Triathlon (ages 18 and up) is a 250-yard pool swim, a 6.5-mile bike, and a 2-mile run. Aquathlon (ages 6 to 17) is a 150-yard swim and a 1-mile run.

Where: Start and finish is at the Birkdale Residents' Club, 8915 Devonshire Drive, Huntersville.

When: Triathlon is at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12. Aquathlon is at 8:30.

Cost: Tri is $20 per individual, $45 for a relay team. Aqua is $10.

Of note: Tri swim is in the Birkdale pool, run is an out-and-back through the community; Aqua run is on "grassy fields" at the Residents' Club. ... Hosted by UpGrade Lifestyle, a local wellness company, and the Birkdale HOA. ... A portion of the proceeds will benefit Leukemia Research Foundation.

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

* * *

Oh, and a couple of key deadlines to be aware of:
  • Registration fees for Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon go up Tuesday (Sept. 1). Through Monday, it's $75 for the full, $50 for the half, and $25 for the Jingle Jog 5K (all races Saturday, Dec. 12). On Tuesday, prices go up to $85/$55/$30. Official site: Click here.
  • Registration fees for the 2009 Charlotte Affiliate Race for the Cure go up Wednesday (Sept. 2). Through Tuesday, it's $28 for the noncompetitive 5K and $33 for the competitive 5K (race date is Saturday, Oct. 3). Prices only go up $2 on Wednesday, but if you register before then, your race packet (including T-shirt) will be mailed to you at no charge. Registration page: Click here.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the heads up! Good luck on the PR this weekend.

Anonymous said...

I did the Hog Jog 5K last year. The race started on N. Tryon St. The road was narrowed because BBQ stands and cookers were on the sidewalks and side of the street. In addition, there was a lot of smoke from the cookers and the smell of BBQ. A very different start. Disappointed that a race named Hog Jog, did not have any free BBQ for after the race. I will give it a second chance especially when you mentioned the course was changing.

Anonymous said...

Went to the Hog Jog web link, and it said map course coming soon. Race is less than three weeks ago and they have not posed a course map. Another comment said the course was different this year. Hope the rest of the race is better organized. One of the factors I use in choosing a race is seeing what the course looks like before I register.

Chris said...

The course will be up next week for Hog Jog. We have been working with the organizers for Blues, Brews and BBQ to coordinate the course around their footprint, which unfortunately has taken some time. I know it can be frustrating for people who are waiting to see it and I apologize, but appreciate your interest in coming back out. The course will not be running thru the grillers like the start did last year. Thank you for your comments.

SwimCoachFinder said...

Sounds like things are rocking!