And we're off to the races ...

Haven't been able to solve the mystery of "Why No Races on Sunday?" yet, but I do have info on a couple of attractive half-marathons (rare, as you know, in these parts) that aren't too far afield, as well as a few good charity races set for this weekend.

First, the halfs:

Run For The Green Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Saturday, at the Village Green in downtown Davidson: The major draw here is the half-marathon; this one heads southeast from the Village Green, running parallel to Concord and Davidson-Concord roads before turning around at the River Run Tennis Complex. Start times are 7:30 a.m. (half), 7:45 (10K) and 8 (5K). At last check, 309 runners were signed up, including 164 for the half-marathon. Cost is $40 for the half, $30 for the 10K and $25 for the 5K; proceeds will benefit the Davidson Lands Conservancy. The Davidson Green Day festival follows, with live music and opportunities for attendees to volunteer for local projects. Official site: Click here.

Run the Valley Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Saturday, in downtown Badin: If you're in the mood for a hilly half, this one goes from the post office in Badin to the top of Morrow Mountain and back, with about 50 percent of the course winding through Morrow Mountain State Park. The half starts at 7:30 a.m.; 10K and 5K go off at 8:15. Badin is in Stanly County on the far side of Albemarle, roughly 50 miles from Charlotte. Registration for the half, which is limited to 100 runners, is $45; 5K and 10K are $15 and $20, respectively. To register, click here.

And here are the charity races I know of:

Kate's Race for Hope 5K Run, Saturday, at McAlpine Creek Park (8711 Monroe Road): Kate's Race was created in honor of Kate Schultz Colon, who died of cancer several years ago when she was a college senior. In her memory, a one-on-one support ministry was started that takes referrals from Charlotte-area oncologists. Registration is $30, and the race starts at 7:30 a.m.; there's also a 2K Fun Walk beginning at 8:15. Event page: Click here.

5K for Isabella, Saturday, at the Ballantyne Business Park: The Isabella is 4-year-old Isabella Santos, who has been battling a very rare pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma for two years. Entry fee is $25 through Thursday, $30 thereafter. The funds raised will be used for paying medical bills not covered by insurance, and for research on neuroblastoma. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. in the business park. Event page: Click here.

Race for Fetal Hope 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, at Independence Park (300 Hawthorne Lane): The proceeds will "go to saving babies' lives and giving hope to families by spreading awareness of fetal distresses and syndromes, funding medical research, and providing financial and emotional support and medical assistance." Start time is 8 a.m. Registration is $25, or $30 on race day, with discounts for kids and seniors. Event page: Click here.