And we're off to the races...

Several of the fall's more unique races and runs are taking place around the region this weekend:

1. The Hendrick Marrow Program Half Marathon and 5K, Sunday, next to the Hendrick Motorsports' complex at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord: This new event's primary draw is the chance for half-marathoners to run through several Lowe's facilities, including the dirt track, the drag strip, and one lap around the NASCAR oval itself. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Hendrick Marrow Program of the Be The Match Foundation. The half marathon ($45) begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K ($25) at 8:30. There's a kids' 100-yard dash ($10) at 11:30 a.m. For the race Web site, click here. To register, click here.

2. The Santa Scramble 5K, Saturday, in downtown Concord: Three things set this race apart from the typical 5K. No. 1, it's got an afternoon start, at 2 p.m. No. 2, it's a point-to-point race, with -- I'm told -- an overall net loss of elevation (i.e. it's mostly downhill). No. 3, it kicks off the annual Concord Christmas Parade, so you can expect good crowd support and a festive mood all along the way. Buses will begin taking runners from the Cabarrus County Senior Center (331 Corban Ave. SE) to the start area at noon. All runners need to be at the starting line by 1:45 p.m. For the race Web site, click here. To register, click here.

3. The Thin Blue Line Run, 8 a.m. Saturday, at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and Fire Training Academy, 1770 Shopton Road in southwest Charlotte: This brand-new 5K also takes place at a novel venue -- on the grounds where CMPD's recruits are trained. There's a good FAQ about what to expect here; it notes the race is not chip-timed, T-shirts vary, and there's no post-race food. BUT ... registration is just $10 (additional donations are welcomed). The proceeds will fund scholarships for high schoolers seeking careers in law enforcement, and two fallen officers will be honored on race morning. More info here.

4. The Fellowship of the Idiots Run, Saturday, at the Stanly County Family YMCA in Albemarle: Not so much a race as it is a loong training run (19.7 miles), from the Y in downtown to the top of Morrow Mountain and back. Start time is 5:30 a.m. There'll be water at Mile 6 and at Mile 13.7, and refreshments at the finish. Runners who complete the trek get a "Fellowship of the Idiots" T-shirt and a certificate, and their name will be engraved on the FOTI plaque at Vac & Dash. The best part? It's free. To sign up, e-mail your name and T-shirt size to peter@vacanddash.com or call 704-983-3274. More info here.

5. And don't forget the second of Run For Your Life's Thunder Road Marathon Course Preview Runs, 7 a.m. Saturday, the Dowd YMCA (400 E. Morehead St., on the edge of uptown): Runners will head out to preview the "back" 13.1 -- which reaches down into South End and up into NoDa. You can e-mail Dexter at dexter@runforyourlife.com with questions ... or just come out and register for $10. (Note: If you paid for Part 1, you're already good to go for Part 2.) Fee gets you water and/or Powerade at multiple hydration stations as well as a technical T-shirt, although quantities of the latter are now limited.