Odds + ends for my running friends

A couple reminders -- and a couple of news items -- to pass along on this gorgeous fall evening:

The Thunder Road Marathon is recruiting volunteers for the big Dec. 12 event, which includes the 26.2-miler, a half marathon and a 5K. In addition to being involved with Charlotte's only marathon, you'll be supporting thousands of fellow runners and an event that benefits local non-profits; oh, and you'll get a cool long-sleeve volunteer T-shirt. Register as an individual, or grab some friends and make it a group effort. Remember: An event this big needs more than just the runners to be a success. Interested? Click here; the site lists the available volunteer positions and times help is needed. Questions? E-mail Jessica Douglas at jessica@runforyourlife.com.

Looking for some running buddies? The Charlotte Runners Meetup Group hooks up Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Charlotte Running Co. in Dilworth for the "Pick Your Distance Run." According to the store's newsletter, runners can choose from four, six or eight miles -- "basically there is an eight-mile route that runs by Charlotte Running Co. three times. You just jump off when you're ready." Wear reflective clothing or a running light, since it gets dark early now. An added perk: Participants get 15 percent off purchases made before the run. Charlotte Running Co. is at 1412 East Blvd., Suite. G. For more info, click here or call 704-377-8786.

Kevin Collins, the guy who promised to wear a cheetah-print running skirt and a mohawk while competing in the Ford Ironman Florida on Nov. 7, finished the race in 14 hours, 27 minutes, 40 seconds. He placed 1,953th out of 2,329 finishers, but more importantly, he raised $11,418 for for Team In Training through the Janus Charity Challenge program.

The Great Urban Race, a national adventure-race series that made its Charlotte debut this past September, will be back with more challenges and brain-teasers on April 24, 2010. It's basically a scavenger hunt, with teams of two working to solve a series of 12 clues. (Read about one local team's experience.) For more information, click here.