And we're off to the races...

There are precious few opportunities to race 5Ks locally this month, save for the Dec. 12 Jingle Jog. But here are two set for Saturday -- and they're smaller races, meaning average runners could have a decent shot at winning age-group awards:

Santa's Run for Hunger 5K, which will take place at Millbridge, halfway between Salisbury and Mooresville off of Highway 150. Salisbury Rowan Runners president David Freeze tells me "the course is completely rural, and will only pass a park, an old grist mill, a dairy farm and three houses"; he also says all participants will get a long-sleeve DriFit shirt. Registration is $17 through Wednesday, and $22 thereafter. The race benefits Rowan Helping Ministries, a local homeless shelter. Visit www.salisburyrowanrunners.com or call 704-239-5508 for more info, or click here to register. The race starts at 9 a.m. ... At 9:45, there will be a one-mile fun run, featuring medals for all participants -- and, of course, Santa will pay runners a visit.

Meanwhile, Mooresville High School junior Emily Nesbitt is the organizer of a 5Kthat aims to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer. Race starts at 8 a.m. at Mooresville Senior High School, 659 E. Center St. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 day-of. There'll also be a kids Fun Run (10 a.m., $5) and post-race snacks for all participants. This is Emily's Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, and her motivation is pancreatic cancer sufferer Dr. Craig Schauder. Read more about the Emily's project or get additional race details here.