Odds + ends for my running friends

A few interesting nuggets to pass along on this beautiful late-fall evening:

Here's a unique way to see one of the best community holiday lights displays in the Charlotte region: Members of the Charlotte Track & Triathlon Club will be leading a short run (about 1.5 miles) through Christmas Town USA in McAdenville on Thursday, Dec. 17. It is open to ALL runners -- belonging to the CTTC is NOT required. The group is meeting at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the shopping center at the corner of Wilkinson Boulevard and Market Street in Cramerton (click here for a map of where to park). Be sure to wear something reflective! If you're thinking 1.5 miles isn't very far, you're right. But CTTC president Lana Torkildsen says "given the amount of scenery on this route, this will be more of a social run. If anyone wants to run it twice, they are more than welcome to do that." She adds that they're planning an informal gathering at a nearby restaurant afterward. If anyone has questions about the McAdenville run, e-mail lana@charlottettc.org.

Registration for the Blue Ridge Relay Race is finally open, but if you can't wait till next September to run a 200-mile relay with friends ... consider a brand-new entry into the category: The Palmetto200 (set for April 30-May 1, 2010), which will take teams of four to 12 runners from Columbia, S.C., to the edge of historic Charleston. Co-organizer Brian Malak tells me "it will be a relatively flat course, and the scenery will be great." He says certain course details are still being worked out, but that the race will start in Congaree National Forest just south of Columbia, travel along the southwest sides of Lake Marion and Moultrie, then run through the Francis Marion National Forest. It will culminate with a run along Isle of Palm and Sullivan's Island, a crossing of the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston, and a final stretch along the Battery before ending at Folly Beach." Like the BRR, there are 36 legs to split amongst team members, and logistical challenges involving support vans and exchange points. Through Feb. 2, the Palmetto200 is $900 for regular teams and $450 for ultra teams (same price as BRR); thereafter, it increases to $1,200/$600. For the race Web site, click here.

Fashion-conscious female runners: Asana Activewear is hosting the Launch Party for Skirt Sports' Kendall Kollection from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. The collection of running skirts and other apparel was designed by Charlotte's Jackie McFee, who partnered with Skirt Sports to create the line in honor of her cousin Kendall, a 6-year-old leukemia survivor. The party will include adult beverages, snacks, and discounts on Skirt Sports apparel. A portion of the proceeds from every item sold in the Kendall Kollection benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Asana Activewear is at 3920 Sharon Road, Suite B130. Click here for more details about the event, or here for more about Jackie and Kendall.