Odds + ends for my running friends

Here's a bunch of assorted racing news, most of which appeared earlier this week on my Facebook Fan Page:

• Several area races taking place this weekend. Two are makeups: The Cupid's Cup 5K, postponed from last Saturday due to the snow, is now set for 8 a.m. this Saturday in Dilworth; and the Winter Flight 8K, postponed from Jan. 30 due to the weather, is now going off at 2 p.m. this Sunday in Salisbury. Also this weekend: The UNC Charlotte Homecoming 5K takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday on the UNCC campus (details are here), and at the same time, on the west side of town, the first annual hardCORE serious trail runner 8k is being hosted by the U.S. National Whitewater Center (details are here). The weather forecast is currently favorable, so we should be running this weekend...

• Early registration for Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon is now open. Prices are $75 for the full marathon, $45 for the half and $25 for the 5K. Race day is Saturday, Dec. 11.

• New race announcement: The Sandy Feet 5K and Fun Run will be held in downtown Matthews on May 1 (same weekend as the Matthews BeachFest). Click here to register or for more details. Proceeds will be donated to local charities that support individuals with developmental disabilities and Special Olympics. Also, organizer Jen Lynch is in search of sponsors. Got a business in that area that you want to promote? Contact jhughes321@hotmail.com.

• Need help with your form? At 6 p.m. Wednesday, TrySports Charlotte (9830 Rea Road) will host a discussion/demonstration by Performance Therapy's Mike Danenberg on "how to run biomechanically efficient." You'll be able to practice what you’ve learned (and get feedback on your form), so come dressed to run outdoors. RSVP to jenniferteipen@trysports.com. A similar workshop will be held at the same time NEXT Wednesday (2/24).

• Help a good cause and maybe win some cool swag! Reader Laura Buchanan -- whose almost-2-year-old daughter suffers from an extremely rare genetic brain malformation -- is training to run the Cooper River Bridge Run in March to help raise money and awareness for Joubert Syndrome. Check out how to donate/enter a special raffle by clicking here.

• An update from a Palmetto200 Relay spokesman: "We have 32 teams -- 28 full and four ultra teams, including around 5-10 from the Charlotte area. We are really excited about the response we have from up there. Registration is now $1,200 for full and $600 for ultra, until March 30. We expect to have 40-50 teams for the race."