And we're off to the races...

Looking for a race to run this weekend? You've got plenty of choices, and here they are:

The Run Like a Girl 8K

What: Women's-only 8K run and 5K walk.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday. (There's also a girls-only "Run Like a Kid" 1-Miler at 8:15.)
Where: On the "gentle" paths and trails of the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Why: To help raise money and awareness for the HERA Women's Cancer Foundation (which focuses on ovarian cancer), "as well as encourage you to become or continue to be active," the Web site says.
Cost: $30 for the 8K, $25 for the 5K walk, $15 for the kids mile.
Of note: A WWC source of mine cautions that "the trail run is pretty rough ... since it is a trail with roots, rugged ground, etc." Translation: It's not a PR course, and some familiarity with trail running will help. ... Several hundred -- maybe even close to 1,000 -- women will be out there, so if you don't get to the front of the pack immediately, the going could be slow (passing can be difficult on the center's narrow trails).
Race page is here.

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The Charlotte Run for Peace at Home

What: 5K Run/Walk.
When: Men's and women's races are held separately on Saturday. Men run at 8 a.m., women go off at 8:30. There's also a children's fun run/walk at 9 a.m.
Where: At McAlpine Creek Greenway, 8711 Monroe Road. "The 5K trail offers open flats, as well as challenging hills [and] scenic beauty," according to the website.
Why: To raise awareness and funds to benefit domestic violence programs in the community.
Cost: $30. Kids race is free.
Of note: One hundred sixty-seven participants are registered, but race director expects to get close to 400 since the weather forecast looks good. ... Last year, the top two Charlotte finishers on the men's side were Jay Holder (16:21) and Aaron Linz (16:29). Stephanie Pezzullo won the women's race in 17:32.
To register: Click here.

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The Sandy Feet 5K and Fun Run

When: The 5K will start at 9 a.m., and the Fun Run (one kilometer) will follow at 10.
Where: Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St. in downtown Matthews.
Why: Proceeds will be donated to local charities that support individuals with developmental disabilities and Special Olympics.
Cost: $25; Fun Run is free.
Of note: This is a first-year race, and the 5K course is USATF certified. ... During the race, beach music will be provided by All the Right Grooves. Afterward, participants can stick around for the Matthews BeachFest, a free festival with food, drinks, rides, games and crafts.
To register or for more details: Click here.

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The Mount Holly Springfest 5K

What: 5K run and 3K walk.
When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Event begins and ends at Ida Rankin Elementary, 301 W. Central Ave. in Mount Holly.
Why: It benefits the Mt. Holly Community Development Foundation.
Cost: $25 on race day ($10 for participants younger than 18).
Of note: Course is USATF certified. ... Lots of door prizes will be awarded, including from the Charlotte Knights, the Charlotte Symphony and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
More info: Click here.

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The Cardinal Club 5K

When: 9 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Monroe Country Club, 1680 Pageland Highway in Monroe.
Why: Race proceeds to benefit athletic programs at Union Academy, a charter school in Union County.
Cost: $25, or $30 on race day. Kids and students can register for $15, or $20 on race day.
Of note: The race is on a running trail around the golf course, and was "accurately measured by RMS Sports," according to the brochure.
To register: Click here.

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The Run the Rail 5K

What: 5K run/walk and Kids Fun Run.
When: 9 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Betty Ross Park, 800 S. Madison St. in Lincolnton.
Why: Proceeds support the services and programs offered by Hospice & Palliative Care Lincoln County, which strives "to care for those facing serious or terminal illness, helping them make the most of every day."
Cost: $15, or $25 on race day. Fun Run for kids is free, or $10 if they want a T-shirt.
Of note: There is no online registration. Register in person at the HPCLC office (107 N. Cedar St., Lincolnton) by Friday, or on race day.
Race page is here.

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Last but not least, there's an evening race in in historic downtown Waxhaw on Friday night:

The Waxhaw-Weddington Rotary Club is hosting the 5th Annual Waxhaw Town & Country 5K, sponsored by Carolinas Medical Center - Union. The race begins at 7 p.m.; check-in is on E. North Main near the old fire station. There's also a half-mile Fun Run and Fitness Walk that starts at 6:40 p.m. Cost is $25, or $30 on race day (half-miler is $12). The race brochure says the course has one "moderate size" hill. The purpose of the race is to raise money for Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry and other Rotary Club philanthropies. Last year, the event hosted 300 runners and nearly 1,000 spectators. For race information and online registration, click here.

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