And we're off to the races...

Memorial Day weekend is typically a pretty quiet time for racing, and this year is no exception. But if you're jonesing to compete, here are two smaller races that will give you a fix:

The ninth annual Bare Bones 5K, set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, starts at Knox Middle School in Salisbury and covers a flat and fast course (I'm told there's only one small hill at the midway point). Part of it is on the Greenway, part of it is on city streets, and runners finish on the school's track. Organizers are expecting about 150 participants, all of whom will get a dri-fit short-sleeve T-shirt, food and drinks. Cost is $20 today or $25 on race day. There'll also be a ½-mile fun run at 9:15 a.m. ($10). Details: Click here or call 704-239-5508. Also, if you have old running shoes, you can donate them on site to Rowan Helping Ministries.

The sixth annual Belmont Classic 5K road race and 1 mile fun walk will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Belmont Police Department Headquarters on Chronicle Street. You can register online by clicking here; cost is $20 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and younger. Currently, 76 runners are signed up, so I suspect this one will end up with close to 150, too, come race day...