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:

King Tiger 5K

What: 5K run/walk, with a baby jogger division. There's also a 1-mile walk and a fun run.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Baby joggers get a head start, at 7:28. The 1-mile walk is at 8:15 and the fun run goes off at 8:30.
Where: Run For Your Life-University, 1816 E. Arbors Drive, Suite 420.
Cost: Click here for the pricing tiers, but the 5K is $20 (or $30 on race day).
Of note: This is the fifth race in the 2010 Run For Your Life Grand Prix Series. ... It's one of the spring's biggest races -- last year, there were 774 official finishers, including overall winner Christopher Lamperski (16:16) and women's winner Rebecca Thomason (19:18). ... The event is now in its third year with taekwondo school King Tiger as the title sponsor. ... RFYL-University will host its spring sale event Friday and Saturday, with 15 percent off current model shoes and apparel and up to 50 percent off apparel and shoes from last season.
To register: Click here.

Running For Ronald

What: 5K fun run and walk-a-thon.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Where: McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte.
Why: All proceeds will support the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte's operations budget, which allows the House to provide housing, food, shelter and support to families of seriously ill or injured children at little or no cost to the families.
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for kids.
Of note: This is an inaugural event, started by a group of local high schoolers as a project to raise money for the RMH. ... After the race, there'll be a family festival with games, music, activities, food and more. Non-runners/walkers are welcome (a donation of $5 is suggested but not required).
Details: Click here.

Charity Chase Half Marathon

When: 7 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Union Square in downtown Hickory.
Why: All proceeds will benefit local charitable groups that provide volunteers on race day.
Cost: $50 in advance (there is no race day registration).
Of note: The course is USATF certified. ... All runners get free tickets to the Hickory Crawdads baseball team's 7 p.m. home game, plus a pregame dinner from 5 to 7. Extra tickets can be purchased for $17 per adult and $12 per child (kids under 3 are free).
Details: Click here.

Race For The Land

What: 8K and half marathon trail races.
When: The half starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 8K starts at 8.
Where: On the 1,400-acre Redlair Nature Preserve, located just outside of Stanley.
Why: Proceeds will benefit the Catawba Lands Conservancy, the local land trust that helps permanently protect properties like Redlair with unique conservation values.
Cost: $30 for the 8K, $40 for the half, through Thursday ($35 and $45 on race day).
Of note: This preserve is located thirty minutes from Charlotte and is normally not accessible to the public. ... Slightly more than half of the trails are wider than single-track. This is not a technical course, so you won't have to contend with lots of rocks, wading across streams, etc.
Details: Click here.