And we're off to the races...

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

Kate's Race for Hope

What: 5K run, 2K walk, and kids' fun run.
When: 5K is at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, followed by the fun run at 8:15 and the 2K walk at 8:30.
Where: McAlpine Creek Park, 8711 Monroe Road.
Why: All proceeds will benefit Hope Cancer Ministries.
Cost: $30 for either the 5K or the 2K walk, $8 for the fun run.
Of note: This is the sixth year for the race, which is held in memory of Kate Schultz Colon, who died of cancer in 2004 at age 25. ... The 5K course is USATF certified.
Race website: Click here.

Gold Rush Sprint Triathlon

What: 500-meter swim, 11.9-mile bike, 5K run.
When: 7 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Mecklenburg Aquatics Center at Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road in Charlotte.
Why: All proceeds benefit Polio Plus and A Child's Place.
Cost: $75 per individual, $140 for a relay team. There is a $10 fee for each non-USAT registrant.
Of note: The swim leg will take place in a 10-lane Olympic-size pool; the bike and run legs are mostly on "wide neighborhood roads that roll gently" in South Charlotte. ... Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mecklenburg County-South. ... Door prizes include a "Zerona laser body sculpt package" from Haas Wellness Center ($1,500 value), a three-month membership to the Siskey YMCA ($225 value), TrySports gift certificates, and more.
Race website: Click here.

Miles for Marines

What: 15K and 5K trail races that are "being held in honor of all who have served with the U.S. Marine Corps."
When: Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Where: In Westminster Park, off of India Hook Road in Rock Hill, S.C.
Why: All proceeds will benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Cost: $25 for the 15K, $15 for the 5K.
Of note: There will also be a 1-mile event for ages 10 and younger. $10 to register. ... The courses wind along the banks of the Catawba River, and are considered challenging. ... Participants are encouraged to remind themselves, while competing, of "the discipline, self sacrifice and rigorous training that Marines endure in effort to better serve our nation and keep us safe."
Race website: Click here.