And we're off to the races...

Looking for a little competition in the Charlotte area this weekend? You've got plenty of choices, including three events this Friday evening; a swim-run race; and a couple of trail runs. So let's get right to 'em.

Summer Track Meets
What: A "mini track meet," open to all ages from youth to masters.
When: Friday. Registration begins at 5 p.m. First running event is at 6:15.
Where: Irwin Belk Track and Field Center on the campus of UNC Charlotte.
Cost: $3.
Of note: Scheduled events are: 50m for kids 8 and under, followed by the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 3200, plus 400 and 1600 relays. Field events include hammer, discus, shot put, javelin, pole vault, long jump and high jump. There also will be similar meets on July 23 and 30. Sponsored by the UNCC Charlotte track team coaching staff and the Carolinas Track & Field Club.

Miles of Mooresville
What: Summer race series, featuring 1-, 2- and 3-mile events.
When: Friday night. One-mile race starts at 7, two-miler starts at 7:20, 3-miler starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Registration opens at 5:45 p.m. at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville (North Main Street and Moore Avenue). The start line is two blocks south, on South Main between Center and McLelland streets.
Why: All proceeds will be donated to local charities in the Mooresville area, including the Humane Society of Iredell County's "no-kill" shelter.
Cost: For $25 (or $30 on race day), runners can participate in any or all of these races.
Of note: This is the second event in the series, which concludes Aug. 13. Each runner will receive a technical T-shirt and one free beer provided by Carolina Blonde (ID required). There will be live music and kids activities.
Race website: Click here.

Streetlight 5K and Fun Run
When: Fun Run is at 7 p.m. Friday, 5K follows at 7:30.
Where: Starts and ends at Les Myers Park in Concord.
Cost: $15 for the 5K. There's no charge for the Fun Run, but registration is still required.
Of note: The race has a new course for 2010 -- it starts in the lower parking lot area, continues on the Harold McEachern Greenway, turns around on the Downtown Connector Segment and back to Les Myers Park. ... There's a stroller division this time around, too. ... T-shirts are only guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants.
Details: Click here.

Krueger Memorial Splash & Dash
What: 400-yard pool swim followed by a 5K run.
When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Harris Family YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road.
Cost: $35.
Of note: There are also several races for kids, including one for ages 9-12 (200-yard swim + one-mile run), one for ages 5-8 (100-yard swim + half-mile run), along with a one-mile fun run and a "Tot Trot" for the littlest ones.
Details: Click here.

River Bound 15K/5K
When: 8 a.m. Saturday.
Where: On the trails at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Why: Proceeds will support N.C. Outward Bound's Charlotte programs, which serve residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
Cost: $30/$20.
Of note: This event is the third in a four-race series that concludes 5K and half-marathon at the Whitewater Center on Sept. 25. More info about the River Bound Race Series is available by clicking here.
To register for the 5K: Click here. The 15K: Click here.

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