And we're off to the races...

Looking for a race to run this weekend? Pickings are pretty slim -- I think it's because we're in the heart of vacation season -- but here they are:

Summer Track Meets
What: A "very casual" 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. ... This is the final installment of a every-Friday-in-July series that has been plagued by inclement weather -- the first two meets were rained out, and participation last Friday was "extremely low," organizers say. ... Sponsored by the UNCC Charlotte track team coaching staff and the Carolinas Track & Field Club.

Mountaineer 5K
When: 8 a.m. Saturday.
Where: North Carolina Research Campus, 201 N. Main St.
Why: Appalachian State University is a participating school at the North Carolina Research Campus.
Cost: $25 until Friday, $30 at the event.
Of note: The certified course starts and finishes near the David H. Murdock Core Laboratory building and runs through the Kannapolis Greenway, Village Park, and part of the Kannapolis Village (view it by clicking here). ... All pre-registered participants will receive a dri-fit T-shirt and a gift bag. ... Yosef, the ASU Mountaineer mascot, will be on hand throughout the event for photographs and the event festivities. ... A one-mile "fun run" will immediately follow the start of the 5K.
Details: Click here.

Marine Mud Challenge
What: The race features a 5-mile course with a variety of obstacles, including mud pits, a low crawl through a pipe and a 5-foot wall.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road.
Why: Proceeds will go to the families of wounded sailors and Marines at Camp Lejeune.
Cost: $25 per person, and competitive teams must have four members ($20 each for military, media and public service personnel). Fun runners pay $15 apiece.
Of note: Organizers say this type of event simulates the training U.S. Marines complete on a weekly basis. ... Last year, about 600 people competed in the event. ... For the fun run, teams can be any size, as long as it consists of an even number of runners.
Details: Click here.