And we're off to the races...

Looking ahead to events happening over the next two-plus weeks in the Charlotte metropolitan area:

Saturday, Aug. 7
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Blue Points 5K

When: 7:30 a.m.
Where: The start and finish is by the East Gate of Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St.
Why: Proceeds will benefit Carolina Panthers Charities.
Cost: $20 in advance, or $30 on race day.
Of note: It's the seventh race of the 2010 Run For Your Life Grand Prix Series, and it's perennially one of the most popular 5Ks of the summer -- last year, there were 1,275 official finishers. ... The course will follow the same path as in 2009, when it was reversed at the last minute due to construction on Stonewall Street. Click here for details. ... All race activities take place outside the stadium, but the venue does open to the public at 11 a.m. for FanFest, which will feature contests, entertainment and a team practice.
Race website: Click here.

Stanly County Family YMCA 8K

When: 7:30 a.m.
Where: 427 N. First St., Albemarle.
Why: 100 percent of registration fees will go to the YMCA Strong Communities Fund, which provides financial assistance to citizens who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford YMCA memberships. ... In 2009, only 49 runners crossed the line -- all but five of them walked away with some kind of trophy.
Cost: $15 in advance, or $25 on race day.
Of note: The course mainly traverses residential areas in and around downtown Albemarle.
Race brochure: Click here.

Charlotte Soccer Academy 5K Run

When: 8:30 a.m.
Where: McAlpine Creek Greenway, 8711 Monroe Road.
Why: A portion of registration fees will go to the Charlotte Soccer Academy's scholarship fund "to allow more children to learn and play soccer throughout Mecklenburg County."
Cost: $25.
Of note: McAlpine Creek Greenway consists of groomed trails, and is not rocky or rooty. ... Runners should park in the lot off Monroe Road, then cross the wooden bridge at the far end of the parking lot; registration will be on the other side of the bridge.
Race website: Click here.

Go For Blood!

What: Events include two bike rides, and a 5K road race.
When: 63-mile and 35-mile rides depart at 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., respectively. Road race starts at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Cane Creek Park, 5213 Harkey Road in Waxhaw.
Why: This annual fund-raising event supports the American Red Cross.
Cost: Register by Thursday for $25. On Friday and on race day, fee is $35.
Of note: The two "cycling adventures" go through "the rolling hills" of southern Union County, and will include rest stops. The 5K racers will be treated to "wooded scenery." ... The first 300 registered participants will receive a pair of performance socks. ... All cyclists and runners are invited to a post-event cookout.
Race website: Click here.

Friday, Aug. 13
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Miles of Mooresville

What: 1-, 2- and 3-mile races.
When: One-mile race starts at 7, two-miler starts at 7:20, 3-miler starts at 8 p.m.
Where: 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 third and final event of an annual summer series. ... Each runner will receive a technical T-shirt and one free beer provided by Carolina Blonde (ID required).
Race website: Click here.

Tour de Elvis 5K Run

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Don Montgomery Park, 500 U.S. Highway 52 North in Albemarle.
Why: Proceeds will benefit the Roger F. Snyder Greenway.
Cost: $20 in advance, or $25 on race day.
Of note: Finishers of this Elvis Presley-themed evening race will receive a "Thank You, Thank You Very Much" Tour de Elvis finisher towel. ... On Saturday the 14th, Vac & Dash -- which is hosting the race on Friday night -- will sponsor Elvis-themed 40K, 65K and 100K bike rides through Stanly County, beginning at 8 a.m. from God's Country Outfitters (1448 U.S. Highway 52 North).
Race website: Click here.

Saturday, Aug. 14
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NC Music Factory 5K Rock-'N-Run/Walk

When: 8 a.m.
Where: 1000 Seaboard Street in Charlotte.
Why: Proceeds will benefit four nonprofit agencies: Crisis Assistance, Hope Haven, Historic Rosedale and Uptown Men's Shelter.
Cost: $20 by Aug. 7, $25 by Aug. 13, or $30 on race day.
Race website: Click here.

Saturday, Aug. 21
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OrthoCarolina Classic

What: 10K and 5K road races.
When: 5K start is at 7:30 a.m., 10K goes off at 7:45.
Where: 1915 Randolph Road, near Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy.
Why: "To promote and encourage active families and healthy lifestyles ... while raising awareness for the OrthoCarolina Research Institute."
Cost: $25 for the 5K, $30 for the 10K (fees go up $5 on race day).
Of note: This is an inaugural event, and is the city of Charlotte's only significant 10K road race of the summer season. ... According to the race website, "the course offers a beautiful yet challenging route, passing the major medical facilities in Charlotte, along with a great view of the Charlotte skyline."
Race website: Click here.

Trail Run Challenge

What: 5K and 10K trail races.
When: Both start at 8:30 a.m.
Where: The Adventure Pavilion at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway.
Why: This event is benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and promoting its Team in Training program.
Cost: 5K is $25 in advance, or $35 on race day; 10K is $30 in advance, or $40 on race day. Parking at the Whitewater Center is $5.
Of note: The courses for both trail races have some technical aspects, and some single-track portions. Some trail running experience is helpful, but not required. ... More than 50 items will be handed out as door prizes. ... In 2009, 314 runners completed the 5K, and 145 did the 10K.
Race website: Click here.

Tomato Trot 5K

When: 8 a.m.
Where: Unity Presbyterian Church, 885 Woodleaf-Barber Road, in Woodleaf.
Cost: $20 in advance, or $25 on race day.
Of note: The road race takes place in the rural part of western Rowan County. Runners will see cows, farms, and -- of course -- some tomatoes, say organizers, who are hoping to hit 150 registered runners in the race's third year. ... A "fun run" will begin immediately after the 5K, and costs $10 (includes a T-shirt). ... The races kick off the annual Tomato Festival, which features a parade, an attic sale, stage entertainment, the unveiling of the Tomato Queen, and food for purchase (hot dogs and tomato sandwiches).
Registration page: Click here.