And we're off to the races ...

The weather must be getting cooler. How else to explain all the choices this weekend?

If you're looking for a big race, try this one:

Hog Jog 5K

What: 5K held in conjunction with Center City Charlotte's Blues, Brews & BBQ, scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Where: Start is on Tryon Street (near Wachovia Plaza) and the finish is on Fourth Street between Church and Tryon.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday.
Cost: $25; $30 on race day.
Of note: The course will wind through SouthEnd, Third Ward and uptown. ... The post-race party, from 8 to 10:30 a.m., will include a free kids' fun run at 9; live music; free beer and food; and a bloody Mary and screwdriver contest. ... The Childress YMCA will be open for participants to take showers. ... In its inaugural running last year, 583 participants finished with official times.
More race info: Click here. To register: Click here.

In the mood for a smaller race? Take your pick:

Tyler's Treehouse 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Saturday, at Olde Georgetowne Swim Club (7930 Whistlestop Road in Charlotte): The course winds through the Olde Georgetowne and Sharon Hills neighborhoods, behind the Harris YMCA off Sharon Road in the SouthPark area. 5K is at 8 a.m., Fun Run/Walk is at 9; a "post-race celebration" -- with music, food, entertainment and a pool party -- follows at 9:30. Beneficiary is Tyler's Treehouse, which funds St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's search for a cure for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare type of cancer that strikes children's brainstems. Official site: Click here.

Fall Family Festival, Saturday, at the Cornwell Center (2001 Selwyn Ave. across from Queens University): 5K run starts at 8 a.m., 5K walk starts at 8:05. There's also a 1K Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 if registered by the end of today (Wednesday), $25 thereafter. The 1K fee is just $5. Proceeds from the race will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. The festival itself runs from 9:30 a.m.-noon and includes face painting, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall and much more. The Cornwell Center is part of Myers Park Baptist Church.

H.A.R.V.E.S.T. Health Fair 5K, Saturday, at the NC Research Campus & Village in Kannapolis: The race will begin at the NC Research Campus' Core Lab on Biotechnology Drive. Registration fees are $20 through tomorrow (Thursday), or $25 on race day. The health fair itself will include health screenings, a mini-farmer's market and activities for kids. If you prefer biking, there are 31- and 62-mile tour courses, plus a 5K Family Ride. Official site: Click here.

And if you want to try something completely different:

Great Urban Race, Saturday, at Fox and Hound (330 N. Tryon St. in uptown): The idea is simple: Teams of two work together to solve a series of 12 clues. One sample clue on the Web site reads "Return to the finish with a real $2 bill," while other challenges might require players to, for example, have their photo taken in front of a specific landmark. The Charlotte event is one of 20 being held nationwide in 2009. Top finishers will be invited to the national championship in New Orleans, where teams will compete for a $10,000 prize. Registration is $60 per person through Friday, $70 on race day. Start time Saturday is "High Noon. Official site: Click here.

This 208-mile race? It's a team effort

You keep company with enough runners around the Charlotte region for an extended period of time, and eventually, as summer draws to a close, you're likely to hear three little words. (And no, they're not "marathon training plan" -- you hear those three words all summer long.)

It's the annual Blue Ridge Relay (or BRR, as it's affectionately called), which takes this Friday and Saturday. As you can probably guess, it's set largely in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and as you can probably guess, it's a relay race -- in fact, it's one of the longest-running relay races in the country. The 208-mile event actually starts in the Black Mountains of Virginia, and features 100 teams ranging from a minimum of six to a maximum of 12 runners. A typical 12-member team has each runner covering three legs, spaced roughly six hours apart.

The BRR requires quite a bit of training and advance planning. It features thousands of feet of ups and downs, so participants can often be found doing hill workouts. Action continues through the night on unfamiliar roads, so runners have been known to share tips on where to buy headlamps (and which ones work best). Also, the race is looooooooong -- most teams will take in excess of 24 hours to complete it -- so snacks and meal planning are a hot topic of discussion.

Unfortunately, it's too late for full teams to get in on the fun this year because registration has been filled for awhile now. But given the size of the teams and the complicated race logistics, there are occasionally dropouts that turn into opportunities for alternates to jump in at the last minute. In fact, if you can skip work on Friday and are able to run a total of about 15.5 miles over the course of 30 hours, you might be in luck: One local team lost a runner to another commitment last week and is trying to find a replacement.

Truth be told, I didn't originally set out here to net this team a 12th man or woman. All I wanted to do was give a quick snapshot of a typical bunch of Charlotte-area athletes who have banded together to take on this unique challenge. Why are they doing this? What has training been like? And where will they draw inspiration from as they traverse their winding, rolling, interstate route?

Anyway, here's "Governor Sanford's Search Team":

Q. Who are you people? Back row: Gen Mezinskis, Joanna Dougherty, Lynne Collins, Shashi Bathula, Scott Lundgren, Alyson Vaughan. Front row: Charlie Haltiwanger, James Rivenbark, Jason Drake (not running), Amy Cobb. Not pictured: Maggie Dougherty and Chris Murray (see their photos below). [As I mentioned, they're looking to add either a sixth man or seventh woman ... because Drake had to drop out.] We will be competing in the Mixed Division.

Q. How'd you guys come up with team name? Scott made a joke and it stuck.

Q. How do you all know each other? We know each other from various places -- the gym, work, friends of friends, etc.

Q. What are your team goals? 1. Avoid death; 2. Finish in 30 hours; 3. No heart attacks; 4. Lots of laughter; 5. Complete a documentary video on the crazy race; 6. No injuries.

And here's a quick rundown of the team's 11 members:

Shashi Bathula
Age: 39 (soon to be a masters runner).
City of residence: Gastonia.
Number of miles running: 18.4/three legs.
Why are you doing this? The idea of paying money for the suffering of running in the mountains on no sleep is too good to pass up. Also, someone said that these relays are like road trips for adults, which I find to be true.
How is training going? So far so good. Just some runner's little aches and pains. Averaging about 35 miles per week.
"I run because ...": My young kids. Want to be able to run around with them in 10-15 years.

Amy Cobb
Age: 36.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 5.15, 4.9, 7.2 ... total: 17.55 miles.
Why are you doing this? Insanity.
How is training going? It is going well.
"I run because ...": Mental health, the sense of accomplishment, and physical challenge.

Lynne Collins
Age: 36.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: Leg 12 (9.1 miles), Leg 24 (3.2 miles), Leg 36 (6.8 miles).
Why are you doing this? For fun! Oh, and for fitness.
How is training going? Training is going well. During the last eight weeks I've run hills, several 9-11 milers and a couple three-a-days. It is great to train with a friend because we keep each other motivated. Thanks, Gen!
"I run because ...": I run to stay healthy. I also enjoy the physical and mental challenges of running. Every completed run provides a sense of accomplishment.

Maggie Dougherty
Age: 35.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 12.6.
Why are you doing this? A friend asked me. I thought it would be a fun adventure, and I was glad to see the run supports the Habitat for Humanity.
How is training going? Good so far. I'm a trail runner, so it has been a challenge to train on the road.
"In run because ...": I can. I am so grateful to be able to run.

Joanna Dougherty
Age: 34 when we start, 35 when we finish.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 15.7 (Runner No. 11).
Why are you doing this? Three years ago, I had never run a 5K. Now I’ve run countless 5Ks, a few half marathons, and a number of sprint triathlons. This is just the next step in proving I can do anything I set my mind to. Plus, this will be my 35th event and falls on my 35th birthday!
How is training going? Except for having pneumonia in July, awesome! I don’t think I’d ever really feel prepared for this kind of race, so I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
"I run because ...": I run for my physical and mental health.

Charlie Haltiwanger
Age: 38.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 18.6 miles; legs 10, 22, 34.
Why are you doing this? It sounds like a "one-of-a-kind" experience.
How is training going? Distance preparation went well, but I am not sure much prepares you to run at 3 in the morning.
"I run because ...": I run because … “one day I won’t be able to, and that will not be a good day.”

Scott Lundgren
Age: 33.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 12.8 miles (Legs 9, 21, 33).
Why are you doing this? My girlfriend's friend told us to do it.
How is training going? I'll be fine for the race, but I could have been in better shape if not for the two weeks of severe poison ivy.
"I run because ...": I run to stay healthy and avoid the mistakes of generations before me. A good trail run at the U.S. National Whitewater Center at the end of the day will clear your head really well of all stresses.

Gen Mezinskis
Age: 36.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 5.4/4.3/6.5 ... total: 16.2.
Why are you doing this? I ran my first half marathon in December and figured this was a next good goal to tackle.
How is training going? The longer training runs are a little rough, but the training has definitely helped my shorter runs. I had a PR at the Greek Fest 5K on 8/29!
"I run because ...": I have diabetes, so not only do I run to stay in shape, but consistent running is a huge help in managing the disease.

Chris Murray
Age: 41.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: 22 miles.
Why are you doing this? Life can be boring without challenges. And this will provide some good training for the upcoming Richmond Marathon that I’ll be running in November.
How is training going? Real good. However, I can’t get used to a 4:45 a.m. alarm every morning to wake me up for a seven-mile run.
"I run because ...": Health. It’s a time to think and problem-solve. I’ve been running since 1984, and can’t stop at this point."

James Rivenbark
Age: 27.
City of residence: Matthews.
Number of miles running: 18.2 miles!
Why are you doing this? I run to stay in shape. We are all running this race because we have lost our minds!
How is training going? It was going well until yesterday. I started having some pain in one of my knees, but it will be fine come 9/11.
"I run because ...": If I run enough I can drink a few beers and eat ice cream on the weekend!

Alyson Vaughan
Age: 27.
City of residence: Charlotte.
Number of miles running: In the eighth position, running Legs 8 (4.8 miles), 20 (7.5 miles), and 32 (9.4 miles) for a total of 21.7 miles.
Why are you doing this? Honestly, because Amy [Cobb] asked me! I had heard of the race before, but hadn’t really thought about trying to join a team. It sounds like a unique and memorable experience, and I love new challenges, so I had to say yes.
How is training going? I’m currently training for my first marathon (Thunder Road). Training for the relay has fit in nicely with my marathon training plan.
"I run because ...": I run for the physical and mental challenge, and for the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching a new goal (a PR, a new distance, etc.).

* * *

If you missed out this year, plan ahead for 2010. Registration for next year's Blue Ridge Relay should open on Jan. 1. The official BRR site is here.

Do a triathlon, help a duathlon

Two triathlons -- one big, one small -- to preview for you this afternoon, plus I've got details on how to get involved with a world-class event slated for Concord at the end of the month.

The Take Flight Triathlon

The final race in the TrySports Triathlon Development Series will take place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the NOMAD Aquatic Center in Huntersville. It's a sprint tri -- 250 yards in the pool, 10 miles on a hilly bike course, then a hilly 5K.

Organizer Chris Hawkins says registration is filling up fast, with more than 400 athletes registered. Beneficiary is Garrett's Wings (details here), and the race tees are long-sleeved technical shirts. Registration is currently $70, plus $10 more if you're not a USAT member. Full details are here.

There's also a pre-race pasta dinner at Harris Road Middle School that sounds pretty cool: It begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and features keynote speaker, Sheila Taormina, who won a gold medal in the 4x200 freestyle relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic triathlons, and at the 2008 Beijing Games (in the modern pentathlon).

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Batten Disease Support & Research Association (details here). Cost is $15 in advance ($10 for ages 3-12) or $20 at the door. Pre-registration page is here.

Bradfield Farms 1st Annual Sprint Triathlon

Can't vouch for how well this one will be organized (no one can, since it's a brand-new race), but it's hard to argue with a $10 triathlon, particularly if you're on a budget! This one is being hosted by the Bradfield Farms neighborhood off I-485 in the Reedy Creek/Harrisburg area, and will cover sprint distances (500-meter pool swim, 12.5-mile bike, 5K run). Race day is Saturday, Sept. 26; start time is set for 8 a.m.

In a news release, organizer Kelli Enos writes: "This is meant to be a fun event. For those experienced in these types of activities, you can also be very serious about competing, but this is a day to enjoy some great exercise, competition, and socializing."

As I said, registration fee is just $10 for individuals (or $25 for a relay team). There's also a "Mini Triathlon" for kids 13 and younger that costs only $5 and has distances of 100 meters in the water, three miles on the bike, and one mile on foot.

Sign-up sheets are available on the Bradfield Farms Web site (click here) or by e-mailing Enos at kellirealty@yahoo.com.

Volunteers needed

The ITU Duathlon World Championships are coming to Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord on Saturday, Sept. 26. Registration for the event closed Aug. 26, but "there is a pretty big need [for] volunteers for the race," reports Chris Lamperski, a local athlete who will be competing in the event.

Organizers need help for the following shifts: 5 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (four people needed); 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (four people); and 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (eight people).

If you would like to help with the world championships, contact Amanda Duke, Team USA/USAT National Events Coordinator, at 719-597-9090; or e-mail amanda@usatriathlon.org You also can sign up online by clicking here. Sharon Koontz is coordinating the volunteers for the transition area, and can be reached via e-mail at skoontz1@carolina.rr.com.

"I hope we can get some good people out there to help," Lamperski says. "Having local running/cycling friends assisting in a world-class event while cheering on locals competing would be pretty sweet."

And the races just keep on comin'

Got info for you on two more charity-minded 5Ks coming in the weeks ahead:

5K for Joseph, this Saturday, Sept. 5, on UNC Charlotte's intramural fields: The Joseph is Joseph Nicolas Castro, a 4-year-old local boy who suffers from Ewing's sarcoma, a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue. Race starts at 8:10 a.m., and a "social hour" follows at 9:10. According to the Web site, "The route circles intramural fields, follows through woods over a bridge to a campus street, then circles back. ... There are a few hills, with asphalt, grass and rocky terrains." It's a lap course; runners will cover it three times. Registration is $15; add a T-shirt for $12 more. Kids can run for $10. Official site: Click here.

5K for Isabella, Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Ballantyne Business Park: The Isabella is 4-year-old Isabella Santos, who has been battling a very rare pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma for two years. Entry fee is $25 through Sept. 17, then $30 thereafter. The funds raised will be used for paying medical bills not covered by insurance, and for research on neuroblastoma. Start time is at 8:30 a.m. in the business park. Last year's inaugural running of the 5K for Isabella attracted 180 runners. Race brochures are available at all the Charlotte running stores, Try Sports and Chick-Fil-A at Stonecrest Shopping Center. Event page: Click here.

She runs like a girl. Try to keep up.

Alana Hadley is fast, by virtually any measure.

She only enters a race once every month or two, but when she does, she almost always wins. The Shamrock 4-Miler in March? 23:36, beating out more than 400 female runners and winning by more than a minute and a half. The Skyline 5K Run in April? 18:15 -- another win, another 400-plus female athletes finishing behind her. Hadley breezed to victory at the Right Moves for Youth Twilight 5K in May, then made all the right moves to win the Summer Breeze 5K in June.

In fact, it took Caitlin Chrisman to hand Hadley her first second-place finish of 2009, at last weekend's Yiasou Greek Festival 5K. And Caitlin Chrisman, 23, was not long ago a star on the Wake Forest track and cross-country teams.

Oh shoot, I'm sorry -- did I mention that Alana Hadley is a 12-year-old seventh-grader at Community House Middle School?

That makes her accomplishments even more fascinating and unusual. So I did something this week that I am 100 percent sure I will never do in a 5K: I caught up with Alana ... to get her thoughts on everything from her focus to her local running heroes to how it feels to be so much faster than so many people two, three, four and five times her age.

* * *

Q. How long have you been running? For about six years now. I ran my first 5K [the Komen Race for the Cure], with my mom, when I was 6 years old. [Time: 29:13.]

Q. When did you realize that you had a real gift for doing it? When I was nine years old, when I ran faster in a 5K [the Hit the Brixx 5K] than the state record for 9-year-old girls. [Time: 21:07.]

Q. How the heck did you get so fast? Because I love running, and so like to practice it a lot. I also think it is in my blood because both of my parents ran track and cross country in college. That is how they met.

Q. Any other runners in the family? Yes, I have a 9-year-old brother named Bryce who enjoys running a lot. He and my mom run together.

Q. Do you remember the first race you won -- not where you were competing against other kids your age, but where you were competing against adults -- ? The first race I won first female overall was in 2007 at the Lowe’s YMCA Starfish 5K [time: 20:37]. I remember it because the award was a bobble head runner girl trophy. That is my favorite award so far.

Q. Other memorable races? One of the most memorable races for me was at Greenville, S.C., in January of this year [the Greenville News Downtown 5K]. In the last half-mile of a 5K there was a boy near my age a few feet in front of me. We were running up a pretty good-size hill and I was tired, but I still gathered up the energy and was able to pass him before the finish. Girl Power!!! [Time: 18:05.]

Q. How tall are you? I am 5-1 and have grown three inches already this year!

Q. As you're passing people twice your size during races, what kind of comments do you hear? They normally do not say anything. Occasionally, they say, "keep going little girl" or some other words of encouragement.

Q. Is it a weird feeling to be so much better than so many adults at such a young age? At first it seemed pretty weird. But now, since I have been running for several years, I am used to it and know a lot of the people I race against.

Q. Have you ever won a prize/award at a race that you weren't old enough to collect? Yes, at two races in the last year, I wasn't old enough to have the prize I won as they were bottles of wine. I have also had to pass up prize money awards to maintain my eligibility for high school and college track.

Q. Are there local runners who you look up to? Yes ... runners like Bill Shires and Nathan Stanford, who are great at running an even pace, because that is something I want to be able to do in my races. I also admire runners like Lori Hageman because she has been good for so long and is very encouraging to me, and Megan Hepp, who ran so well in the last Olympic trials.

Q. Is there anything you don't like about running? No. I really enjoy it; it has always been a very positive thing in my life.

Q. Ever had any serious injuries? No, never been injured.

Q. Do you ever worry about getting burned out at a young age? No ... because I love to run and have always increased my mileage very slowly, and don’t over-race. I usually race just once every four to six weeks, and so I really look forward to it when I get the chance. I can't imagine ever not running. It makes me crazy not to run. Twice a year, my dad makes me take some time off and I get stir-crazy after a couple of days.

Q. What are your long-term running goals? To continue to get better, and to one day become a professional runner and compete in the Olympics.

Q. Who's your coach and what's the most important thing you've learned from him/her? My coach is my dad, Mark Hadley. To me, the most important thing I learned from him is that, "it is not the time that matters, but the effort you put into the run, because that is the only thing you can really control."

Q. How many miles do you run a week? I do about 50 miles a week right now in a normal training week. But I have built up to that pretty slowly over the last six years.

Q. Got any advice for other young runners? The most important thing is to make sure you have fun when you run. It's a great sport, and can be a lot of fun as well as be good for you. Also, you cannot start out running 50 miles a week. You need to start small, and gradually work your way up in miles, slowly over time.

* * *

Know of another running fool? Tell me about him or her in an e-mail to tjanes@charlotteobserver.com.

Today's dose of race news + notes

Few tidbits to share with you guys:

1. D.C. Lucchesi, who shared a ton of info with us about the Thunder Road Marathon yesterday, e-mail me a few minutes ago with some "breaking news." What he said: "Early registration numbers are way up, and we will cap this year's Thunder Road Marathon at 2,000 runners and the Amica Insurance Half Marathon at 4,000. So far, marathon registration is up 36 percent versus this time last year; the half is up 66 percent, and will sell out very soon. Registration for the Presbyterian Hopsital Jingle Jog 5K is up 212 percent ... and a cap of 3,500 has already been announced. If you're on the fence about any of these Dec. 12 events, don't wait to register at www.runcharlotte.com."

2. I also got an automated e-mail from the Race for the Cure folks -- you probably got one too if you ran last year ... but if not, here's what it said: "The Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has decided to extend the mailing deadline for T-shirt packets by one week. From now until midnight, Tuesday, Sept. 8, you will be able to register online and have your T-shirt packet mailed to you at no cost."

3. It was brought to my attention this week that there's a pretty sweet double-race opportunity later this month: At Hit the Brixx in uptown Charlotte (set for Saturday, Sept. 26), you can do the 10K at 7:45 a.m., then turn around and run the 5K at 9 a.m. Registration fee for the pair? Just 27 bucks. It's a tempting way to get in multiple tempo runs, especially if you're training for a half or full marathon. Then again, if you do the 10K only, you'll be able to get your hands on the free pizza and beer that much quicker. Hmm. ... Anyway, Hit the Brixx details are here.

Yet more September races to consider

Two more chances to get in a good race before the summer ends:

Run For The Green Half Marathon, 10K and 5K, Sept. 19, at the Village Green in downtown Davidson: The major draw here is the half-marathon (as you may know by now, they're rare in these parts); this one heads southeast from the Village Green, running parallel to Concord and Davidson-Concord roads before turning around at the River Run Tennis Complex. Start times are 7:30 a.m. (half), 7:45 (10K) and 8 (5K). At last check, 150 runners were signed up, including 83 for the half-marathon. Proceeds will benefit the Davidson Lands Conservancy. The Davidson Green Day festival follows (from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.), with live music and opportunities for attendees to volunteer for local projects. Official site: Click here.

Tyler's Treehouse 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, Sept. 12, at Olde Georgetowne Swim Club (7930 Whistlestop Road in Charlotte): The course winds through the Olde Georgetowne and Sharon Hills neighborhoods, behind the Harris YMCA off Sharon Road in the SouthPark area. 5K is at 8 a.m., Fun Run/Walk is at 9; a "post-race celebration" -- with music, food, entertainment and a pool party -- follows at 9:30. Beneficiary is Tyler's Treehouse, which funds St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's search for a cure for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare type of cancer that strikes children's brainstems. Official site: Click here.