Six Races You Need to Try This Fall
Looking for something new to try this fall? Look no further.
I have never been a runner. I was the kid struggling in P.E., dreading the mile run. But since then, running has become something my body craves to do.
I decided to turn my mile warm-up into actual running goals. Each week my friend and I held each other accountable and ran a little more than the week before. With the The Rec’s track it was easy to make measurable and attainable goals by increasing one full lap of the track every week.
Eventually, we were running 3 miles with no problem! This is how we prepared for our first 5K, the Atlanta Hawks 5K.
Even if you think you’re not a runner, preparing for a race is just that easy. Here is a list of some races in the area that you should check out.
The Birmingham Stage Race
Birmingham, AL
September 22-24, 2017
The Birmingham Stage Race is a three-day mountain race. You can register for a single race or all three. This race is recommended for more serious runners, or people who enjoy hiking mountain trails.
The first stage is held in Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve on Friday, Sept. 22. This race is 17 miles long with 2,246 ft. of elevation gain.
On Saturday, Sept. 23, the second race will be held in Red Mountain Park. This race is a little shorter, but has almost double the elevation gain.
The final stage will be in Oak Mountain State Park on Sunday, Sept. 24. This course is 22.5 miles with a 4,424 ft. of elevation gain.
All three races start at 8:00 a.m. Registration closes Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Paint the Town Pink
Columbus, GA
October 20, 2017
Paint the Town Pink, the 8th West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition Awareness 5K, is a road race in Columbus, GA on Oct. 20, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. The course starts and finishes at Woodruff Park.
The proceeds benefit the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fund to help cancer patients with their living expenses.
The sign-up cost to walk/run is $30. For a timed walk/run and a T-shirt, the cost is $35. After Sept. 30, online registration goes up $10, or you can register on site after 4:00 p.m. on race day.
Outbreak Zombie Run
Clayton State University Morrow, GA
October 28, 2017
The Clayton State’s first annual Outbreak Zombie Run is set for Oct. 28, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Run for your life — literally, as flesh-eating zombies chase you through the race! Costumes are welcome, so this is a great Halloween race.
A portion of the proceeds will go to Demonstrating Individual Values Amongst Sisters (D.I.V.A.S.) and to create programs to educate others about domestic violence.
Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5k
Atlanta, GA
November 23, 2017
Earn your turkey dinner this year as you run through the streets of Downtown Atlanta in this Thanksgiving Day race .
Runners can sign up for a One Mile, 5K or Half-Marathon (13.1 miles) race. Packages include free parking, finisher’s medal, and a long-sleeve Mizuno shirt.
Prices increase with time and vary depending on the race. Registration closes Nov. 15, 2017 at 11:59 p.m.
Callaway Santa Claus Classic 10k
Pine Mountain, GA
December 02, 2017
Looking for a fun holiday-themed race this year? Look no further! The Callaway Santa Claus Classic 10K is an easy course that travels through Callaway Garden’s “Fantasy in Lights.”
The race will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at 5:15 p.m. Registration costs $35 until Oct. 30 and will be $45 after that.
Be sure to get your photo with Santa after the race!
Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride
Auburn, AL
February 17, 2018
The Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride offers a different array of races for all runners.
The races offered on Feb, 17, 2018 include: Love Your Heart 10K, Ghost Runner (Donation only) and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk. Race start times vary and the cost to participate is $25. There are also courses with bike rides available as well.
This event is being held by the Exceptional Outreach Organization, a nonprofit founded by a group of parents in Lee County, Ala. This organization works with the City of Auburn to create programs for individuals with special needs.
Registration opens on August 1, 2017 for all races.
Signing up for one of these races can help you stay on track and make progress with your running goals. So check them out!
Know of any other exciting races coming up? Comment below to share with us.
Be well, Auburn.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Abigail loves places full of art and culture. A city girl at heart, she came to the small town of Auburn, Alabama to study public relations and Spanish.
As a competitive swimmer and lifeguard, Abigail’s at home in the water. There are a million fish in the sea, but Abigail is a mermaid. On land, she enjoys writing for her personal blog, shooting photo shoots with friends, and she is also a total gym rat.
