Running seems to be overtaking the world. And I love it. It isn’t a team sport, but we make it one. With such a sense of community in the running world, it’s nice to have something fun to look forward to and enjoy with our comrades at the finish line. More and more, race organizers are aiming to provide entertaining and challenging routes with a little something special at the end of the race. It used to be that you’d finish, get your banana, maybe stretch then move along with your life. Now, there are parties at the finish line… and Scoop loves a party.
March 4, 201
This is the 37th year of this race and it’s a race calendar mainstay for good reason. Not only are there half marathon and 5k options, but the route is one of the most scenic you can get in Charlotte. Your run will take you through historic South End and beautiful, tree-lined Myers Park with the start/finish line in Uptown. Buyer beware, the last leg of the race is uphill on Morehead Street and it is a doozy. I’m not usually a crier, but I burst into tears of pride and joy after I conquered that hill and crossed the finish line for my first half marathon. It’s worth it!
March 11, 2017
Go Jen Go is a local charity that helps families dealing with the high cost of breast cancer treatment make ends meet. They host this event every year and help hundreds of survivors with the proceeds. This is a family-friendly event and there is a TON for the kids to do: bouncy houses, face painting, mascots, food, etc. With a drive-through packet pickup, they make it easy for people on the run to keep moving.
March 18, 2017
Hosted by Novant Helath, this race has a new route through South Charlotte this year. There is also a 1-mile Family Fun Run for those of you that would like to get into the St. Patty’s spirit without sprinting. Race participants will also receive gender-specific race t-shirts.
March 25, 2017
Beer, puppies, and running… I’m in heaven. The charity beneficiary of this race is Project 2 Heal. Its goal is to utilize the healing power of dogs to help children and adults with special needs and veterans who are wounded or disabled. In addition to contributing to a wonderful cause, you’ll get to listen to live music at the finish while you sip your Triple C beer. This race is also dog-friendly!
April 8, 2017
Racefest offers both a 10k and half marathon course with plenty of perks: tech tee, medals for all finishers, and a live band, food, and Michelob Ultra at the finish. With Symphony Park as your start/finish, you’ll have a great atmosphere to pump you up pre-race and maybe even a grassy place to stretch post-race after your run through South Park/Myers Park.
FreeMoreWest 5k on the Greenway
April 14, 2017
A unique Friday evening race loops through the FreeMoreWest (Freedom, Morehead, and West Side) area along the newly-opened greenway extension. After the race, there will be plenty of food, drinks, and fellowship with your running buddies around food trucks, beer, and a killer skyline view. Classroom Central is the charity beneficiary for this race and gives classrooms much needed supplies to help children succeed this school year.
April 22, 2017
Another family-friendly event, the CPCC Skyline Run weaves through uptown with an estimated 1,000 participants racing to support CPCC student scholarships and other student financial needs. With a traditional 5k, 1-mile Family Fun Run, and 5k Baby Jogger Championship, you’re sure to find something for your whole crew.
Hunstad Kortesis Mother’s Day 5k
May 14, 2017
What a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day with an active mom! This race takes place at Symphony Park where there will be FREE Mimosas for all of the hot momma racers. While you sip your drink, the kids can work off some energy in the bouncy house, get their faces painted, or make you a card with event-supplied arts and crafts. With a custom bib and race t-shirt up for grabs, make sure to register soon!
Finally, it’s not until Summer, but deserves a plug now. One of my favorite courses and finish line celebrations every year is the OrthoCarolina 10k Classic winding through Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood on a challenging 5k and 10k route. At the finish, there is beer. And not just beer, but a beer fest complete with local breweries and restaurants offering everything from booze to baked goods to help you refuel. These spring races are a great way to jumpstart your training after a long winter and prepare for the OrthoCarolina 10k Classic in August (register here for the 8/19 race).
Once you’ve aimed your sights for one (or two… or a few!) of these races, check out our suggestions for preparing for your race one week out, one day out, and the day of, plus how to recove after the race. Scoop also has you covered if you’re due for new gear- check out the story here!
