Running for a Good Cause

Atlanta hosts a variety of running events during the fall, including many that support important community groups. If you’re looking to run for a higher cause, here’s a few road races to consider:

Red Devil Dash – September 13
This 5K run/walk event takes place at Druid Hills High School, located at 1798 Haygood Drive in Atlanta. Proceeds support Philip Hicks Memorial Soccer Scholarship Fund and the Druid Hills Soccer Booster Club.

Four Seasons Run for Research – September 20
An annual race hosted by the Four Seasons, it benefits the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Health System. The race takes place at the Four Season, which is located at 75 14th Street in Atlanta. A fun bonus is the chance to win a stay at a Four Seasons hotel. Event registrants are automatically entered in a drawing to win a trip to one of five Four Seasons locations. The Grand Prize is a stay at the Four Seasons in Nevis, West Indies, Carribbean.

Starlight Atlanta Run for Kids – October 4
This first-annual event takes place at Lullwater Conservation Park at Emory University. The Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families by providing comfort, support and entertainment during all phases of their medical journey. Lullwater Park is located at 1463 Clifton Road in Atlanta.

3rd Annual Patty Foell Road Race – October 19
Located at the Doc Chey’s at 1424 N Highland Ave, this race honors the memory of Patty Foell who was a well-known Atlanta runner killed in 2005 by a car while on a run. All race proceeds are donated to the Patty Foell Fund within the Atlanta Track Club.

ZOOMA Atlanta – November 16
Hosted at Atlantic Station, this running event is designed to inspire women to get active. Participants can sign-up at activegiving.com to raise funds for CARE. Runners receive a t-shirt, boxed lunch, mini spa treatments and free training. The post-race party includes live music, shopping, demos and product samplings.

WonderGirl – November 16
Girls on the Run of Atlanta and the Atlanta Youth Soccer Association host this 5K Road Race. Proceeds benefit both organizations. The race takes place at the Arizona Avenue Soccer Complex, near Decatur and Kirkwood.

This week’s featured run is a 5 mile route through Druid Hills. You can access a map of this route at Map My Run under my group Atlanta Running.

Druid Hills – 5 Miles

· Start at the CVS location at 1554 N. Decatur Road
· Turn right on N. Decatur
· Turn right on Oakdale Road
· Oakdale becomes Emory Road and cross Oxford Road
· Follow Emory to Briarcliff Road
· Turn left on Briarcliff
· Turn left on Harvard Road
· Turn left on Springdale Road
· Cross N. Decatur and continue on Springdale
· Turn left on Ponce de Leon Avenue
· Turn left on Lullwater Road
· Turn right on N. Decatur and return to CVS