Halloween Day Race Offers Family Fun

I’m a fan of events that support local schools. Here’s one that offers something fun for every member of the family.

Oakhurst Preschool Cooperative hosts its 3rd annual Beat the Street for Little Feet at Candler Park. The event includes both a 5K and 1-mile race plus a fun run for kiddies. After the race, stay for the children’s festival. Activities include live music, a costume contest, face painting and food. The 5K route is available at the event site. Register at Active.com or at your neighborhood Big Peach Running Co. Proceeds from the race help the school provide tuition assistance and classroom supplies.

Have an old pair of running shoes lying around? Donate them at the race to Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. Nike’s site features a cool video showing how old shoes are deconstructed and repurposed for a variety of play surfaces.

It’s Fall … Get Out and Run Atlanta!

It’s almost the middle of October and Run Georgia’s Race Calendar shows over 50 race events scheduled for the remainder of the month. There’s no excuse not to get outside and run. Here are a few races to consider:

Big Peach Fall 5 Miler – October 17
If you’re in Marietta, don’t miss this race. Big Peach always hosts a great event. The course runs through the neighborhoods of East Cobb. Register at any Big Peach Running Co. location.

Monster Dash 5K and Little Goblin Run – October 17
You gotta love a race with a Halloween theme. The beautiful neighborhood of Grant Park hosts this family-friendly event. While online registration closes October 12, you can sign-up on race day.

Atlanta Dog Jog – October 24
Looking for an easy run with your four-legged friend? This event offers the choice of a 1 or 2-mile course. If you run the 2-mile course, you and your pup are eligible to win. Awards given to the top three finishers in the small, medium, and large dog categories.

Run Like Hell 5K – October 31
What better way to kick-off Halloween festivities than a race through Oakland Cemetery. Run past the headstones and mausoleums of Atlanta’s most notable dead. Proceeds benefit the cemetery’s restoration efforts.

Callaway Gardens Twilight 10K – November 7
It’s not likely you’ll find a more scenic course in November. Spend the evening running through gardens and holiday lights display. The race is limited to the first 500 registrants. It’s a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race.

Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp 5K – November 7
Looking for an intown run? Check out the Cabbagetown Romp and Stomp. After running the quick course, race participates can celebrate over a bowl of free chili. Registration is available online at Active.com or at Big Peach Running Co. locations.

What it Means to be a Volunteer

I’ve been thinking a lot about volunteering lately. A blog post by my friend Nadine Randall offered a candid, moving account about her experience with Girls on the Run Atlanta. Often times, volunteering leaves us with a sense of pride and altruism. But Nadine’s story didn’t reflect on those factors. Rather, it focused on her uncertainty over her ability to coach and mentor a group of girls. Over time, she gained confidence in her skills and discovered a sense of joy in her role. And that’s an important lesson. While we often view volunteering as a selfless act, we gain in ways we don’t always expect.


This week’s route is the Run for Research 5K course at Piedmont Park:
· Start at the corner of 14th and W. Peachtree St.
· Head towards Piedmont Park
· Follow the path around Lake Clara Meed and through Piedmont Park
· Exit Piedmont Park at 10th St.
· Run down 10th St. toward W. Peachtree St.
· Turn right on W. Peachtree St.
· Turn right on 13th St.
· End at 13th St. and Peachtree Walk