Evening Road Races? Yep, Atlanta Does Have a Few.

I recently received an e-mail from a fellow runner who was looking for information on nighttime races. For a variety of reasons, most road races start between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Morning start times make it easier for race organizers to limit disruptions to car traffic and help runners avoid warm weather.

But what if you’re not a morning person? No worries … here are a few upcoming races to consider:

Alpharetta PAL 5K Challenge – August 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Jackson Healthcare, the event benefits the Alpharetta Police Athletic League. The race starts and finishes at Jackson Healthcare’s offices, located at 2655 Northwinds Parkway in Alpharetta, between Haynes Bridge and Kimball Bridge roads. No need to eat a quick dinner before the race … organizers will serve a pasta dinner to race participants. The cost is $25 and registration is available at Active.com.

Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk 5K – September 16 at 7:00 p.m.
The streets of downtown Atlanta belong to runners for this evening race. Starting under the Olympic Rings, the course travels through downtown and ends at Turner Field. You can sign up as part of your company’s team or as an individual runner. There’s also a food drive taking place with the event, so please consider contributing a few canned food items. Want to run? Register directly at the event site.

LexisNexis Windward Challenge 5K – September 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Work in Alpharetta? Instead of happy hour, consider hitting the streets for this Wednesday night race. Hosted by LexisNexis, the event starts at the company’s headquarters on Alderman Drive. Have a four-legged running partner? This is a dog-friendly event. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. Registration available at Active.com.

8th Annual Autumn Breeze 5K – October 3 at 3:00 p.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is nearly 2 hours from Atlanta, but the beautiful scenery may be worth the drive. The course runs along Tallulah Falls Lake and across the Tallulah River. Arrive early and enjoy the park’s breathtaking sites before the race. Visit Active.com to register.

A Little Chocolate and Wine With Your Run? Races that Please the Palate.

Checking out Traxee.com the other day, I couldn’t help but notice a link for The Chocolate Race. Hmmm. I like running and I really like chocolate. Reading about this race got me thinking … are there other races that celebrate good food with good running?

Here’s what I discovered:

The Chocolate Race – August 28 & 29
Port Dalhousie in Canada plays host to this decedent event. Runners can choose from the 5K, 10K or 21K (half-marathon) race. Need a carb hit during the race? Sample the fudge along the race course. The picturesque route runs around the shore of Lake Ontario.

Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon – September 5
Need a break from Atlanta’s heat wave? Consider this race, located less than an hour from Portland. Part of the Wine Country Half Marathon series, the inaugural race promises lovely scenery and a cool climate. Runners can celebrate their accomplishments at the post-race Wine & Music Festival.

The Walt Disney Wine & Dine – October 2
This evening race ensures runners avoid Florida’s summer heat that lingers into October. The course travels through Disney’s famous theme parks and ends with an exclusive post-race party at the Epcot International Wine & Food Festival.

Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Half Marathon & 10K – October 2
Looking for something savory instead of sweet? This Columbia, Missouri event promises to serve up a tasty meal of BBQ at the post-race party. Along with good food, bands help cheer on runners along the event course.

Hershey Half Marathon – October 3
For those with a sweet tooth, this race may be nirvana. The aroma of chocolate will fill the air during this inaugural event. The route passes by factories for Hershey’s Chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Aid stations along the route include a chocolate station.