Runners are an altruistic bunch. We’re ready to lace up our shoes to help support a good cause … whether for a local charity or a nation-wide movement. Here are a few races that give you an opportunity to do your part for the community.
Be The One Run – September 24
Part of a nationwide fundraising event, Be The One Run assists patients in need of bone marrow transplants. Runners hit the starting line at Atlantic Station for the 1K and 5K races. Can’t make the race? You can still help by donating. Details are available at the event site.
7200 Steps to Stop Demand 5K – October 1
Child prostitution is an ongoing problem in Georgia. According to the Juvenile Justice Fund, more than 400 adolescent girls are prostituted each month in the state. This 5K race seeks to recruit public support to help end this devastating crime. Runners will gather at Mary Lin Elementary School in Candler Park for the 8:30 a.m. start time. Online registration is available at Active.com.
Firefly Run – October 1
This race combines kid-like fun with a serious mission – support U.S. soldiers and their families. With an 8 p.m. start time in Piedmont Park, runners receive glow-in-the-dark accessories to get illuminated for the race. Proceeds benefit Operation Once in a Lifetime, which is committed to aiding soldiers and their families with financial support.
Morningside Mile – October 16
The Virginia-Highland Community has a well-deserved reputation for hosting great races, including the O’Highlands Jig & Jog and the Christmas 5K. The Morningside Mile is dedicated to supporting a local neighborhood icon … the historic Fire Station No. 19. Run the one-mile race and stick around to enjoy the block party. Your race swag includes an event shirt, commemorative pint glass, and a free Sweetwater beer or yogurt at the party. Sign-up at Phidippides’ Ansley Mall location or online at Action.com.
Whether you’re training for a fall race or just looking for a good running route, consider this four-miler through Virginia-Highland and Inman Park.
Virginia-Highland to Inman Park - 4 miles:
• Start at the corner of Virginia Ave and N. Highland Ave.
• Run down N. Highland Ave towards Ponce de Leon Ave.
• Cross Ponce and Freedom Parkway
• Turn left on Cleburn Ave.
• Turn left on Seminole Ave.
• Turn right on Sinclair Ave.
• Sinclair merges into Austin
• Turn left on Elizabeth Ave.
• Turn right on Euclid Ave.
• Turn left on Moreland Ave.
• Turn left on Mansfield Ave.
• Turn right on Seminole Ave.
• Turn right on Cleburn Ave.
• Turn right on N. Highland Ave End run at N. Highland and Virginia
Showing posts with label Candler Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Candler Park. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Green Ideas for Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K: Candler Park N. O. and Sweetwater Weigh In
Last month, I provided a recap of the Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K with a few ideas for making it a greener event. Well, I heard back from both the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (which manages the 5K) and from Sweetwater Brewery (which hosts the Fest). Both offered some interesting feedback on my suggestions – enough to warrant a separate blog post.
Here’s what I learned:
No water stations: With an April race date, I questioned whether water stations were really necessary. The weather was mild for this year’s race, but that wasn’t the case in 2010 when temperatures were much warmer. According to Dave Aynes with the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (CPNO), the group was criticized in 2010 for not having enough water stations. As Dave shared with me, CPNO is interested in ideas to make the race greener. One way runners can do their part is to bring their own water bottles.
Reduce trash - Sell beer in commemorative mugs: When I suggested this idea, I thought it was a “no brainer.” Boy, was I wrong. Per Steve Farace with Sweetwater, “We did that the first year and it turned into a nightmare game of twister trying to refill specific cups.” Understood – trying to keep track of which beer cup belongs to which person when there are dozens of people in line is a logistical mess. Dave with CPNO also mentioned that “some health departments don’t technically allow it (think new buffet plate).”
Offer a compost bin for banana peels: With 2,000 participants at the race, I suggested offering a compost bin to collect the peels instead of trash cans. This appears to be the only idea I offered that may be easy to implement. If you’re running the race next year, be on the look-out for compost bins.
I’d like to thank both Dave Aynes and Steve Farace for sharing feedback on my blog post. There are a multitude of factors involved with operating an event – particularly one as large as the Sweetwater 420 Fest and 5K. While the hosts of these events strive to be green, it has to be balanced with the needs to make sure the event is also safe and enjoyable.
Here’s what I learned:
No water stations: With an April race date, I questioned whether water stations were really necessary. The weather was mild for this year’s race, but that wasn’t the case in 2010 when temperatures were much warmer. According to Dave Aynes with the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization (CPNO), the group was criticized in 2010 for not having enough water stations. As Dave shared with me, CPNO is interested in ideas to make the race greener. One way runners can do their part is to bring their own water bottles.
Reduce trash - Sell beer in commemorative mugs: When I suggested this idea, I thought it was a “no brainer.” Boy, was I wrong. Per Steve Farace with Sweetwater, “We did that the first year and it turned into a nightmare game of twister trying to refill specific cups.” Understood – trying to keep track of which beer cup belongs to which person when there are dozens of people in line is a logistical mess. Dave with CPNO also mentioned that “some health departments don’t technically allow it (think new buffet plate).”
Offer a compost bin for banana peels: With 2,000 participants at the race, I suggested offering a compost bin to collect the peels instead of trash cans. This appears to be the only idea I offered that may be easy to implement. If you’re running the race next year, be on the look-out for compost bins.
I’d like to thank both Dave Aynes and Steve Farace for sharing feedback on my blog post. There are a multitude of factors involved with operating an event – particularly one as large as the Sweetwater 420 Fest and 5K. While the hosts of these events strive to be green, it has to be balanced with the needs to make sure the event is also safe and enjoyable.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Atlanta Runners: Lace Up for October Races
Can you believe it? It’s nearly mid-October yet the temperatures have been flirting near the 80-degree mark. Not exactly fall weather, but that won’t keep runners sidelined. October is a popular month for road races in Atlanta. Whether you’re looking for a Halloween-themed event or a charity run, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are a few to consider:
Monster Dash – October 16
Break out the Halloween costume early and head down to Grant Park for this family-friendly race. Costumes are encouraged and strollers are welcomed. The 5K race starts at 8:00 a.m. Got a little monster? Register them for the Little Goblin Run which starts at 8:50 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool.
Gold Rush 5k – October 16
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta? Head to Dahlonega. The Gold Rush 5K starts and ends at North Georgia College & State University. Enjoy the scenic run through downtown Dahlonega. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Candler Park Fall Fest 5K – October 23
No need to wake-up early for this race – the start time is 11 a.m. (hallelujah!). Plus a great neighborhood course that’s close to Marta. After the run, stick around for festival food, beer, art and live music. Registration is available at Active.com.
The Morningside Mile – October 24
Are you fast? Strut your stuff and earn cash prizes. The showdown takes place at noon. Not only are the prizes good ($250 for the fastest male and female finishers), but so is the block party. Show your race number at the party and get a free Sweetwater beer or a yogurt. Doc Chey’s is a sponsor, so you can count on good food too.
Be The One Run – October 30
Planning to indulge in Halloween candy? Burn a few calories before your sugar-laden snacking begins at this Halloween-eve run. This is a new race event, with the first taking place in Atlanta at Atlantic Station. The race aims to encourage people to become part of the National Bone Marrow Donor program’s registry. Along with the 8:00 a.m. 5K run, there’s a tot trot at 9:15 a.m.
Run Like Hell 5K – October 30
What better way to celebrate Halloween than run a race through a cemetery? Atlanta’s famous Oakland Cemetery serves as the site for the race course. You’ll get to run past the final resting place of notable Atlantans, including Bobby Jones and Margaret Mitchell. Proceeds benefit the cemetery’s restoration.
UPDATE: Run Like Hell 5K reached it's maximum number of runners this week. Registration is closed. And yes, I'm bummed for procrastinating because I really wanted the T-shirt for this race!
Monster Dash – October 16
Break out the Halloween costume early and head down to Grant Park for this family-friendly race. Costumes are encouraged and strollers are welcomed. The 5K race starts at 8:00 a.m. Got a little monster? Register them for the Little Goblin Run which starts at 8:50 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool.
Gold Rush 5k – October 16
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta? Head to Dahlonega. The Gold Rush 5K starts and ends at North Georgia College & State University. Enjoy the scenic run through downtown Dahlonega. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.
Candler Park Fall Fest 5K – October 23
No need to wake-up early for this race – the start time is 11 a.m. (hallelujah!). Plus a great neighborhood course that’s close to Marta. After the run, stick around for festival food, beer, art and live music. Registration is available at Active.com.
The Morningside Mile – October 24
Are you fast? Strut your stuff and earn cash prizes. The showdown takes place at noon. Not only are the prizes good ($250 for the fastest male and female finishers), but so is the block party. Show your race number at the party and get a free Sweetwater beer or a yogurt. Doc Chey’s is a sponsor, so you can count on good food too.
Be The One Run – October 30
Planning to indulge in Halloween candy? Burn a few calories before your sugar-laden snacking begins at this Halloween-eve run. This is a new race event, with the first taking place in Atlanta at Atlantic Station. The race aims to encourage people to become part of the National Bone Marrow Donor program’s registry. Along with the 8:00 a.m. 5K run, there’s a tot trot at 9:15 a.m.
Run Like Hell 5K – October 30
What better way to celebrate Halloween than run a race through a cemetery? Atlanta’s famous Oakland Cemetery serves as the site for the race course. You’ll get to run past the final resting place of notable Atlantans, including Bobby Jones and Margaret Mitchell. Proceeds benefit the cemetery’s restoration.
UPDATE: Run Like Hell 5K reached it's maximum number of runners this week. Registration is closed. And yes, I'm bummed for procrastinating because I really wanted the T-shirt for this race!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Spring is Here! Atlanta Races to Run in April
I grew up in Florida, so I’ve never been fond of winter weather. While Mother Nature is inching her way to spring (enough already with the rain and gloomy skies), the calendar is showing lots of road races for runners. Here’s a list of intown events to check out:
Run for Success – April 3
The women’s engineering and technical sciences sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, is hosting this inaugural 5K at the Georgia Tech campus. The race benefits Dress for Success which helps low-income women dress professionally for job interviews. The race course starts and ends at the intersection of Atlantic and Ferst.
Run Before You Crawl – April 10
Running + Pub Crawl = Great Fun. Yes, the businesses of East Atlanta have created a truly unique event. The 5K race begins at 9:00 a.m. and the pub crawl starts at 10:30. As the event site states, why not replenish the calories you burned on the run with a beer (or more).
Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K – April 17
The annual Sweetwater 420 Festival delivers a weekend of music, good beer, and environmental activism. The race starts at a weekend-friendly time of 11:00 a.m. and the course travels through the Candler Park neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.
Dow Live Earth Run for Water – April 18
Pemberton Place (next to the World of Coke) plays host to this global 6K event – road races, music and water education activities will take place in a 192 countries. Why a 6K? According to the event site, women and children in Africa walk on average 6 kilometers to access safe drinking water. The big draw to this event may be the post-race concert featuring Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas. A portion of the registration fees will support Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Global Water Challenge.
Take Back the Night – April 24
This Decatur event raises funds for the Dekalb Rape Crisis Center. The 1-mile run starts at 5:00 p.m. and the 5K kicks-off at 5:30 p.m. The race takes place at Agnes Scott College (ASC) and the course runs through the neighborhoods of Oakhurst and East Lake before ending back at ASC. Sign-up online or at Big Peach Running Company.
The Green Dash: Atlanta’s Earth Day 5K – April 24
Head to Piedmont Park to join fellow Atlantans celebrating Earth Day. Runners can register at Phidippides’ Ansley Park store or online at Active.com. The race is limited to the first 1,000 runners. Proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
Run for Success – April 3
The women’s engineering and technical sciences sorority, Alpha Omega Epsilon, is hosting this inaugural 5K at the Georgia Tech campus. The race benefits Dress for Success which helps low-income women dress professionally for job interviews. The race course starts and ends at the intersection of Atlantic and Ferst.
Run Before You Crawl – April 10
Running + Pub Crawl = Great Fun. Yes, the businesses of East Atlanta have created a truly unique event. The 5K race begins at 9:00 a.m. and the pub crawl starts at 10:30. As the event site states, why not replenish the calories you burned on the run with a beer (or more).
Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K – April 17
The annual Sweetwater 420 Festival delivers a weekend of music, good beer, and environmental activism. The race starts at a weekend-friendly time of 11:00 a.m. and the course travels through the Candler Park neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.
Dow Live Earth Run for Water – April 18
Pemberton Place (next to the World of Coke) plays host to this global 6K event – road races, music and water education activities will take place in a 192 countries. Why a 6K? According to the event site, women and children in Africa walk on average 6 kilometers to access safe drinking water. The big draw to this event may be the post-race concert featuring Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas. A portion of the registration fees will support Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Global Water Challenge.
Take Back the Night – April 24
This Decatur event raises funds for the Dekalb Rape Crisis Center. The 1-mile run starts at 5:00 p.m. and the 5K kicks-off at 5:30 p.m. The race takes place at Agnes Scott College (ASC) and the course runs through the neighborhoods of Oakhurst and East Lake before ending back at ASC. Sign-up online or at Big Peach Running Company.
The Green Dash: Atlanta’s Earth Day 5K – April 24
Head to Piedmont Park to join fellow Atlantans celebrating Earth Day. Runners can register at Phidippides’ Ansley Park store or online at Active.com. The race is limited to the first 1,000 runners. Proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
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