Triangle Races in March & April 2017

There are several great local races coming up this spring that I recommend looking into if you are working on achieving your 2017 running goals. Two things stand out about each of the races I mention below. First, they each take place along a closed road course, which I enjoy. I love training on the Greenway, but come race day I want to be out on the open street. Second, they support great causes and benefit local charities. No doubt there are other fine races out there, but these are four that have caught my eye and I recommend checking out.

Florence Forth Road Race – Saturday, March 4th (Durham)
This race is sponsored by local run store Bull City Running and offers both a 5k and 10k option. The course starts along the 9th Street area of Durham. The name of the race, FLORENCE FORTH, captures the spirit of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, and its founders, Leslie, Will, and Laura McDow, who lost six-year old Florence on March 4, 2012, after a long battle with autoimmune encephalitis, which is a rare brain disease. Inspired by “March Fourth,” the “day that is also a command,” the McDow family heard a charge to “Florence Forth” in accelerating the search for a cure, providing care to affected families, and forming a community of collaboration and concern. To register visit https://florenceforth.org/.

Sola Hot Mini 5K – Saturday, March 11th (North Ralkeigh)
This year marks the 4th Annual Sola Hot Mini 5k. It is organized and hosted by the owners of Sola Coffee in North Raleigh as a way to help the community to come together and support our military Veterans. The race starts at the cafe’ off of Leadmine Road and features a nice road course through some beautiful surrounding neighborhoods. Performance t-shirts are guaranteed to all those registered by February 24th. Profits from the event will go to support Hope for Warriors of North Carolina. To register to walk, run or run/walk visit solahotmini5k.com. 

Ella’s Race – Saturday, March 18th (North Raleigh)
This race also offer both a 5k and 10k option. It is hosted by Chick-fil-A, Capital Crossing and Falls Village in North Raleigh. The race benefits The Cure Starts Now and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to help pediatric research, aid, and support efforts for children with brain cancer & tumors. For more information and to register visit http://www.ellasrace.com/.

Tar Heel 10 Miler – Saturday, April 22nd (Chapel Hill)
A ten mile race is a great distance to train for especially if you are looking for something a bit longer than a 10k. A 10-miler is long enough that it is challenging yet not so far that you need months and months to prepare like you might with a full or half marathon. There is also a 4 mile option if you are looking for a shorter distance race. The Tar Heel 10 Miler benefits the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA’s We Build People Campaign. Save $5 off registration by using the code “TH10John“. Race website: http://tarheel10miler.com/