Home > Living a Better LIFE > Archives > 2009 > June > 02 > Entry
Life on the street
It’s a great time of year for road work, and I’m not talking about the kind done by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Last weekend saw the running of the first Fun Run for Charities, Rocky Mount’s new 5-, 10- and 15-kilometer road race. The event drew 277 racers downtown to the Imperial Centre. The courses were fast and attractive, leading runners through downtown — where, despite the sad conditions now, the district’s potential clearly is visible — then out along Falls Road. The 5k racers turned back there, while the 10k and 15k crews headed further along Falls, onto the Tar River Trail, into the Sunset Park area and then back to the center.
The results for the 5k, 10k and 15k showed these were fast-moving packs. The top male and female finishers and their times were:
5k — Ashley Bass, 18:21, and Mandy Hopper, 19:51.
10k — Izzy Jaimes, 37:36, and Paula Medley, 53:11.
15k — Jack Mignosa, 59:00, and Laura Haynes, 1:23:33.
Yes, I was there, and, no, I still would prefer not to discuss my time (although my pace was faster than in the past). Suffice it to say, I’m ready to hit the road running to increase endurance and lower the time. I also would say that the race was a blast, it was great to see such a large turnout for a first running. I’m sure that more runners will show up next year and it’s good that so many worthwhile groups benefited.
The Fun Run for Charities isn’t alone. Though it’s still a couple of months away, the second annual Ford’s Colony 5k and 10k Race has been calendared for Sept. 12. The 2008 running drew a good-sized crowd to the route along the development’s golf course, which surprised some runners with its hills in an area that usually is thought of as all but prairie flat.
Registration is open now. The fees are $25 for the 10k, $20 for the 5k and $10 for the 1.5-mile family fun run. The fees rise on July 15 and Sept. 1 and, with the field limited to 300 runners, that means that there is no time like now to sign up. Registration is available through the race’s Web site.
For the off-road crowd, the Medoc Trail Races have been scheduled for Oct. 17 in Hollister. This will be a little bit tougher: The event offers a 10-miler and a marathon. Registration is $45 for the 10-miler and $60 for the marathon, both of which can be handled through its Web site as well.
One more opportunity, but this is for younger athletes. Kids in Training offers the KIT Youth/Family Triathlon June 27 in Nashville. Yes, you read that correctly, “triathlon,” and no, no one is talking about tykes taking on the Ironman. The event offers three age groups for 5- through 17-year-old competitors, and each looks to have appropriate swimming, cycling and running distances. The idea of Kids in Training, a nonprofit group, is to lead youngsters and parents to change their lifestyles so they will be healthier. If you’d like more information or to register, you can do so on KIT’s Web site.
There’s lots going on around here, all offering opportunities for fun in the sun. Why not enjoy them?
What do you do to get a little exercise? Why not share your thoughts by commenting on this blog or e-mailing Ross.
Comments