Few things can be more motivating for you to “get up and go” then doing it for a good cause. The Auburn and Opelika community is no stranger to its annual 5Ks, fun runs and walks that serve the purpose of making a statement, raising money or simply promoting a healthy lifestyle. It must be that time of year being that there are a host of upcoming triathlons, 5Ks and more in Auburn and Opelika this month into next.
Whether you are a serious runner, avid biker, strong swimmer, a seasoned walker or are working your way up to all of the above, sign up for one of these upcoming triathlons, 5Ks and more in Auburn and Opelika this month!
XTERRA Auburn, Aug. 19
- What: Sponsored by Tri Auburn, participants will swim 750 meters, bike 10 miles and run 3.1 miles in this second annual XTERRA Auburn. The swim will take place in Chewacla’s 26-acre swimming lake, while the bike and run will happen on the park’s 25-plus miles of mountain bike trails. Bikers will enjoy scenic views of Chewacla Lake and the park’s feature waterfall before transitioning to the run. The run will take participants through the famous “Kick Six” trail that was being built the weekend of Auburn’s iconic comeback in the 2013 Iron Bowl.
- Where: Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: Pre-race meeting 6:30 a.m., race begins 7 a.m.
- Cost: XTERRA Auburn is a USAT sanctioned event. All participants must have a USAT license, which is available for an annual $50 fee on the USAT website. Participants can also buy a one-time license for $15 when registering for the event. Participants can register as individuals or as part of a two- or three-person relay. Costs are $85 individual, $150 two-person relay and $215 three-person relay through Aug. 13. Costs go up to $90, $160 and $230 Aug. 15 to 18. There will be a limited number of race day registrations available.
- Website: Click here.
Tails & Trails 5K Run, One-Mile Walk, Aug. 19
- What: This race is going to the dogs! The Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association is inviting dog lovers to run or walk with their canine companions to benefit the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation. The foundation supports continuing education for veterinarians and the spay and neuter program. The race begins and ends within Town Creek Park. Though dogs are welcome, race organizers ask that no intact males, in heat females, aggressive dogs or any dog that is not up to date on vaccinations attends. Awards will be given out to the top three male and female participants of the 5K, as well as an award for the first male and female with a dog.
- Where: Town Creek Park, 1150 S. Gay St., Auburn
- When: Registration 6 a.m.; race starts 7 a.m.
- Cost: $20 through Aug. 10; $25 Aug. 11 to 17; $30 day-of ending at 6:30 a.m. Must register by Aug. 10 to be eligible for a T-shirt.
Tri Chewacla Sprint Triathlon, Aug. 20
- What: This third annual event from Tri Auburn will feature a 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run. New for 2017, Tri Auburn has added an Olympic distance for this triathlon, which includes a 1,000 meter swim, 24-mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run. Participants can compete as individuals or can race one or two segments as part of a two- or three-person relay team. First, second and third place awards will be presented to winners in each age group for the individual competition. There are no age groups for the relay division, and teams will compete for the top three fastest times.
- Where: Chewacla State Park, 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn
- When: 6:30 a.m. mandatory pre-race meeting; 7 a.m. race begins
- Cost: Tri Chewacla Spring Triathlon is a USAT sanctioned event. All participants must have a USAT license, which is available for an annual $50 fee on the USAT website. Participants can also buy a one-time license for $15 when registering for the event. Through Aug. 13, costs are $85 individual, $150 two-person relay, $215 three-person relay; $105 Olympic individual, $170 Olympic two-person relay, $235 Olympic three-person relay. Costs go up to $90, $160, $230 and $110, $180 and $250, respectively, Aug. 15 to 18. There will be a limited number of race day registrations available.
I Run Opelika Health Expo & 5K Run/Walk, Aug. 26
- What: This 5K run and walk serves to raise awareness for obesity and diabetes in the state of Alabama, which has the third-highest diabetes rate in the nation. Hosted by SmoothSax Music, the event serves to promote healthy lifestyle practices in an effort to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases in the community. In conjunction with the run and walk, a health expo will be held featuring health screenings, education activities, group exercises and more. The run/walk route will go through Historic Downtown Opelika and is open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the event will benefit Cornerstone of East Alabama. Awards will be given to the top three overall men and women, and to the top three in each age category.
- Where: Lee County Courthouse Square, 215 South Ninth St., Opelika
- When: packet pickup begins 6:30 a.m.; health expo 8 a.m.; run/walk 9:30 a.m.
- Cost: $25 through Aug. 26; $35 day-of race
F.A.B. 5K, Fun Run and Nutrition and Wellness Fair, Sept. 23
- What: An event to highlight wellness and nutrition, the F.A.B 5K, Fun Run and Nutrition and Wellness Fair will start at the corner of Donahue and Lem Morrison Drive and take participants through Auburn University’s campus. The 5K will be followed by the one-mile fun run and doggie dash, in addition to the Nutrition and Wellness fair and a farmers market. The event is open to all ages 3 and older, and all skill levels are welcome.
- Where: Ag Heritage Park, 620 N. Donahue Drive, Auburn
- When: 8 a.m.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Oct. 29
- What: The East Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a fund raiser for the Alzheimer’s Association and serves to raise community awareness for Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association will provide free, easy-to-use tools and staff support to help participants reach their fund raising goals.
- Where: Campus Green Space by Jordan-Hare, 500 Heisman Drive, Auburn
- When: 1 p.m. registration; 2:15 p.m. walk
- Cost: There is no fee to register, but participants are encouraged to fund raise to contribute to the cause.
Pick a cause you’re passionate about supporting, or simply set a goal to get in shape and register for one or multiple of these upcoming triathlons, 5Ks and more in Auburn and Opelika!
To keep up with what’s going on in the Auburn and Opelika area, continue to follow the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog! And for all of your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin, contact Ryan today at 334-750-9872 or email [email protected]!
