April is upon us and with warmer weather comes more opportunities to be outdoors. Running is a great way to spend your free time and it not only reduces stress levels, but also makes you feel good about yourself.
Spring is the perfect time to run a 5k (3.1 miles) and Charlottesville offers several such races to support great causes while simultaneously having fun and staying active.
1. On April 2nd at 10 am, Zeta Tau Alpha will be hosting a “Run for Life” 5k at Nameless field in memory of Paxson Macdonald, a former active leader for “Run for Life.” Donations go to the UVA Breast Care Center and the ZTA Foundation. Last year, they were able to raise over $30,000. Run to help find a cure for breast cancer since 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with it.
Register Here: https://runforlife5k.splashthat.com/
2. UVA’s medical school is hosting a 5k on April 9th at 10 am at Nameless Field to benefit the nonprofit Camp Holiday Trails. Camp Holiday Trail’s mission is to help provide a camp experience for children with special health needs.
Register Here: http://www.campholidaytrails5k.com/
3. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that aims to increase the confidence of young girls by encouraging healthy eating habits and body images. Virginia Club Running will be holding a 5k for Girls on the Run on April 16th at 10 am at Newcomb Plaza. Participants’ entry fees will help local girls complete their first 5ks.
Register here: http://www.virginia.clubrunning.org/pages/FiveK.html
4. April is Autism Awareness Month and the Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) is hosting a 5k on April 16th at Charlottesville High School at 8 am. VIA’s mission is to help people overcome the challenges of autism through various programs in education, outreach, and adult services.
Register Here: https://runforautism5k.org/campaigns/140
5. If you are looking for a different type of outdoor environment to run a 5k in, The Hard Cider Run is perfect for you. Participants in this run race through the Albemarle Ciderworks orchard. At the end of race, you are rewarded with a glass of hard cider if you are of age, or with regular non-alcoholic cider. This race will be held on April 23rd at 10 am.
Register Here: http://www.thehardciderrun.com/cities/charlottesville-va/
6. Looking for a more rigorous running course? Check out the Montalto Challenge 5k on the Saunders-Monticello Trail on April 30th at 7:30 am. This race is all uphill, but the view of Jefferson’s Monticello and the Blue Ridge Mountains is breathtaking. Proceeds go to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation to help keep up with the preservation of his historic home.
Register Here: https://www.monticello.org/site/visit/events/montalto-challenge
With so many 5ks coming up, there is no excuse to stay in bed this month. Get a group of friends together and run to help out various organizations in the Charlottesville area.
