Running in the New Year
Photo by Waldo Jaquith
Do you participate in New Year’s Day charity athletic events?
I’m just going to go ahead and admit that I don’t, or at least I haven’t yet. Don’t get me wrong. I like the idea of a New Year’s run, but preparing to actually get up and complete one is an entirely different issue.
Spending time with friends and family to ring in the New Year doesn’t leave much time for a good night’s rest before an AM run. That is why I really like that I’m seeing more and more races being offered on New Year’s Eve.
What a great idea! You can get your run in before you head to the party and support a charity organization in the process. I’m all about that. I even found a couple that start around noon on New Year’s Day. Now that I could probably handle.
The 2009 Karen Lawrence Run for St. Jude Children’s Hospital takes place in Chattanooga, TN on December 31. The two-mile race begins at 6:15 p.m. and the four-miler begins at 7:00 p.m.
The VyStar Gator Bowl 5K in Jacksonville, FL will kick off at 1:30 p.m. on December 31. Participants can donate $10 to “Run for a Child” which benefits the Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
The 4th Annual New Years at Noon 5K happens in Athens, GA on January 1, 2010. The event will support Bobby’s Learning Garden and the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity.
Another one that will let you sleep in a little is the 25th Annual New Year’s Day 5K Run/Walk which takes place in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL at 11:00 am. Proceeds benefit the Lakeview Citizen’s Council, a non-profit neighborhood organization.
Finally, I couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you about this one. It doesn’t support a specific charity, but it could give you race planners an idea for a fun event as I mentioned in yesterday’s post.
The 9th Annual Midnight Special in Whitehouse, OH provides a new way to ring in the New Year. The 5K begins at 11:45 p.m. and all participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for this formal event. Yes, men should run in their tuxes and women in their evening gowns! Now that would be a new way to challenge your running ability!
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