On your mark, get set, go! That's a phrase runners and walkers look forward to hearing when participating in 5K or 10K races. I mean what's better than sneaking in a great workout and donating to a great cause all while soaking up the beautiful, warm sun? How about doing it while basking under the cool, glistening moonlight? If you're feeling a little nocturnal, you'll want to check out these five nightime marathons taking place throughout the city this year.
May 14
Firefly Run 5K, Piedmont Park, 7:45 p.m., $35
Illuminate the night sky with this super cool, eye catching event to show your support for a few local charities including Out of Darkness, an anti-trafficking ministry. Decorate yourself with LED lights and dress up in creative costumes as you race through the park, witnessing some of the most bedazzled visual effects. After you finish working up a sweat, enjoy all of the live entertainment, refreshment and prizes the organization has to offer.
Piedmont Park, 1342 Worchester Dr. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30306.
www.thefireflyrun.com/locations/atlanta2016.
June 18
The Color Fun Fest 5K & Carnival, Turner Field, 7 p.m. & 9 p.m., $60
Organized to benefit the Just Care More foundation, a non-profit committed to providing underprivileged kids with a life-altering summer camp experience, attend this can't-miss race in your whitest attire. Why? Because you'll be doused in over 10,000 pounds of glow-in-the-dark color. What's even better is that there are two races - one for the daytime adventurers and another for the night owls. There's even a 1.8 mile obstacle course you can scavenger though as many times as you want. Make sure you stay behind for the carnival festivities. Jugglers, face painters, LED hoopers and more will be standing by waiting to entertain you.
Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
www.colorfunfest5k.com/atlanta.
June 25
9th Annual HBCU Run/Walk, Piedmont Park, 7 p.m., $40/$50
"Run For You, Run For Them, Run For Us" is the theme for this event dedicated to building health awareness and raising scholarship funds for historically black colleges and universities. Sign up for the 5K for a shorter dash or kick it up a notch by registering for the 10K. Both are USA Certified Track and Field courses. No matter if you decide to fly solo or gather up a team, you'll be able to get fit while lending a helping hand to a worthy cause - education.
Piedmont Park, 1342 Worchester Dr. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30306.
September 22
Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk, Turner Field, 6:30 p.m., $32
Known as the "World's Largest Office Party," this 5k aims to promote health, wellness and fitness for all metro Atlanta companies. From Chick-fil-a to Delta Airlines, employees from 400 corporations trade in their loafers for a pair of sneakers for the 3.1 mile journey. Open to everyone, the more than 16,000 expected participants will contribute their time and donations to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Back on My Feet and the Atlanta Braves Foundation. Need a little training beforehand? Hop onboard for the free 8-week bootcamp, where fitness gurus will be onsite to provide exercise tips, personal health assessment tools, healthy recipes and more to prepare you for the passage ahead.
Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
October 6
Alpharetta Pal Patrol 5K, Jackson Healthcare, 6:45 p.m., $2o
Lace up your gym shoes for this community gathering, where all of the proceeds go towards the Alpharetta Police Athletic League, a non-profit youth program. You'll be sure to work up an appetite after the race, but don't worry. Dinner will be served soonafter. And to commemorate its 10th year, every participant will receive a special Paw Medal award.
Jackson Healthcare, 2655 Northwinds Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009.
