Running a race during spring is almost a can’t-miss proposition, sort of like hitting up an all-you-can-eat kale buffet in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower:
You’re doing something really good for yourself, healthwise. So even if it’s a little uncomfortable at times, at least you’ve got something really pretty to look at!
Alas, metro Atlanta isn’t France (apologies, Paris on Ponce). But along with dogwood blossoms and — sigh — pollen, scenic runs are starting to bust out all over this area right now. We’ve rounded up a few of them below, along with particulars on things like registration, the good causes some are raising money for and the terrain, so you don’t accidentally find yourself running a half-marathon over old tires when you thought you’d signed up for a 5K on a gentle grassy path.
These runs take place all around Atlanta. So, after you trot through these nice-looking vistas, you might want to consider sticking around and seeing what else the area has to offer.
(And by the way, that old-tire run joke really was just a joke. But not, sadly, the one about pollen).
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Fallen Heroes of Georgia 5K | 8 a.m. April 14
$35 through April 4, then $40 including on race day (online registration through April 9), $5 admission to Lanier Islands
Lanier Islands resort: 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA 30518.
This is a mostly flat course with hills interspersed throughout that offers a close-up view of the natural beauty around Georgia’s largest lake when the resort isn’t closely packed with beachgoers, boaters and the like. Organized by Fallen Heroes of Georgia, Inc., a non-profit organization whose members work free of charge to raise funds for charities created in memory of individual fallen Georgia soliders, the run begins and ends at Lake Lanier Islands Park, and proceeds along Pine Cone Drive to Pine Needle Drive. Along the way, runners will pass directly by the water park, the wildlife roundabout, Pine Isle and other scenic stops; most movingly, signs representing Georgia soldiers who died while serving their country will line the race course.
Run for Babies 5K | 7 p.m. April 20
Piney Grove Middle School 8135 Majors Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
$30 pre-registration, through April 19; $35 day of race
Like to run with others but not so crazy about getting up early on the weekend? This race is for you. Get your weekend off to a healthy start with a run on Friday evening. This is a road race but it’s in Cumming, not far from Lake Lanier. Think of it as a tree-lined suburban fun run. It’s a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.
» RELATED: Metro Atlanta's best running trails
Fiesta 5K Challenge | 8 a.m. April 28
$30 through April 12; then $35
Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, GA 30040
The Fiesta is an out and back run on the Big Creek Greenway. You’ll run on a wide, paved trail and on some boardwalks as the trail winds alongside Big Creek. It’s a flat, fast run through some beautiful scenery. Think of this as practice for a half marathon on the same greenway (you’ll see more of it on the half marathon) on Memorial Day. Funds raised benefit the Emory ALS Center.
2018 Harbins Park 7.15 / 3.5 Mile Trail Run | 7:30 a.m. May 5
3.5 miles, $30-$40; 7.15, $35-$50
Harbins Park, 2995 Luke Edwards Rd, Dacula, GA 30019
If you’ve never been sure about whether trail running is right for you, this course is a great introduction. It actually starts on asphalt but quickly gets into the woods. It’s a beautiful run and if you‘re still not sure opt for the shorter distance. This could be the start of a whole new kind of running.
The Cox Media Group 5K/10K at Chastain Park I 8 a.m. May 6
$25 for 5K until April 26, then $30
$35 for 10K until April 26, then $40
This event is dog friendly (dogs must be on leash).
Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
The PATH Foundation is a wonderful nonprofit dedicated to bringing car-free biking/running/walking trails to metro Atlanta and beyond. The race is mostly in Chastain Park. Cox Media Group, one of the sponsors of the race, owns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
» RELATED: Adventurous outdoor dates around Atlanta for every couple
Georgia Peach Jam Half Marathon and 5K | 7:30 a.m. May 28 (Memorial Day)
5K: $30-$45; Half-marathon: $55-65 (race day registration allowed for both races)
Big Creek Greenway, Fowler Park. 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, Ga. 30040
Think the Atlanta Beltline, set in a true forest. This portion of the Greenway (www.bigcreekgreenway.com) is a 12-foot wide path of smooth concrete and boardwalk that winds through the woods along burbling Big Creek. Both races begin and end in front of the picturesque fire station in Fowler Park, then proceed along a dirt- and impediment free trail where tall hardwoods and quaint wooden railed fences flank you; running here, you're more likely to hear the natural calls of ducks, squirrels and other wildlife than the sounds of traffic. To get a sense of just how scenic and serene the setting is, check out this video of an earlier race. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department.
River Run for Hope 5K/10K/1 Mile| 7 a.m. June 9
5K-10K, $30-$35, 1 mile, $10
St Andrew Church, 675 Riverside Rd., Roswell, Ga. 30075
It’s going to be hot in Georgia in June but you’ll be down by the riverside. In fact, Riverside Park is right next door. After party! It’s always a little cooler running alongside the river and it’s nice and flat. The run raises funds that will be spent on education and health care in Ghana.
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