If it seems like every weekend brings another local road race at this time of year – that’s about right. April is prime road race season with something for every level, from family-friendly milers to a full marathon through downtown. Most events are charitable, and some add in other elements like silly dress codes or nearby brewery stops. Here’s a partial roundup of this month’s lineup, should you want to lace up your sneakers.
April 1, 2
Rock ’n’ Roll Raleigh
Marathon Series
Even if you’re not running the half or full marathon through Dorothea Dix Park, you’ll hear the live music from course-side stages if you’re in the area. Or, you can run the 5K version the day before. 8 a.m. Saturday 5K, 7 a.m. Sunday half and full marathon; $40, $100, $110; runrocknroll.com/raleigh
April 1
Greater Raleigh Young Life 5K
You can re-live (or invent) your high school glory days at this 3.1-mile event at the WakeMed Soccer Park’s cross country course. Proceeds go toward the non-denominational Christian outreach organization. 9 a.m.; $35; runnc.com/event/greater-raleigh-young-life-5k
April 1, 8, 22
Second Empire
Grand Prix Series
Second Empire Restaurant and retailer Inside-Out Sports put together a 15-race series each year. Runners who participate in 9 of the 15 races are invited to an awards luncheon at the end of the series, where top-placing overall men and women racers also earn nods. This month there are three grand prix races: the Glenaire Retirement Community 5K and 1-mile race April 1, which raises money for the senior care facility; the Cary Road Race 10K 6.2-mile event for the Town of Cary at Koka Booth Amphitheater April 8; and the Second Empire 5K classic in North Raleigh April 22. $15 – $35, depending on race; times vary, all take place Saturday morning; secondempireseries.com
April 2
Not So Normal Runs
Three different races take place at the same time in Carrboro, with a distance to suit everyone. Participants are encouraged to register for the 5K-ish (roughly 3 miles), quarter-marathon (6.55 miles), half-marathon, or three-quarter-marathon (19.65 miles) with a friend (there are also relay options), and select their own cause to benefit. 7:30 a.m.; $30, $40, $60, $80;
notsonormalrun.org
April 8
RunDTR
This afternoon run takes participants along a 4-mile route from Crank Arm Brewing to Brewery Bhavana, Oak and Dagger, and Trophy Brewing; proceeds benefit Water for Good to provide clean water to people in the Central African Republic. 12 noon; $35, includes two beers (you can fundraise to earn more included beers); donate.waterforgood.org/campaign/2017-RunDTR/c115613
April 15
Glow in the Night 5K
This after-dark course at Duke University takes you through different lit “glow zones,” where you’re bombarded with neon-colored glow powder. Proceeds benefit the Cornucopia Cancer Support Center. 8 p.m.; $40; ccscdurham.runforphil.org
April 22
Note in the Pocket Socks and Undie 5K Rundie
This is the silly costumes one: Participants are encouraged to wear fun socks, pajamas, and ridiculous (PG-rated!) undergarments. You’re also encouraged to bring new bags of socks and underwear to donate to the sponsoring nonprofit, which provides clothing to homeless Wake County citizens. 9 a.m.; $40; facebook.com/SocksandUndie5K
April 22
Walk/Run/Bike for Umstead
On Earth Day, the name of this event explains it all: Participants pick their activity for a 4-mile trek through the park’s trails, and proceeds benefit The Umstead Coalition. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; $40; umsteadcoalition.org
