April full of fun runs and races

From family-friendly fun runs to a race through Oak Mountain State Park, here are a few options to get active or get involved this month.

PurpleStride

► What: 5K run and family-friendly walk

► When: April 1, 9:30 a.m.

► Where: Veterans Park

► Website: support.pancan.org

UAB Medicine is presenting the 2017 PurpleStride Birmingham walk/run event this year in support of those affected by pancreatic cancer. According to their website, pancreatic cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Walk organizers hope to shed light on this disease and raise money for support and research.

Participants can register and raise money as teams or individuals, and proceeds go toward the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Wage Hope initiative.

Tranquility Trail Run 

► What: 3- and 6-mile run

► When: April 8, 8 a.m.

► Where: Oak Mountain State Park, Redbud Pavilion

► Website: southeasterntrailruns.com

The Tranquility Trail Run will open the 2017 Southeastern Trail Series this year with a 3- and 6-mile run. The race follows the trail alongside the Tranquility Lake Trail.

Awards will be give to men’s and women’s overall first, second and third place finishers for both the 3- and 6-mile runs, and group awards will be given to competitors in the 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and up age groups.

Walk for Autism

► What: 5K and 1-mile walk

► When: April 8, 7:30 a.m.

► Where: Veterans Park

► Website: walkforautismal.com

The Autism Society of Alabama will be hosting one of its 15 annual statewide walk/run events in Hoover to spread awareness of the autism spectrum, which affects as many as 50,000 Alabama residents, according to their website.

The 5K race, which is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m., is part of the organization’s Race to Solve the Puzzle, and the 1-mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. The event is designed to be a day to bring recognition, education and hope to families affected by autism.

Walk to End Lupus NOW

► What: 1-mile walk

► When: April 9, 1 p.m.

► Where: Veterans Park

► Website: lupus.org/midsouth/home

On April 9, the Lupus Foundation of America Mid-South Chapter will hold its annual Walk to End Lupus Now. This will be the 13th year for the Mid-South Chapter’s walk; the chapter was founded in 1984.

“This is a very important event that puts a face on a disease that is underpublicized and underfunded,” said Becky Wynne, events director for the Mid-South Chapter. Participants can raise money as individuals or teams, and proceeds go toward the Mid-South Chapter and the Lupus Foundation of America.

Hometown Hero Superhero 5K

► What: 5K

► When: April 15, 8 a.m.

► Where: Oak Mountain State Park

► Website: runsignup.com

The annual Hometown Hero Superhero 5K is returning this year to Oak Mountain State Park as both a run and run/walk event. Designed to honor police officers, according to the website the race proceeds will be put toward funding a scholarship for children of local police officers.

The event will also feature activities for all ages after the race, such as an Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Drop, food trucks, bounce houses and a dunking booth. Participants can come dressed ready to run or as their favorite superheroes. 

2017 Diabetes Walk 

► What: 1-mile or 5K

► When: April 23, 2 p.m.

► Where: Veterans Park

► Website: firstgiving.com

The 2017 Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris is a free run/walk event during which participants can compete in a 5K race or a 1-mile walk or fun run. Designed as a family-friendly event to raise awareness for diabetes, the race also supports the opportunity for children to attend Camp Seale Harris, the only diabetes camp in the state, according to the race website. 

Participants can register and raise funds as individuals or teams, and through the walk/run event will contribute to “Alabama’s leading organization directly serving children with diabetes.”

Relay for Life

► What: Walk for cancer research

► When: Varies

► Where: Varies

► Website: cancer.org

Relay for Life, hosted by the American Cancer Society, is a walk event designed as a six-to-24 hour event for teams who are supporting a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer. 

According to their website, each team has a member walking at all times, because “cancer patients don’t stop because they’re tired, and for one night, neither do we.”

April Relay for Life events are available at Vestavia Hills High School on April 22 and Spain Park High School and Heardmont Park on April 28.