Birmingham area holding several walks and runs this month
Central Alabama Hydrocephalus Association Walk
The 2015 Central Alabama Hydrocephalus Association Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, at Oak Mountain State Park.
The Hydrocephalus Association’s mission is to promote a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those affected by the condition. The most common treatment for the condition is surgically implanting a shunt in the brain, but it is not a cure.
Walk co-chair Nalini Patel is a mother to a 17-year-old who was born with hydrocephalus and has endured over 100 brain surgeries. She does this in hopes that another mom won’t have to go through this difficult journey down the road.
Money raised goes to the national office but ends up at Children’s of Alabama, which is one of five HCRN (hydrocephalus community research networks) in the country.
Patel said their first walk had around 15 to 25 walkers, and this year, they are expecting 500 people.
“It’s continued growing and we are so excited. We are gaining force slowly but surely. It’s a fantastic family-oriented event.”
Registration begins at 11 a.m., the walk is at 1 p.m., and lunch will be provided, along with popcorn, snow cones, DJ, games and arts and crafts. The entire event is free, but donations are accepted and fundraising is encouraged.
Participants who raise $75 or more qualify for a HA Walk T-shirt. Those who raise over $250 qualify for other incentive prizes. Visit facebook.com/Birmingham.Alabama.Hydrocephalus.Association.WALK for more information.
Run Away From Domestic Violence
The King’s Home is hosting Run Away From Domestic Violence on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 221 Kings Home Drive. The event will feature a competitive 5K race and a 1-mile fun run. Registration fees are $35 for all 5K participants, $25 for 1-mile participants 13 and older and $10 for participants 12 and under.
The race starts at 9 a.m. for the 5K and 9:15 for the fun run. There is also a sleep-in option for $10, allowing those who wish to spend their morning cozied up in bed to donate and receive an event T-shirt. King’s Home serves at-risk women and children.
Register at runsignup.com.
Light The Night Walk
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m. The event is a fundraising campaign benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and their funding of research to find blood cancer cures.
In addition to the funds raised for treatments, LLS is making cures happen by providing patient support services, advocacy for lifesaving treatments and the most promising cancer research anywhere.
Teams work together to achieve a collective fundraising goal. Join an existing team, create a new one with friends and family, or raise money on your own. This year’s goal is to raise $375,000.
Register online at registration.lightthenight.org.
XTERRA Trail Run
The XTERRA Trail Run will take place Sunday, Nov. 8 at Oak Mountain State Park. This event will feature three length options, which include 5K, 10K and 21K.
This is a single and double track off-road running experience. The race will start on a street but will soon lead into the woods. The terrain is made up of rolling hills, climbs, single track, double track, roots, along with some technical sections.
Race Director Tim Schroer said this race always receives great support from the community.
“Oak Mountain State Park is a great venue,” Schroer said. “It has a little bit of everything for runners, whether they are beginner, intermediate, well versed or an expert in trail running. It offers something for everyone and is for all ages.”
The races start back-to-back, with the longest run at 8:25 a.m., the 10K at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K at 8:35 a.m. Registration fees are $25-$35.
Online registration is available at active.com.
Tranquility Lake 50K and 25K
The final race of the 2015 Mountain High Outfitters Southeastern Trail Series takes place Nov. 21 at Oak Mountain State Park. The Tranquility Lake 50K and 25K begin at 7 a.m. A 9.5-hour cutoff will be in place to ensure that everyone is off the trails before dark for park regulations. The 50K race will be a two-lap course circling the park.
Registration is $40 for the 25K and $70 for the 50K. Price increases $10 after Nov. 7.
Online registration is available at ultrasignup.com.