Your guide for run, walk events this month
In addition to nice spring weather, the month of April will bring numerous walks and runs to our area. They are great chances to enjoy the great outdoors, meet people and get some exercise while also helping to raise money and awareness for great causes.
The Walk to End Lupus Now
The Walk to End Lupus Now will be held at Hoover’s Veterans Park, located at 4800 Valleydale Road, on Sunday, April 10, with check-in at 1 p.m., an opening ceremony at 2:45 p.m. and the walk at 3 p.m.
The event will increase awareness of lupus, an autoimmune disease; raise money for research; and rally support for the 27,000 Alabamians who suffer from the disease. To register, go to lupus.org/midsouth/events.
The Walk for Autism/5K Race to Solve the Puzzle
The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) will host the Walk for Autism and the 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle at Veterans Park on Saturday, April 16. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk at 9:30 a.m.
The event will support the ASA’s efforts to improve services for the roughly 50,000 Alabamians affected by autism spectrum disorder. Registration is $35 for the 5K and $30 for the walk. To register, call 951-1364 or go to walkforautismal.com.
Relay for Life
The Birmingham chapter of the American Cancer Society will host the annual Relay for Life at Heardmont Park, 5452 Cahaba Valley Road, in Oak Mountain, on Friday, April 29, from 5-11 p.m.
There are also Relays for Life in several other communities, including Homewood and Mountain Brook, in April. For more information or to register, call 800-227-2345 or go to http://relay.acsevents.org.
The Tranquility Trail Run
The Tranquility Trail Run, sponsored by Southeastern Trail Runs, will be held at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, April 9.
The event, with 6- and 3-mile races, will begin at 8 a.m. at the Redbud Pavilion. Late registration and package pickup will be held at the pavilion at 7 a.m.
Participants are urged to pre-register. The fees are $30 for the 3-mile race and $35 for the 6-mile race. Late registration fees will be $5 more. For more information or to register, go to southeasterntrailruns.com/Tranquility-Trail-Run.html.
The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris
The Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris, benefiting Southeastern Diabetes Education Services (SDES), will be held at Veterans Park on Sunday, April 24, from 2-5 p.m.
SDES, a nonprofit, educates and supports children with diabetes and their families to live well. The walk will feature 1K and 5K fun runs or walks, a dance party, games for kids and healthy snacks for participants. UAB HealthSmart will offer health screenings. Funds raised will enable kids to attend Camp Seale Harris, Alabama’s only diabetes camp.
There is no registration fee; all participants who raise $50 or more in donations will receive an official Diabetes Walk T-shirt. To register or for more information, go to campsealeharris.org.
PurpleStride Birmingham
PurpleStride Birmingham, presented by UAB Medicine, will be held at Veterans Park on Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m.
The PurpleStride events are held nationally by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to boost awareness of the disease and raise money for research and patient support. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. To register or for more information, go to http://bit.ly/1obnMty or to kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1144032.
Spread the word
Submit information on a run or walk event that is near and dear to you. Email the event name, date, time and location, registration fee and contacts for registration to