Coast / Coastal Plain

If you’ve vowed to do at least one race this summer and have procrastinated, you have no excuse not to do Sunday’s Summer Sizzler at Wilmington’s Greenfield Lake.
A 10K? you whine. That’s too far in this summer heat.
There’s also a 5K.
My hip flexor has been acting up. I don’t think I can hold back my competitive nature — I’ll re-injure myself.
There’s a 1-mile fun run.
Oh … .
Another reason you can’t refuse? It’s the first in a three-race series that includes the First Bank Octoberfest 15K at Brunswick Forest on Sept. 25 and the Battleship Half Marathon Nov. 6. Start building your endurance on Sunday.

Vital stats: Simmer Sizzler 10K, 5K & 1-miler, Sunday, 7:30 a.m., Greenfield Lake, Wilmington. Fee: $25 – $40; register by Aug. 5, here.

Sunday forecast: Racetime temperature of 79, chance of thunderstorms.

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Looking ahead: Pier-2-Pier Open Water Swim Race, Sept. 10, Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Wrightsville Beach. More info here.

Piedmont

Sometimes, we’re not sure what to make of an event, which makes it all the more intriguing. Witness our Piedmont recommendation … .

Sunday afternoon, Charlotte’s Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve sponsors the Reedy Creek Olympians. “In honor of the Summer 2016 Olympics this year,” explains the center, “Reedy Creek will be hosting its very own games. What animals are the best of the best? Who can jump the highest, run the fastest, or hide the best? Come find out and test your own skills and reflexes against your friends.”

So … standing long jump vs. a frog? Fifty-meter freestyle against a fish? 800 meter relay against raccoons?

Come and find out.

Vital stats: Reedy Creek Olympians, Sunday, 2-3 p.m., Reedy Creek Nature Center & Preserve. Free, but preregistration required, by calling 980.314.1119.

Sunday forecast: High of 89, chance of showers.

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Looking ahead: Family Hike & Stream Stomp, Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m., McDowell Nature Center & Preserve. More info here.

Mountains

Most trail races are on single-track or double-wide trail with little to look at but the trail itself. Not the Richard’s Run 5K Fun Run for Brain Cancer at Cataloochee. Say race organizers: “The race will begin at the gate above the Chestnut Orchard at Cataloochee Ranch. From there, the route will lead into The Bowl, an expansive bowl-shaped open meadow with dramatic long-range mountain views. The trail will lead runners around the perimeter, following the shape of the bowl, before plunging into a thick rhododendron tunnel that opens back into The Bowl.”

It continues, but you get the notion — the notion of one scenic 5K, not to mention the opportunity to benefit the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University.

Vital stats: Richard’s Run 5K, Saturday, 10 a.m., Cataloochee Ranch, Maggie Valley. $10 online, $15 day of race. More info here.

Saturday forecast: Race time temperature of 74, mostly sunny skies.

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Looking ahead: Blue Ridge Breakaway, 100-, 75- and 30-mile rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Aug. 20, Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. More info here.

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Those are our thoughts on the weekend. Find more options at the sources listed below.

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