From Virginia Beach and Philadelphia to Los Angeles and San Diego, there's the 14-city Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series combining music and running.
Raleigh takes off on its own with its version of running and rocking with Saturday's Bank of America Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon, the longest event of a full weekend of benefit race opportunities for Triangle runners. (A list is below.)
The 13-mile course for the 8 a.m. half marathon starts and ends at the Bank of America building on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. A 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m., a mile fun run at 11:30 and a kids dash at 11:45. Entry costs $10 to $65.
Numerous bands are scheduled to entertain runners and spectators. Among confirmed bands, according to the race Web site, are The Will McBride Group (jazz rock), Adam Pitts (acoustic rock), Garland Mason Duo (blues rock), Aviso (funk rock), Dave Bleking (bagpipes), Brimstone (kids band, ages 10-14; '70s hits); To The Republic (rock), Raleigh Drum Circle (world beats), Runaway Cab (rock).
As with nearly all running events in the Triangle, nonprofit organizations benefit from the proceeds. This event benefits Kiwanis International, Girls on the Run of the Triangle and USO-North Carolina.
Other races this weekend benefit organizations serving a wide variety of causes:
GREAT HUMAN RACE 8:30 a.m. March 27, Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham. Benefits more than 130 area nonprofits. Fee: $25.
OXFORD RACE FOR LIFE March 27, Oxford: 5K walk 8:30 a.m, 5K run 9 a.m., mile 10 a.m. Fee: $10-$20. Benefits American Cancer Society.
THE KINSTON 8,000: RUN FOR THE RIVER March 27, Neuseway Nature Center and Campground, Kinston: mile 8:30 a.m., 8,000-meter run 9 a.m. Cash purse: $1,800. Fee: $20-$25.
DOG DAYS March 28, N.C. State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough St., Raleigh: 5K cross-country run 2 p.m., 2-mile dog walk 3 p.m. Fee: $15-$25.
After a break for the Easter holiday weekend, Triangle runners can look forward to dozens of events during the busy spring season. Keep an eye on the Play! Recreational Sports Calendar for events that supports your favorite causes.
