Run, Bike, Swim in Auburn-Opelika

Looking for ways to get outdoors and active this year? We've got you covered! Check out this list of ways to run, bike and swim around Auburn-Opelika in 2019.

1. Second Annual Tri Delta Lutzie 5k - April 13 - Come out to Auburn University's campus and run the Lutzie 43 5k on A-Day weekend. This will be a timed road race through campus with moderate to light hills. All proceeds from the run support Auburn University, specifically the Philip Lutzenkirchen Excellence in Public Speaking Award, which is given out annually by the School of Communication and Journalism.

2. Unity Stampede 5k - April 27 - The Unity Stampede 5k and 1-mile fun run will be held at the Opelika Sportsplex. The fun run will be on a paved, 1-mile closed loop. The 5k will be a timed road race beginning at the Sportsplex, reaching to Southern Union and finishing back at the Sportsplex. Proceeds will be used to fund Character Education through the Community Foundation of East Alabama, provide scholarships for students to Southern Union and to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles in the community. 

3. Bo Bikes Bama - April 27 - Riders can choose either a 60-mile or 20-mile route. Both routes will take riders through the campus of Auburn University, while the 60-mile route will carry riders through Tuskegee and neighboring Macon County. Bo Bikes Bama began in April 2012 to benefit victims of the devastating tornados across the state the previous year. Now, Bo Bikes Bama proceeds benefit the Alabama Governor's Emergency Relief Fund, providing funds to construct community storm shelters and warning sirens throughout the state. 

4. Five Fifty Fifty Walk and Run for Mental Health - May 9 - Register now to run the Five Fifty Fifty at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center! This will be a non-competitive, untimed 5k run and walk along scenic trails through the KPNC. This is a perfect opportunity to get outdoors with your family! Be part of our journey to raise awareness and understanding of mental illness in all 50 states in 50 days. 

5. Alabama's Magnificent Bicycle Adventure - May 18-May 24 - This event is a six-day bicycle tour around Auburn, Alabama. Each day you drive to a remote start and ride to interesting and historic destinations. Riders are encouraged to bring family and friends! The goal is to enjoy, discover, and have a good experience on your bike.

6. Sportsplex Tri For Kids - August 3 - The Sportsplex Tri for Kids is a kids triathlon benefitting the American Cancer Society. The triathlon is open for kids ages 6-15. Five-year-olds can compete in the Small Fry Tri or the Kids Tri. Registration is open online!

7. Running for Wrestlers 5K - August 24 - Start the new school year by participating in the first local fall 5K race while also supporting the local wrestling club! The Auburn Takedown Wrestling Club is a non-profit organization for all local wrestlers from youth ages up through high school levels. The 5K course winds through the streets of beautiful historic Auburn residential streets. The race begins and ends on the entrance road into Town Creek Park.

8. Late Summer Meltdown Trail Run - August 31 - The Late Summer Meltdown Trail Run features the best of Chewacla State Park’s upper trails with a good mix of flowy sections, a little climbing, and some fast descents.  All three distances will follow sections of High Gravity, Tiger Woods, and Rock Bottom. The 10 and 20K routes will travel through the entirety of Rock Bottom and Tiger Woods finishing with a quick jaunt back to the top of Chewacla via High Gravity, while the 5K will travel down Fox Trail crossing over to Tiger Woods and heading back to the finish by High Gravity. Be sure to check out the views of the rock quarry from the top of High Gravity, the creek on Tiger Woods and Lake Chewacla from Rock Bottom.

9. Johnny Ray Century Bicycle Ride - September 7 - The 17th Annual Johnny Ray Century travels the quiet but often rough backroads of Lee, Chambers, and Randolph counties. The Century offers five course options: 20 miles, 34 miles, 60 miles, 104 miles, or 66 miles (gravel). All courses guide riders by beloved Opelika landmarks, down the city's new "Destination Downtown" Bike Path, and all the way back to Red Clay Brewing Company.

10. ODK Cake Run - September 9 - The 91st Annual Omicron Delta Kappa Cake Race is a homecoming week tradition and is  completely cost-free. The race starts at approximately 6:30 p.m. on the AU Greenspace. Runners are able to park anywhere on campus after 5 p.m. Students, as well as alumni, are encouraged to participate.

11. Chewacla Cha Cha Trail Race 5K & 10K - September 15 - The Southern Singletrack Trail Series is thrilled to announce the 2nd annual Chewacla Cha Cha Trail Race 5K and 10K! Come out and run with us on the beautiful rolling trails at Chewacla State Park. A portion of the proceeds for the fourth race in the SSTS will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

12. Book it for Books 5K - September 21 - This annual race benefits students at Drake Middle School. In an effort to cultivate students' love of reading, Drake Middle School aims to enhance its book club program. Book clubs provide students the opportunity to explore captivating stories written by critically acclaimed authors. All proceeds from this race will support a range of cross curricular learning materials. The race itself takes place at Town Creek Park. 

13. Standard Deluxe Dirt Road Century - October 19 - Are you ready for 100 miles of chunky, flowing, red, dirt roads? Waverly, Alabama is home to some of the most highly concentrated dirt roads in Alabama. Starting at the folksy Standard Deluxe music venue, we will be cruising a 100 and 60 mile loop during a self-supported dirt road race. Whether you are just looking to finish this adventure or crush the competition, come on out and join us.

14. AORTA Tough Ten/Tough Two - October 26 - Run, jog or walk a scenic 10 mile or 2 mile route through the moderately rolling hills of Auburn, AL. All proceeds are donated to the East Alabama Medical Center's Foundation for Breast Cancer Early Detection and all participants will be given a pink ribbon to wear. Additionally, the Tough 10/2 race is in honor of Nick Holler, dedicated runner and community leader. Teh race begins and ends at the Ogletree Village shopping center. 

15. Unity Wellness Center World Aids Day 8K & 1-Mile Run - November 9 - Run, jog or walk a scenic 8K (5 mile) route through the moderately rolling hills of Auburn, AL. The race will start and finish at Town Creek Park. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome and encouraged. All proceeds are donated to Unity Wellness Center's Client emergency assistance fund. The World AIDS Day 8K is in honor of all those living with HIV and who have died from AIDS-related illness in our community.

16. Jingle Jog - December 7 - The Jingle Jog 5k and Santa Stroll Fun Run are the perfect time to bring out your favorite tacky Christmas sweater. This road race takes place in the downtown Auburn area with moderate hills. The Santa Stroll Fun Run is perfect for the kids to get involved!

17. Off the Beaten Path Alabama - Open March 31 through October 31, Off the Beaten Path offers kayak, canoe, and tube rentals to get you out on the water! Shuttle services to waterways and guide services are also available from Off the Beaten Path. Their goal is to provide enjoyable memorable trips to more remote, less commercialized waterways.  Most of the runs can be experienced at a leisurely pace, making this a fun day trip for you and your family or friends!

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