Auburn CityFest, a free, annual outdoor arts and crafts festival, will begin a day of fun by encouraging the community to get out and run.
Although CityFest has been an Auburn favorite since 2000, the 5K race and Fun Run is in its second year. It's presented by the Opelika-Auburn News and will begin the April 28 festival at Kiesel Park.
The 5K starts at 7:45 a.m. and is followed by the one-mile Fun Run at 8:15 a.m.
Participants can register online for $15 through April 13, after which the price will increase to $20. Runners can also register on the day of the event starting at 7 a.m.
"Kiesel Park is the perfect place because it is so versatile," said Meg Rainey, co-coordinator for CityFest. "Because of the way it is laid out and the space we have out there, we can accommodate the parking, the race and all of the attractions. It works really well."
The CityFest 5K is different then other runs in the area because it is on the park's trail instead of paved roads.
"It is a trail run, so all the routes are contained within the park," Rainey said. "This is great because we don't have to worry about blocking traffic, but a trail run is a little bit different because you will not be running on the pavement."
Adam Pugh, manager of Big Dog Running Company, recommends trail runs and suggests runners invest in good shoes to prevent twisted ankles.
"Trail running is actually a lot better for you mainly because of impact," Pugh said. "Sidewalks are actually one of the worst things you can run on because it's the hardest material. Every time your heel hits the cement, it is a lot more shock. The dirt on the trail is going to take away a lot of that impact."
Runners can also bring their canine companions to join them in the race.
"Your dog can run in the race with you, either the 5K or Fun Run, as long as it's on a leash and has a current rabies vaccine," Rainey said.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Auburn Parks and Recreation's scholarship program, which provides registration assistance for all ages for any of the organization's programs, Rainey said.
Taylor Hinkle, senior in mechanical engineering, said he enjoys participating in 5Ks in the community, especially when the money goes to benefit others.
"I always enjoy participating in 5Ks because I feel like it gives my running purpose," Hinkle said. "I like knowing that the money I pay to participate goes to help people who really need it."
Rainey said she encourages people in the community to participate in the race and stay for the festival afterward.
"We had a fair amount of Auburn students run last year," Rainey said. "We really want people to come out and enjoy the run early in the morning, and then they can stay for the festivities. It is going to be a lot of fun."
Those who register before April 13 are guaranteed a T-shirt. There will be awards given after the race to the top three males and females, with a special catergory for kids.
Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane.
For more information about the Auburn CityFest 2012 5K and Fun Run, or to register online, visit auburncityfest.com or call Auburn Parks and Recreation Department at 334-501-2936.
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