Boom boom, boom boom, boom boom.
Get ready to lace up the old sneakers and get the heart pumping ladies and gentleman.
The 24th annual Love Your Heart Run and 6th annual Crank Your Heart Ride is being held Saturday Feb. 23, at Chewacla State Park, located at 124 Shell Toomer Parkway.
The race and ride will satisfy a wide range of physically active participants, as there are a number of race-day options to choose from. You have the opportunity to take part in both the run and bike ride, or choose from either of the two.
"The continued support of Auburn University students is vital to our efforts and we encourage anyone to walk, run or ride in our events," said Jessie King, the director of the event.
Registration for the Love Your Heart Run is $25 if done so by Friday, Feb. 8. There will also be an opportunity to register from Saturday, Feb. 9 up until race day for a $30 fee. Race-day registration will begin at 6:15 a.m. at the park. Those who choose to run or walk have two options. They can either complete a one-mile course, beginning at 8 a.m., or a 10K (6.2 mile) course, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Registration for the Crank Your Heart Ride also costs $25 if done so by Friday, Feb. 8. The same opportunity to register from Saturday, Feb. 9, up until race day applies to the bike ride. Race-day registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. The biking participants also have a number of options to choose from. They can complete a 3.5-mile course, beginning at 9:45 a.m., or an 11 and 22-mile course, both beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Those wishing to complete both events can register by Friday, Feb. 8 for a discounted price of $30. If they register from February 9 up until race day, they will pay a registration price of $35.
"Because I am not from Auburn, I have yet to hear about the Love Your Heart Run and Crank Your Heart Ride," said Michael McLaughlin, a junior marketing major. "But I may have to push my endurance to the edge and participate in the event this year or the next."
Megan Baron, junior in finance, also showed interest.
"I enjoyed and completed the half marathon in Birmingham back in November and I could see the run and ride as something that I may be interested in," Baron said.
All proceeds will go to the Exceptional Outreach Organization, a non-profit program comprised of various community representatives and parent board members. Their goal is to give the less fortunate and special needs individuals, both children and adults, in the Lee County area the opportunity for growth by participating in physical, educational and social activities. Some of the organization's other fundraising events include the Special Olympics of Lee County and the Best Buddies of Auburn University.
"The Love Your Heart Run has raised an estimated $100,000 in the past eight years," King said. "Last year, an estimated 20 percent of those funds supported the Best Buddies programs on Auburn's campus."
People wishing to register or find out more about the different races may do so at LoveYourHeartRun.com.
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