AORTA News: February 9th, 2026

2026 KD Shamrock 5K Results and Video!

5K Results: Link here

Upcoming Local Races

Feb 28-Mar 01: War Eagle Run Fest
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 7:30 (5K), 10:00 (1-Mile)
Sunday, March 01, 2026
Time: 7:00 (Half-Marathon
Where: AU Campus, Auburn, AL
Fee: $90 (Half), $35 (5K), $20 (1-Mile)
** Prices increase after Jan 5th midnight!
Description: FRESHJUNKIE Racing, in conjunction with Auburn-Opelika Tourism and Auburn University are proud to present the 5th Annual War Eagle Run Fest. After gathering your commemorative medal, join us outside the stadium for our post-race tailgate and enjoy the music and food that Auburn fans have come to love with a little cajun twist this year. Whether you are staff, student, alumni or just a fan, join us and be a part of the War Eagle Run Fest.

War Eagle Run Fest Volunteer Positions Available
We’re looking for volunteers to help staff Water Stop #5 on the course.
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 7:15 - 10:30 AM (CST)
Location: Duncan Dr. / P.O. David Dr. (on campus)
This is a critical aid station late in the race, and having experienced runners and club members there makes a huge difference for the athletes. Duties are straightforward: setting up cups, handing out water/sports drink, cheering runners on, and helping with cleanup afterward.

Link to SignUp: https://tinyurl.com/564vxa2e

Thanks in advance for supporting one of Auburn’s signature running events—and for taking care of the runners when they need it most.

War Eagle!

Mar 21st: Alpha Chi Omega 5K
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM
Where: Auburn University, Cater Lawn
Fee: $30
Description: Epsilon Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Auburn University is hosting the 5k for DVA Race for the promotion of awareness, education and prevention of domestic violence. AXΩ is happy to share an event full of community spirit, integrity and fun that students of Auburn and members of the local community can participate in and look forward to. 100% of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center of Opelika.

Mar 21st: Springwood Wildcat 5K
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Where: Springwood School, Lanett, AL
Fee: $25 (5K), $15 (1-Mile)
Description: Join us for a colorful, family-friendly morning at the 3rd Annual Springwood Wildcat 5K Color Run & 1-Mile Fun Run at Springwood School! This fun and energetic event is perfect for runners, walkers, kids, and families of all ages. The 5K features color stations that add a splash of excitement along the course, while the 1-Mile Fun Run offers a shorter option for younger participants and those looking for a more relaxed pace. Come enjoy fitness, community spirit, and plenty of color as we celebrate another great year of this Springwood tradition!

Mar 28th: Colors for Children's 5K
** Registration Site Pending **
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Auburn High School, Auburn, AL
Fee: $15 (1-Mile), $25 (5K)
Description: This exciting event is not only a chance to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement but also an opportunity to support a wonderful cause.

Benefiting the Children's Hospital of Alabama, every step you take helps make a difference in the lives of children in need.

For those looking for a lighter challenge, our 1-mile Fun Run is the perfect family-friendly activity. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, there's something for everyone at the "Colors for Children's" event.Mark your calendars for March 28th and join us for a day filled with colorful fun, fitness, and philanthropy. Together, let's make this event a memorable one for all while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. We can't wait to see you there!

Apr 11th: Book It For Drake
When: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM (1-Mile), 9:00 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Description: Registration is now open for Book It for Drake 5K and Fun Run, taking place Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Town Creek Park. All proceeds will benefit Drake Middle School. Packet pickup will be Friday, April 10th at Drake Middle School from 3:45 (after bus dismissal) until 6:00, as well as at the Town Creek pavilion beginning at 7:00 am on race day. The fun run begins at 8:30 am, followed by the 5K at 9:00 am.

Apr 18th: D1 Life 5K / 1-Mile
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile and 5K)
Description: The D1 Life Foundation was established in loving memory of Dylan Pegues, a 17 year old Auburn High student that led a life of love, kindness, and generosity through Christ. The D1 Life 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place on April 18, 2026 at Town Creek Park in Auburn, Alabama. All proceeds from the race will go towards scholarships for seniors preparing for college, as well as helping send our youth to church conferences, soccer camps, photography seminars, and much more. This event is a great way to support the D1 Life Foundation, and remember, you don’t have to run—feel free to walk or bring the whole family for a fun outing to support a great cause!

May 16th: Race for a Summer of Second Chances 5K

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Fee: $30 (1-Mile), $35 (5K), $25 (Virtual 5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Description: Lace up your sneakers and join us for a cause that's close to our hearts!  We are thrilled to announce our 3rd Annual Race for a Summer of Second Chances benefiting CARE Humane Society™️!  Whether you're up for the challenge of a 5k or prefer a leisurely walk/run one mile, there's something for everyone!

Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.

 

Sign Up for AORTA’s 600 or 1200 Mile Club Today!

1200 Mile Club
In addition to logging 1200 miles during the calendar year, members of the 1200 Mile Club must be paid members of AORTA, volunteer for at least THREE (3) AORTA supported races, and volunteer to cover at least THREE (3) Saturday morning AORTA water stops during the calendar year.

600 Mile Club
In addition to logging 600 miles during the calendar year, members of the 600 Mile Club must be paid members of AORTA, volunteer for at least TWO (2) AORTA supported races, and volunteer to cover at least TWO (2) Saturday morning AORTA water stop during the calendar year.

Link to 600/1200 Mile Club Signup

Interested? Email aortarunningclub@gmail.com to learn more!

Have Gently Worn Running Shoes?
Are your running shoes past their useful running life? Most are normally good for 300 to 500 miles but can still have a lot of “sole” left in them!  If yours are ready for retirement, bring your gently used running shoes to Love2Run, our local running partner store, where they’ll collect them for a fantastic organization called “Sneakers4Good”, a social enterprise that ships them to developing nations for micro-entrepreneurs.

When you bring them, please check for the following:
1) Gently worn means they are clean in usable condition and have no holes.
2) Soles are intact and not too worn, cracked, or breaking apart.
3) Laces intact, in good condition, not frayed, and tied together.

Weekly Whimsy

How Little Exercise Can You Get Away With?
January 13, 2026
Andrew B. Myers, New York Times
** Summarized Article **

 Getting meaningful health and fitness benefits doesn’t require long, time-consuming workouts. Research increasingly supports a “minimum effective dose” approach, meaning the smallest amount of exercise needed to produce real results. For both strength and cardio, even very short workouts can improve health, longevity, and fitness—provided the effort is sufficiently challenging.

For strength training, studies show that just a few minutes a week can make a difference. Resistance training of any amount is better than none, with evidence linking even brief daily efforts to lower risks of death from heart disease and cancer. Strength gains don’t require multiple long sessions: pushing muscles close to fatigue for as little as one hard set per muscle group per week can lead to meaningful improvements. This holds true not only for beginners but also for experienced athletes. The specific equipment or rep scheme matters less than the intensity—heavy weights, light weights, machines, bands, or bodyweight exercises can all work if they’re challenging.

Cardio benefits can also be achieved in far less time than traditional guidelines suggest. While official recommendations call for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, newer research shows that as little as 30 minutes per week of vigorous activity—done in short, hard bursts—can significantly reduce the risk of death from all causes, including heart attacks and strokes. Studies of high-intensity, short-duration workouts have shown improvements in insulin resistance, blood pressure, waist size, and cardiovascular fitness comparable to much longer moderate workouts.

Fitness gains don’t have to come from formal workouts at all. Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity—like climbing stairs quickly or walking faster during daily errands—can also boost fitness. For people starting from a sedentary baseline, even small increases in activity pay off. The takeaway is reassuring: you don’t need perfection or long workouts to get healthier. A little effort, done hard or more often, can go a long way.

Link to archived article: https://tinyurl.com/p7cue2ky

Quote of the Week

          It's My Soul That

          Keeps Me Running.

          My Body Told Me

          To Quit A Couple

          Of Miles Ago.

                                      Anonymous

Video of the Week

SURRENDER (1:31:23)

On the weekend of May 24th, 2025, we welcomed 132 runners from across the globe to the hallowed grounds of Bare Ranch for the inaugural Go One More Ultra. Situated on a 4.2 mile loop that must be completed every hour on the hour until only one runner remains.

** AORTA provides this informational video to its members as a courtesy and does not endorse any particular product, process, or service. 

Ongoing Events

RunGo For Turn-By-Turn Directions!
RunGo provides turn-by-turn navigation allowing you to just enjoy your runs without having to think about looking for street names and when you may have to turn next. Other great features include, audio cues with your running stats, split updates, the ability to share your runs via social media, and create new routes. Another great feature of the app is the ability to work offline. You can create and download your routes ahead of time, before your run so you don’t have to use data during your run.

Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.

Water Stop Volunteers Needed
Water stop signs and coolers are available at the following location: 1536 Professional Parkway, Auburn, AL. (Thank you Adahli Massey!). Coolers and signs can be picked up Monday-Thursday from 8AM-4PM and on Fridays from 8AM-12 noon. Items are in the room next to the back door. If you are unable to pick up supplies on these dates/times, e-mail clemster@aol.com to make alternative arrangements (we deliver!).

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