AORTA News: February 16th, 2026

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 4th: Test Track 5K
When: Saturday, April 04, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: NCAT Test Track, Opelika, AL
Fee: TBD
Description: Get ready for a truly unique running experience at the Test Track 5K in Opelika, Alabama! Set on the world-renowned NCAT Test Track, this event gives runners an extraordinary opportunity to race on the same pavement used for leading-edge transportation research by Auburn University scientists and industry partners.

The Test Track is a 1.7-mile oval research facility dedicated to improving road safety, performance, and durability — and for one day this year, it becomes your racecourse! Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking to enjoy a fun and distinctive run, this flat, fast course delivers a one-of-a-kind 5K experience you won’t find anywhere else.

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

Is It Better to Run Harder or Longer?
October 07, 2025, RunningState.com
** Summary of article **

Key takeaways

What harder runs do

• High-intensity sessions like tempo runs, intervals or hill sprints boost cardiovascular fitness and improve VO₂ maxand lactate threshold, helping you run faster at the same effort. 
• They also burn more calories per minute than easy running. 
• But these workouts are stressful on the body and nervous system, so they should be limited (e.g., 1–2 hard sessions/week) to avoid overtraining or injuries.
  
  

What longer runs do

• Long, easy runs build endurance by increasing mitochondrial density, capillary networks, and fat-burning efficiency. 
• They also develop mental toughness for race conditions. 
• Per minute, they have a lower injury risk than hard runs, but overall volume still needs to be increased gradually.
  
  

Choose based on your goals

• Short races (5K/10K): More speedwork to improve pace and lactate clearance. 
• Longer races (half/full marathon): Prioritize time on your feet and endurance. 
• Weight loss/fitness: A mix of easy long runs and harder efforts tends to be most effective.
  
  

Why both matter

• Speed and endurance complement each other. Endurance lets you go longer; speed reduces effort at a given pace. 
• Most personal records happen when training includes a mix of both.
  
  

How to balance them

• Use an 80/20 rule: ~80% of weekly mileage easy, ~20% moderate to hard. 
• Keep hard workouts focused and relatively short; don’t combine heavy volume with high intensity in the same run. 
• Allow adequate recovery between hard days.
  
  

Common pitfalls

• Running hard every day or only running long without variation. 
• Skipping recovery or ignoring fatigue signals. 

Bottom line: You don’t have to choose one over the other. Align your training with your goals and include both harder and longer efforts in a balanced, purposeful plan.

Link to article: https://tinyurl.com/59yuanb4

Quote of the Week

         Roads Are Open

         24 Hours a Day

         GO RUNNING!

                                      Anonymous

Video of the Week

How Your Lungs “Change” With Exercise  (12:55)

** 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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