AORTA News: February 2nd, 2026

Local Race This Weekend!

Feb 7th: KD Shamrock 5K
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (5K)
Where: Auburn University, Cater Lawn
Fee: $35
Description: The Sigma Lambda chapter of Kappa Delta at Auburn University will host its 31th Annual Shamrock 5k Run to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America and to locally support Special Deliveries of Lee County. Kappa Delta will host its 5k run on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The Shamrock Project is a national Kappa Delta program, that both collegian and alumnae support, to raise money for the national and local child abuse prevention organizations.

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.

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

Build Endrance & Stamina When Starting From Zero
RunningState.com
** Summarized Article **

Overview
The article explains that endurance and stamina are trainable qualities — not fixed traits — and provides practical guidance for beginners who want to go from barely running to covering longer distances more comfortably. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and gradual progression.

What They Are

Stamina: Your ability to sustain a challenging pace before fatigue sets in — the “go power.”

Endurance: How long your body can keep moving during activity — more about duration than intensity.

Together, they improve running economy, delay fatigue, and make workouts feel easier over time.

10 Proven Tips to Build Endurance & Stamina

1. Start slow and stay consistent: Walk-run intervals are great for beginners.
2. Follow a training plan: Structure helps balance effort and recovery.
3. Use the 10% rule: Don’t increase weekly mileage or long run distance by more than ~10% per week.
4. Build your aerobic base: Most training (70–80%) should be at an easy, conversational pace.
5. Add strength training: One to two sessions per week improves muscle endurance and reduces injury risk.
6. Include short faster efforts: Occasional pickups or strides improve efficiency.
7. Do plyometrics: Jumping drills build power and neuromuscular coordination.
8. Tempo runs: Sustained “comfortably hard” runs train your body to handle faster paces longer.
9. Intervals (like 800m repeats): These workouts boost both stamina and endurance once you have a base.
10. Cross-train: Low-impact cardio like cycling supports aerobic fitness with less running stress.

Key Philosophy
Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Starting from scratch means being patient, consistently showing up, and letting your body adapt slowly — the same run that once felt hard will eventually feel easier.

Bottom Line
You can build real endurance and stamina from zero by combining easy aerobic runs, gradual mileage increases, strength work, and a mix of workouts — but the process requires patience, structure, and consistency.

Link to full article: https://tinyurl.com/2uhs4cae

Quote of the Week

     Nothing Changes

     Unless You Do.

                                      Anonymous

Video of the Week

Why Running Became Popular (13:08)

Getting a bib for the NYC Marathon is officially harder than getting into Harvard. With rejection rates up to 97% and entry fees hitting hundreds of dollars, running has transformed from a cheap hobby into one of the most exclusive sectors in the sports world. In this video, we break down the insane business of running. How did a sport that requires nothing but a pair of shoes turn into a billion-dollar economy?

** 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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