Race with us this fall!
As the weather breaks, it's easier to imagine yourself training for a race. We have a great list of local races this fall that we'd love to see you at!
*denotes part of Five Points Race Series race: Join Cleveland for the FIVE POINT RACE SERIES again in 2023! These fall 5k’s celebrate the best of our local parks. Register for and complete at least 3 out of the 6 races and you will earn an exclusive BOCO hat or a $20 Terra Running gift card! Sponsored by the City of Cleveland Parks and Recreation.
*August 1 through November 24: Explore Cleveland Virtual 5k: Help us raise money for the Terra Kids Run Camp in the summer of 2024, all while exploring a new route in Cleveland. This virtual 5k is inexpensive and fun; run a 5k on your own and send us a selfie! We will post all finisher picture's on the window of Terra Running Company to celebrate your accomplishment! All money is donated to the Terra Kids Run Camp, which hosted 50 kids in a running day camp this summer for free! (This is also part of the Five Points Race Series, so if you need a 3rd race finish to earn the hat or gift card, it's easy to do this one on your own!) https://www.terrarunning.com/explore-cleveland-5k
*August 26: Junior Achievement Race to Achieve 5k at Tinsley Park: Did you know this was the very first race Terra Running Company ever timed back in 2017? We have been with JA from the beginning of Terra Running race timing and it always feels nostalgic when we're back at Tinsley Park at sunrise in August for yet another JA 5k! I have had the opportunity to volunteer with Junior Achievement this past year. I taught a really thorough and fun lesson about the economics of our region of the country to 4th graders at Charleston Elementary. I got to see firsthand the impact of these awesome lessons that JA provides for area schools. The 5k is one of their biggest fundraisers and we are proud to be involved. Run this fast course that starts at the dog parks at Tinsley and runs south. https://register.chronotrack.com/r/72420
*September 9: Cowpea 5k + 1 mile in Calhoun/Charleston: Yippeea! This the first EVER Cowpea 5k and we are so excited to be partnering with the International Cowpea Festival on this race. We will be raising money for the Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston. The race starts in Calhoun, runs on historic Highway 11 south over the Hiwassee River to Charleston. We make a beautiful loop through historic Charleston and back north over the river to Calhoun. All participants get a free entry to that day's Cowpea Festival in Charleston. This is a great new local race, and the only race in our neighboring town of Charleston! https://www.terrarunning.com/cowpea-5k-1-mile
September 16: Recovery Alive 5k at Greenway Park: This is the first year for Terra Running to be teaming up with the South Cleveland Church of God Recovery Alive program for the RA5k at Greenway Park. Recovery Alive at South Cleveland is a safe place for you to come and DO recovery. No matter what you struggle with, you are welcome. Recovery Alive meets every Thursday night at South Cleveland Church of God and this is a fundraiser for the program. Join us in spreading hope! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74537
September 23: Ronald McDonald House Charities Run4Kids at Chattanooga State: We love working with the Ronald McDonald House on this great Run4Kids race! This is one of the Ronald McDonald house's big fundraisers and they do it big! The race brings together runners, walkers, RMHC alumni families and supporters for this fun, kid friendly event. The course runs through Chattanooga State to the Riverwalk and has great views! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74481
*October 14: Willowbend Farms Run for Their Freedom 5k at Greenway Park: Willowbend Farms sure knows how to put on the 5k! This event is an important fundraiser for Willowbend Farms, whose mission is to fight human trafficking in our area. There is live music at the Greenway Stage, vendors, and a powerful service after the race. Another unique aspect of this event is the evening time, with the race starting at 6pm. https://register.chronotrack.com/r/68288
October 20: Nightmare on Nashville Street in Ringgold, GA: This is the first year for this new 5k, but we have worked with the race organizers on previous events and can assure you, it will be a SCREAM! The 5k will start at the Ringgold Market in downtown Ringgold and will wind its way down a spooky nature trail. All runners will receive a commemorative race shirt. Performance awards will be given to male and female racers with the fastest time in their age brackets. The 1 mile trick or treat run will be held on the block surrounding Ringgold City Hall. 1 mile participants will receive a shirt with their entry fee and can swing by the tie dye station to give their race shirt some splashes of color. Participants can also visit trick or treat tables to load up on candy! https://www.evittfoundation.org/nightmareonnashville
*October 21: Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k in downtown Cleveland: We are so excited for the 6th running of the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k! We have even more sponsors, community organizations, and volunteers involved and are proud to bring you the only half marathon in our area. You know we LOVE our big finishers medals, and this year we are honoring our own Terra Running Company building! The medal is a hand-drawn rendition of the building, complete with runners, coffee drinkers, and even our shop dog, Rocky! http://www.clevelandhalf.com/
*November 23: Thanksgiving Day 5k & 1 mile at Tinsley Park: There are more race finishers on Thanksgiving Day in the United States than any other day of the year. Be one of those finishers by joining us. This race has become one of the biggest 5k's in Cleveland! Join us at Tinsley Park for a fast, flat, family friendly 5k, then go indulge in turkey and pies the rest of the day! https://www.terrarunning.com/thanksgiving-day-5k
December 2: Lafayette, GA Reindeer Run: This is the 2nd year Terra Running has partnered with the Lafayette, GA Women's Club for their annual Reindeer Run and we are big fans of the work they do! The race runs through historic Lafayette, GA and is super fun and festive! Last year, the LaFayette Woman’s Club donated $10,000 to the LaFayette Shop With A Cop program and $9,000 to fund three LaFayette High School Female Scholarships. Get in the Christmas spirit with this awesome 5k! https://register.chronotrack.com/r/74468
December 9: Relay for Life Cleveland Reindeer Run 5k: Help support Cleveland's American Cancer Society Relay for Life with the running of this local Reindeer Run at Greenway Park. Race t-shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed for pre-registered participants. Don't worry about the cold: there will be coffee, hot chocolate and donuts during the morning of the event! https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/ReindeerRunClevelandTN
It’s okay to not have good races
Image courtesy of Olivia McLain
Sometimes it’s our worst races that make us the best runners.
Every runner wants to finish each race with the rush of running a new PB (personal best). If you are a runner, it is really one of the best feelings you can have! But most times, that’s just not realistic, and that’s okay. Even as a collegiate runner who trains every day just to go out and race, I only PR (personal record) a few times a year (running 15 or more races a year). In fact, I haven’t beat my best 5K time in 2 years and I’ve run the 5K probably 10+ times since then. The good news is that if you're not PRing every time you go out and race, you know there is room for improvement.
One thing I’ve realized is that racing and hitting a new PR is amazing, but it’s not the only thing to run for. Every day that you go out to run is a gift and shouldn’t be taken for granted. As my college days of running become fewer and fewer, I have been trying to appreciate every day I run, whether it’s a normal Monday run or a big race where I ended up way off of my goal. Each day you run has something valuable for you to take away. And each time you don’t hit that PR, it makes it even more sweet for the time to come when you do.
If you’ve been stuck running the same race times for months or even years, try implementing something new into your training plan. If you’re doing base mileage as the bulk of your training, try adding in a speed workout once a week. 400m repeats at race pace or even mile repeats at tempo pace are both great workouts to implement. You can even create a workout with a mix of distances in it, the goal is just to do a few miles of work and to get your heart rate up almost to where it would be on race day. If doing a workout seems like a lot to handle, start small! It’s beneficial for any runner to add 100m strides to the end of a normal run 2+ times a week. This helps with turnover, or getting your legs used to running fast, especially after getting a little tired from a run.
On the other hand, if you are constantly feeling tired, take a day off running and swap it with a bike ride for about the same amount of time that you would be running. Make sure to get your heart rate up to around the level it would be if you were running (normally at least 120-130). Listening to your body and taking time to rest when needed is essential in the recovery process of training and getting closer to that PR.
6 Years of Timing with Junior Achievement's Race to Achieve!
Most people know Terra isn’t simply a retail store but also a race timing company; this past Saturday we celebrated our 6th anniversary of successful timing with our very first race partner, Junior Achievement! We are so grateful for the work that JA does in our community and are proud to get to work with them year after year.
We interviewed race director Melissa Gunnell about the Race to Achieve, the work that Junior Achievement does with students in the Ocoee region and how people can get involved.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do at Junior Achievement?
My name is Melissa Gunnell and I have been with Junior Achievement (JA) for 7 years. I’m the Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region Event Planner/ Coordinator and Administrative Assistant to the chapter President. I plan our fundraising events such as our Bowl for Education, 5K Race to Achieve, JA Dress for Success fashion show and others. These events help raise funds that allow us to provide local schools with JA programs.
Can you tell us about what Junior Achievement does as well as what that specifically looks like in our area?
Junior Achievement teaches students the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart economic choices. These JA programs are provided to schools at no cost so the funds that we raise from the events mentioned above as well as our Annual Campaign. JA of the Ocoee Region provides programs to five counties: Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe & Polk.
Junior Achievement is a volunteer driven organization. Employees from local businesses, retired professionals and others volunteers to teach JA programs in the local schools. Junior Achievement is “INSPIRING TOMORROWS”!
What about the Race to Achieve 5k? How did it come about and how does it benefit the work you all do?
This year was the 9th annual 5K Race to Achieve. Terra Running has been partnering with us by
timing for our race for the past 6 years. The 5K Race to Achieve is a great way for JA to make our
community aware of what JA does in our schools and is a fun time for the serious or the just for fun
runners and families to help support JA in a small way by participating in the race.
How did you feel like this year’s race went? It’s impressive that you all have been putting it on for 9 years!
This year was our 9th Annual 5K Race to Achieve and went very well thanks to Terra Running doing our timing once again. Each year we are increasing our number of participants and making the public more aware of Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region and our mission to Inspire our students for Tomorrow with better financial knowledge. We also give prizes to the school teams with the top average time in College/High school, Middle school and Elementary school divisions; Cleveland Middle School was the top school this year.
How can people support the work of Junior Achievement?
Junior Achievement is always looking for volunteers. We provide training to the volunteers and all of the materials they need to teach JA programs. If anyone is interested in volunteering, they should contact our office (423-614-8777) or email liz.mathurin@ja.org for more information.
The Ooltewah Club 5k
One of the things we love most about being in the running business is getting to time all kinds of races all over the area. A new race to our repertoire this year is the Ooltewah Club 5k hosted by the Ooltewah Club! We chatted with race director Ismael Breton about the new race and what the Ooltewah Club is all about.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do with the Ooltewah Club?
Well, I am NOT an experienced Race Director! This is my first time taking an event like this on and it has been both fun and challenging! I'm a husband and father of 3 (Adelynn 12, Liam 10, and Atlas 4). Tennessee has been my home for over 20 years. I went to middle school, and high school in Hendersonville, TN and graduated with my Bachelors Degree in Business Finance from UTC in 2009. I'm the General Manager of a local Auto Retailer and most recently my family of 5 has lived in Ooltewah going on 4 years. We've grown to love our community in that time, and plan on staying here to see our kids grow. I'm simply a member of the Ooltewah Club and I've developed a (late) passion for running as my primary way to exercise and fitness.
Tell us about the Ooltewah Club? Where is it located, what makes it a special place, etc.?
I think our website says it best: "Just a 20 minute drive from Chattanooga, The Ooltewah Club offers the perfect private club lifestyle nestled at the foot of the White Oak Mountain in Ooltewah, TN. In 2020, a new ownership group committed to continual improvements and creating a vibrant, healthy club for members and the surrounding community. With over one million dollars invested in the course redesign and rejuvenation project, The Ooltewah Club proudly offers panoramic views, rolling hills, pure greens, and a challenging yet fair 18-hole golf course suitable for all skill levels.
Featuring a driving range, Junior Olympic sized swimming pool, and two lighted tennis courts, The Ooltewah Club is designed for year-round outdoor activities and family fun. The Ooltewah Club debuted a newly decorated clubhouse in 2019 which anchors the 150+ acre property. An award-winning Executive Chef and professionally trained service staff await you and your family."
Can anyone sign up for the race or do they need to be members?
Anyone can sign up! We started out with the intention of it being a members and residents only event, but to drive participation and interest in the Club, we invite anyone to come out and register. Registration will close on 8/10.
How did the idea for the Ooltewah Club 5k come about and does the race benefit a particular charity?
Every time I come into or leave my neighborhood there's someone running or walking. I was out playing golf with a friend one day, and thought "Man! We have some beautiful landscapes. This would make for a great 5k track" - And then I couldn't stop researching what it would take to make it happen. Fast forward, and here we are. The race is unique in that it will benefit a single Organization voted on by registrants when completing the registration process. All net proceeds will go to the Charity our participants want to receive the funds. Currently, we have a variety of 6 sponsors.
What should runners expect on race day? Where is the race, when does it start, and is there anything else unique about it?
Goody bags! The race will be AT the Ooltewah Club and will include neighborhood roads, golf cart paths, and short distances of gravel. Race will start at 8am. The 5k is accompanied by a 1 mile walk, so people can choose which of the 2 they want to participate in. The golf course will be closed from 8am-10am and there's plenty of space for parking, and time to get to know the Club after the race.
Run for Kids 5k in Memory of Karen Lawrence
It may still be summer but we are starting to come up on to the fall race season! For us here at Terra, that means a lot of race timing for a lot of awesome local organizations. One of the first races on our calendar is the Run4Kids 5k in support of the Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga. We reached out to race director Mary Pike to learn more about this fun, feel-good race.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the work you do at the Ronald McDonald House?
I am the Development Specialist at the Ronald McDonald House. I plan and coordinate fundraising events as well as identify and cultivate donors. I have worked here for a little over two years.
Many people are familiar with the Ronald McDonald House but some might not be; can you tell us about what you all do, as well as what that specifically looks like in the Chattanooga area?
The Ronald McDonald House’s mission is to keep families close to their sick child at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. We serve families not only in the Chattanooga area, but in surrounding counties. When families stay at the Ronald McDonald House, they have a place to stay, do their laundry, provided snacks and a hot meal every day, and more. We provide a “home away from home” for families.
What about the Run4Kids race? How did it come about and how does it benefit the Ronald McDonald House?
Before the race was called “Run4Kids”, it was called “The Karen Lawrence Run”. For 40 years the Lawrence family hosted the Karen Lawrence Run in memory of their daughter, Karen, who battled acute lymphocytic leukemia. In 2019, the staff at Ronald McDonald House decided to change the title to “Run4Kids in Memory of Karen Lawrence” to celebrate our mission with past families as well as celebrate Karen Lawrence’s memory. This event brings our past families, donors, and volunteers together to celebrate RMHC and the work we do in the community. All proceeds go back to the House and help us continue our mission.
What should runners expect on race day? Where is the race, when does it start, and is there anything else unique about it?
Run4Kids is Saturday, August 13th from 9-11:30 a.m. at Chattanooga State Community College. Runners (and walkers) should come dressed up in red, white and blue and expect a fun, filled day! After their race, they will head to Celebration Village where there will be games, food, and fun.
Other than running in the race, how can people support the work of the Ronald McDonald House in Greater Chattanooga?
Support from the community is what helps us keep our mission moving forward. We have several volunteer opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald House Family Room on the third floor of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. We also have a wish list on our website that shows what we need at the House to best serve the families who stay here. For more ways to support RMHC, please visit https://rmhchattanooga.com/ or email Tonya West, Volunteer Coordinator, at tonya.west@rmhchattanooga.com
CASA Superhero 5k
We love timing races but we especially love it when they are for a great cause; the CASA Superhero 5k is the epitome of that. This fun and fast 5k is not only an awesome way to spend a Saturday morning (superhero costumes are encouraged!), it directly helps CASA assist vulnerable children in our county and beyond. We chatted with Executive Director Natalie Barrionuevo to learn more about the race a what CASA does in our community.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your involvement with CASA?
I stepped into the Executive Director role in January of this year. Previous to that I worked as the Advocate Manager and Casemanager. I have been with CASA since 2017 and have truly enjoyed every moment of it.
Would you mind telling us about CASA (the work that you all do in the community, what the name stands for, how long have you all been around, etc.)?
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a local program that works in the court system to advocate for abused and neglected children. We strive to put our volunteers at the forefront serving as advocates for the children we serve. The volunteers are the ones who go into the homes, meet with the children and speak on their behalf in the courtroom. We, as a whole, advocate for the best interest of the child we are serving. We make recommendations for services and needs in the homes that will assist in creating safe, stable environments for the children and their families. CASA has been serving Bradley County since 2010.
Can you tell us a bit about the Superhero 5k?
CASA's Annual Superhero 5k has been around since 2017; it is known as the Superhero 5k because that is what our advocates are. Many of the children we serve have no one in their lives that looks out for them. Our advocates are the superheros that come in and ensure they remain safe and in stable environments where they have the ability to thrive. Also, our donors are superheros as they choose to invest in one of the most vulnerable populations in our community. When you tie in our advocates and our donors, you create an entire community of superheros ensuring our children can thrive. This race helps ensure CASA staff can continue to support the advocates while they serve children and ensures that CASA can continue to meet the demands of the court system.
When and where is the race? How can runners sign up and how much does it cost?
The CASA 5k is going to be held May 14, 2022 at 8am at Greenway Park in Cleveland TN. You can sign up by going to casabp.org/5k and registering for the race. The race is 25.00.
Anything else that you would want to share?
CASA is in need of new advocates. This year has brought an increased set of challenges with an increase in drug dependency in Cleveland comes a higher case load of child abuse and neglect. This means we are serving more children and need more volunteers to do that. If anyone is interested in volunteering they can go to casabp.org and click on volunteer. They can fill out the inteerest form and someone will be in contact with them.
My Favorite Things About Race Timing
Thinking about a fundraiser for your organization or club? Love running races and always dreamed of putting on your own? In addition to our retail store, Terra Running Company has been hired by organizations to time races for over 5 years now. We have timed 5k’s to marathon’s, trail races, kids fun runs, mountain bike races, and cross country races. We use state of the art race timing hardware and software to make sure race results are quick, accurate, and easily accessible to participants. Race timing is a unique part of our business and here are some of my favorite things about race timing:
All the people we’ve met! The opportunity to work with people I would never have been able to otherwise is always a great experience. We work with nonprofits, schools, churches, golf clubs, women’s groups, and small businesses.
The places that race timing has taken us! I have been able to time races on pumpkin farms, in the mountains, in towns in Alabama I have previously never heard of, and in every Cleveland park. I loved sneaking away during the 50 mile mountain bike race at Lula Lake to find the famous waterfall, and meeting the barn carts at the pumpkin farm in Athens. Actually spending a day at the race site is always an adventure.
Seeing runners accomplish their goals! It is a unique perspective to be at the finish line of a running race. It is an experience to see the supporters anxiously waiting for their runner to finish, the families who cross the line together, and seeing the emotion on the face of runners at the end.
If you are interested in learning more about putting on a race or having Terra Running Company time your race, email me at Brittany@TerraRunning.com. Over the past 5 years, we have found that having your race professionally chip timed shows potential sponsors that you are serious about putting on a quality event. Using Terra Running Company as your timer gives potential participants the confidence that their efforts will be taken seriously with reliable and timely results.
Thanksgiving Day Races to be Part of Greenway 20th Celebration
The Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway is partnering with Terra Running Company of Cleveland to sponsor several celebratory races in conjunction with Terra’s traditional Thanksgiving Day 5k on Thanksgiving morning, November 25 at Tinsley Park.
The races, which range from a 20K to a 2-mile walk will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the greenway being a part of our community. The races will culminate a year of celebration that has included commemorative banners on the greenway, placement of a piece of new public art, and other recognitions.
“We wanted to have some kind of event where everyone who wants to can participate,” said Cameron Fisher, chairman of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway Board. “It made sense to host a commemorative race/walk, as the Thanksgiving Day 5k and other races have become a mainstay of events that happen on the greenway.”
“This is a one-time event to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our beloved Greenway!” stated Brittany Katz, owner of Terra Running Company. “The Thanksgiving Day 5k will be combined with the celebration making for a once in a lifetime opportunity you don't want to miss!” Katz shared that the distances were designed to allow the whole family to participate, from a seasoned runner to someone who enjoys a leisurely stroll on the greenway.
Fisher explained the idea to add several race distances that represent the 20th anniversary of the greenway, starting with a 20K (12.43 miles). There will also be a relay option with the 20K allowing for a team of four participants to each run a 5K (3.1 miles). The traditional 5K will also be offered, as well as a 2.0-mile walk/run. All will originate from a starting point located at Tinsley Park near the Dog Park.
For those who wish to participate remotely, there will be a virtual option for the 5K, 20K and 2-miler. All registered virtual participants receive the same items as in-person.
Registered participants will receive a t-shirt commemorating the anniversary, which will include a map of the greenway on the back of the shirt that matches the map displayed on way-finding signs along the greenway. Participants will also receive the traditional beanie as part of the registration fee.
“Registration will be limited due to the parking capacity at Tinsley Park, so participants are requested to register early,” Katz stated. “Early registration also allows ample time to train for the chosen race(s).” Katz went on to say that no exceptions can be made once registration caps are met and the 5k has filled up every year in the past. The numbers will likely be higher with the added race options.
More details regarding race fees, the courses, timing, packet pickup, and other information is available by visiting runsignup.com/Race/TN/Cleveland/TDay5k.
Train for one of these great fall races
Racing is back! We are so excited to be able to share such a packed fall race schedule! Check out these great Terra Timed races in our area this fall.
August 28: Junior Achievement Race to Achieve 5k + 1 mile
Tinsley Park, Cleveland, 8am
Fun fact: the JA Race to Achieve 5k was the first Terra Timed race ever 5 years ago! Our timing business has grown so much since then, but the JA Race to Achieve will always hold a special place in our hearts! The race supports Junior Achievement of the Ocoee Region, whose mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed through financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. This is a fast, flat course starting and ending at Tinsley Park across from the dog parks.
October 1: Funky Monkey Glow Run 5k + 1 mile
Rhea County Community Center, Dayton, TN: 4pm
If you love glow runs, this event is for you! RC3 puts on a phenomenal glow run each year through the streets of Dayton. Dress in your lights and glow sticks and enjoy running in the dark for this fun fall evening race. The race supports the programs of the Rhea County Community Center.
October 2: Autumn Rocks 5k
Lafayette, GA, 4pm
Lafayette, Georgia puts on the Autumn Rocks festivities each year, and we are so glad to be coming back for the 2nd time! The 5k course is around the beautiful LaFayette Golf Course, providing shade for this afternoon race. The race is accompanied by a Golf Tournament, so check out Catoosa County, GA for lots of fall weekend fun!
October 16: North River YMCA Ghosts and Goals 5k + 1 mile
Chattanooga Riverpark, 8am
The North River YMCA puts on a stellar 5k at the Chattanooga Riverwalk, and we love helping them raise money for the great YMCA programs. This is a well organized, fast, flat event right along the river! Costumes are encouraged and there is a Monster Mile for kids and walkers.
October 16: Willowbend Farms Run For Their Freedom 5k + 1 mile
Greenway Park, Cleveland, 4pm
Back in person for 2021, the Run For Their Freedom 5k + 1 mile is held at Greenway Park in Cleveland. This is a main fundraiser for Willowbend Farms, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to restore survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual violence. Finisher’s get a t-shirt and finisher’s medal for their participation!
October 23: Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k
Downtown Cleveland, 8am
The Cleveland Half Marathon and 5k is back for its 4th year in 2021! Runners have come to love the huge finisher’s medal, great fan support, and fun post-race bash! There will be a new course for both 13.1 and 5k distance in 2021.
November 25: Thanksgiving Day 5k
Tinsley Park, Cleveland, 8am
Our Cleveland Thanksgiving Day 5k is a hometown favorite! Run with your friends or family on Thanksgiving and earn that turkey dinner. This race has sold out every year, so be sure to sign up early! We will be giving away the 2021 version of everyone’s favorite beanie hat. Donate canned goods at packet pick up and race morning for the United Way of the Ocoee Region.