AORTA News: August 17th, 2026
Great turnout for Saturday’s Group Run!
We were especially happy to welcome a few new runners and weekend visitors to the group! And since Saturday was National Relaxation Day, we think we celebrated it exactly right: get the miles in first, then take it easy.
Thanks to everyone who came out and started the weekend with us!
Returning Tigers, looking for a local running group to share fun and friendship while striding around the town? Join us every Saturday morning for our weekly group runs. Check the column at right for our schedules. These routes feature waterstops every two and a half to three miles! All are welcome and membership is not required, although we do ask you take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Schools Are Open - Be Safe!
It’s that time of the year where our local schools are filled with the ever burgeoning youth population which means more traffic, crowded sidewalks, crosswalks and intersections. Despite all the warnings and admonitions, texting while driving is still an epidemic. In fact, “texting while driving has now surpassed drinking and driving as the leading cause of death among teens, according to a new study.”
Upcoming Local Races
Chi Omega and Farmhouse Color Run 5K
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (5K)
Where: Cater Lawn, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30, $15 (AU students)
Description: This 5K starts at Cater Lawn with proceeds going towards benefitting both organizations' philanthropies: the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. At each color station, a different color powder will be thrown by volunteers onto the shirts of the runners, so wear white, and expect to be covered in color by the end of the race!
Auburn University ODK Cake 5K
When: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM
Where: Cater Lawn, AU Campus
Distance: 5K
Fee: Free
Description: Omicron Delta Kappa will be hosting Auburn University's Annual Cake Race to kickoff Homecoming Week. The 5k is open to the Auburn community, and the top five male and female finishers of the race will win a cake! This longstanding Auburn tradition will begin and end in front of Katherine Cooper Cater Hall, and the route will take participants around Auburn's campus.
Mercy Medical 5K/10K
When: Saturday, Ocbober 03, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile) 8:30 (5K/10K)
Where: Ogletree Shopping Center, Auburn
Distance: 1M, 5K, 10K
Fee: $20 (1M), $35 (5K), $45 (10K)
Description: Come join us for the 3rd annual Mercy Medical Run to raise money from this race, all of it, will be donated to Mercy Medical. For over 25 years, Mercy Medical has fulfilled this mission through the generous financial support of our community. The clinic is staffed primarily by volunteers who selflessly give their time to love and serve the underserved of our community.
Walk For Life + 5K
- When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
- Where: Opelika Sportsplex
- Fee: $30 (5K), $10 (1M), $0 for 12 & Under (1M)
- Description: Looking for an easy and fun way to make a difference for LIFE? Join Women's Hope Medical Clinic & Hope Adoptions as a runner or fundraising walker for our upcoming Walk For Life + 5K! By getting sponsors to support your walk, you can help reach our fundraising goal and play a significant role in cultivating a culture of life.
Beat Bama Food Drive 5K
- When: Sunday, November 01, 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM (1-Mile), 2:30 PM (5K)
- Where: Cater Lawn, Auburn University
- Fee: $38 (5K), $18 (1-Mile)
- Description: The Beat Bama Run Fest is a charity color run benefiting the Food Bank of East Alabama. It offers a 5K race and a one-mile fun run for participants of varying fitness levels, encouraging community involvement by collecting non-perishable food donations. Pre-registration is encouraged to save on fees, and the event includes water stops, refreshments, and children's entertainment, making it a well-rounded experience focused on fitness, community engagement, and philanthropy for participants of all ages.
Unity Wellness Center AIDS Day Run/Walk
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 PM (5K)
- Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
- Fee: $5 (1-Mile), $5 (5K) (t-shirt $20)
- Description: Join us for the 9th Annual Unity Wellness Center World AIDS Day Run/Walk, featuring a $5 fee for both the 5K and 1-mile events (with an option to add a shirt for $20). Age group awards will be given, and there will be a raffle and refreshments for the whole family. The 1-mile walk starts at 8:00 am (untimed), and the 5K timed race begins at 8:30 am. This event commemorates World AIDS Day, a global day of unity against HIV, and supports Unity Wellness Center's vital services, including HIV testing, counseling, medical care, case management, and prevention education.
Dealing with Summer Heat
The Auburn hills are tough enough—but add in summer heat and humidity, and it’s a whole new challenge. As the saying goes, it’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity—and it can zap even the most dedicated runner. Use the table below to help pace yourself, and take extra precautions anytime the apparent temperature tops 90°F.
Weekly Whimsy
10 Must-Watch Movies for Every Passionate Runner
Running has inspired some of cinema's most memorable stories of perseverance, achievement, and personal transformation. From Olympic champions to recreational runners tackling their first marathon, these ten films show how running can push physical limits, overcome barriers, and change lives.
1. McFarland, USA
The 2015 drama McFarland, USA tells the true story of coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), who builds a high school cross-country team from seven Mexican-American students in a California farming community. The inexperienced runners develop into state champions while balancing school, family, and farm work. More than a sports story, the film shows how running can strengthen a community and bridge cultural differences.
2. Breaking 2
National Geographic's 2017 documentary follows Eliud Kipchoge, Lelisa Desisa, and Zersenay Tadese as they attempt to run the first marathon under two hours. Using advanced training, sports science, and cutting-edge equipment, the runners test what were thought to be the limits of human endurance. Kipchoge finishes in an extraordinary 2:00:25, just missing the barrier, while the film raises interesting questions about technology's role in athletic performance.
3. Spirit of the Marathon
This 2007 documentary follows six runners of widely different abilities as they prepare for the Chicago Marathon. By combining the experiences of elite competitors with everyday runners, the film captures the training, setbacks, sacrifices, excitement, and emotions involved in running 26.2 miles. Its realistic portrayal of the marathon experience has made it an enduring favorite among runners.
4. Chariots of Fire
The Academy Award-winning 1981 drama follows British runners Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell as they prepare for the 1924 Olympics. Abrahams confronts anti-Semitism while Liddell balances athletic competition with his Christian faith. Famous for its Vangelis soundtrack and iconic beach-running sequence, the film explores how faith, identity, conviction, and personal principles can shape athletic achievement.
5. Brittany Runs a Marathon
This 2019 comedy-drama follows Brittany, played by Jillian Bell, as she transforms from an inactive lifestyle into a runner determined to complete the New York City Marathon. Along the way, she struggles with body image, self-doubt, discipline, and relationships. Rather than focusing on elite competition, the film shows how running can become a vehicle for improving health, confidence, and one's outlook on life.
6. Prefontaine
The 1997 biographical drama stars Jared Leto as legendary American distance runner Steve Prefontaine, whose aggressive front-running style and competitive personality made him an icon before his death at age 24. The movie follows his rise to prominence, record-setting performances, and battles with the amateur sports establishment while showing why "Pre" continues to inspire generations of runners.
7. The Barkley Marathons
This 2014 documentary explores the notoriously difficult Barkley Marathons, a 100-plus-mile wilderness race in Tennessee in which competitors have 60 hours to complete five punishing loops. Runners contend with steep terrain, unpredictable weather, sleep deprivation, unusual rules, and the eccentric personality of race organizer Lazarus Lake. The combination of extreme endurance and oddball humor helps explain the race's legendary status among ultrarunners.
8. Race
The 2016 biographical drama follows Jesse Owens and his historic performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals before Nazi officials promoting theories of racial superiority. The film depicts Owens confronting racial discrimination both at home and abroad while demonstrating how extraordinary athletic achievement can transcend sports and challenge prejudice.
9. Without Limits
Also centered on Steve Prefontaine, the 1998 film focuses more closely on his relationship with University of Oregon coach Bill Bowerman, played by Donald Sutherland. It explores Prefontaine's intense racing philosophy alongside Bowerman's innovative coaching and early experiments with running shoes. Their athlete-coach partnership helped influence American distance running and the development of modern running equipment.
10. Desert Runners
The 2013 documentary follows amateur runners attempting the 4 Deserts ultramarathon series across the Atacama, Gobi, Sahara, and Antarctica. Competitors endure extreme temperatures, exhaustion, difficult terrain, and self-doubt over multiple days. Their individual motivations and struggles demonstrate how seemingly ordinary athletes can accomplish extraordinary endurance feats.
Conclusion
Together, these films show that running is about much more than finishing times and medals. From Olympic champions and legendary distance runners to first-time marathoners and extreme ultrarunners, each story explores perseverance, personal growth, community, or the desire to discover one's limits. Whether you're an experienced runner or contemplating your first 5K, they offer plenty of inspiration—and perhaps a little extra motivation for your next run.
Link to article: https://tinyurl.com/y5zvys4w
Quote of the Week
Running is the
martial art
of the soul,
and the opponent
is the strongest
you’ve ever faced:
YOUR EGO.
Anonymous
Video of the Week
What is Running Economy? (9:56)
Want to be a more efficient runner? Well let us help you improve your running economy and it might just unlock a faster, more efficient side to your running. (and it might even help you get a pb!)
** 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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