Return to the Plains

🏃‍♂️ Event Description

Join us for the Return to the Plains 5K, a community-driven event that celebrates the spirit of Auburn while supporting a cause that touches us all: mental health. Lace up your running shoes and embark on a scenic journey through the historic plains of Auburn, Alabama, as we come together to raise funds for the future Center for Mental Health, set to open in Fall 2025.

• Facility Overview: This state-of-the-art facility, located in nearby Opelika, will provide much-needed mental health services to the residents of Lee County and beyond.
• Capacity: With a 40-bed capacity, private rooms, and dedicated spaces for inpatient and outpatient care, the Center will be a beacon of healing and hope for those grappling with mental health challenges.
• Community Impact: As you race through the heart of Auburn, you’ll not only reconnect with the beauty of the plains but also contribute to a future where mental health services are accessible to all.
• Fundraising Purpose: Proceeds from the race will directly support the construction of this vital center, helping to expand psychiatric care, recruit new physicians, and nurture the next generation of mental health professionals.

📅 Pre-Registration Fees

• 5K Fee: $30 for the 5K, and $20 for the 1-mile fun run which includes a t-shirt.
• Fee Increase: On November 1st, fees increase to $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile fun.
• T-Shirt Deadline: Deadline to register to be guaranteed a t-shirt is November 8th.
• Race Day Fees: 5K ($45), 1-Mile ($35)

🏅 Packet Pickup

• Early Pickup: Friday, November 22nd at Run2GRun from 4:00-6:00 PM.
• Address: 1957 E Samford Ave Ste B, Auburn, AL 36830
• Race Day Pickup: 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at Town Creek Park.

⏰ Race Day Schedule

• Packet Pickup: 7:00-7:50
• 1-Mile Start: 8:00
• 5K Start: 8:30

🏆 Award Categories

• Overall Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall Male and Female.
• Award Pickup: All awards must be picked up at the event.
• Results: Final official results will be posted with 48 hours race completion at www.auburnrunning.org/results.html

🚗 Parking

• Location: Town Creek Park
• Overflow: Overflow parking across Gay Street.

💧 Water Stops

• Availability: Water/Gatorade will be available at 1.5 miles for the 5K.

🚫 Refund Policy

• Refunds: Refunds are not allowed for this race.

🔗 More Information

For more details, visit the official race page: Return to the Plains Race.