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.
• Proceeds Utilization: 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.

📝 Participation Details

• Impact Opportunity: Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation in the Return to the Plains 5K makes a meaningful impact.
• Community Unity: Together, we can ensure that no one in our community faces mental health struggles alone.
• Pre-Registration Fees: $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile fun run which includes a t-shirt.
• Deadline Reminder: Deadline to register to be guaranteed a t-shirt is January 31st.

💵 Registration Fees

• Fee Increase: On January 24th, fees increase to $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile fun.
• Race Day Registration Fees: 5K ($45), 1-Mile ($35).

📍 Packet Pickup Information

• Early Packet Pickup: Friday, February 14th at Love2Run from 4:00-6:00 PM.
• Location: 1957 E Samford Ave Ste B, Auburn, AL 36830.
• Race Day Packet Pickup: 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at Town Creek Park.

🕒 Race Day Schedule

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

🏆 Award Categories

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

🚗 Parking Information

• Available Parking: Town Creek Park and overflow parking across Gay Street.

💧 Water Stops

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

🚫 Refund Policy

• Refunds: Refunds are not allowed for this race.

For more information, visit the race page: Return to the Plains 5K.