8 spring running events in Columbia to put on your calendar

If you’re looking for motivation to stick with your New Year’s resolution to get fit or die trying, then look no further than the stretch of road in front of you.

Running is a full-body workout that exercises your mind and body. From a 5K (3.1 miles) to a full marathon (26.2 miles), you will shape, tone and tighten all areas of your body – not just your legs. And as an added bonus, you don’t need fancy equipment or a club to call yourself a runner. All you have to do to be considered a runner is, well, run.

In Columbia, the running season is just getting ramped up. We’ve pulled together a sampling of runs scheduled through May. Check with organizations for registration fees and other details.

Even if you’re just starting out, remember – worry about your pace, not where you place, and the only competition you have is yourself. The rest, as they say, is a walk in the park. A really fast walk.

March for Meals

The race: Benefits Senior Resources and Meals on Wheels

When: Saturday, Feb. 27

Where: Timmerman Trail, Cayce

Distance: 5K

Info: www.seniorresourcesinc.org

Lexington Race Against Hunger

The race: Benefits local organizations that feed the hungry

When: Saturday, Feb. 27

Where: Starts from Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, Lexington

Distances: 10K, 5K fitness run/walk, 1-mile fun run

Info: www.lrah.org

Run Hard Columbia Marathon

The race: Among the most popular of the marathons, it includes a relay.

When: Saturday, March 5

Where: Starts near S.C. State House

Distances: Marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K

Info: www.runhardcolumbiamarathon.com

Get to the Green

The race: A kick-off to the popular St. Pat’s in Five Points festival.

When: Saturday, March 19

Where: Five Points neighborhoods, starting at Maxcy Gregg Park

Distances: 5K, 10K, 1-mile family fun run

Info: www.gettothegreen.com

Palmetto Half Marathon

The race: The half-marathon is the star of this event. This year’s race is honoring Amanda Peake Glover, 32, who collapsed after crossing the finish line in the 2015 event.

When: Saturday, April 9

Where: Starts from Village at Sandhill, Northeast Richland

Distances: Half marathon, youth half marathon, 5K run/walk, kids’ fun run

Info: www.palmettohalfmarathon.com

Quarry Crusher Run

The race: One of Columbia’s more unique races, with runners conquering the steep and dusty slopes of the Vulcan Quarry. This year, the Quarry Crusher Run is being expanded nationally with four dates in four states, kicking off in Columbia.

When: Saturday, April 16

Where: Vulcan Quarry, Olympia neighborhood

Distances: Single Crusher (around 3.7 miles) and Double Crusher (7.4 miles)

Info: www.quarrycrusherrun.com

Lexington Medical Center Heart and Sole Women’s 5 Miler

The race: This women-only road race and walk calls attention to heart disease.

When: Saturday, April 23

Where: Starts at Finlay Park

Distances: 3- and 5-mile courses

Info: www.heartandsolerun.com

Governor’s Cup

The race: The state’s oldest continuously operating road-running event. This year’s event is completely revamped, with a spring date, redesigned race courses and more.

When: Saturday, May 14

Where: Downtown Columbia

Distances: Half marathon, 5K run/walk, kids’ cup races

Info: www.governorscupsc.org