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In Memphis and the surrounding area, there are sports, races, educational classes, and more happening throughout the year to help keep us active, fit, and healthy. Here, we’ve included a selection of upcoming and ongoing sports and wellness activities for people of all ages, so you can run, walk, bike, or hike your way to better health and stay in tip-top shape. What are you waiting for? Get out there and get moving!
Upcoming Events
7th annual True Blue 5k
November 1st, 7:00 p.m. University of Memphis campus Memphis, TNtrueblue5k.racesonline.com All proceeds from the race will go to support the work of the Young Alumni and its commitment to building a stronger University and a stronger city of Memphis.
Race for Grace 5k & 1-Mile Walk/Run
November 2nd, 9 a.m. Shady Grove Presbyterian Church 5530 Shady Grove Rd Memphis, TN 901-683-7329raceforgrace.racesonline.com Benefiting Literacy Mid-South, Memphis Area Legal Services, and Prenatal Care at Choices.
Gateway to the Delta 10-Miler & 5k
November 2nd, 8 a.m. Downtown Batesville, MSgatewaytothedelta.racesonline.com This year’s 10-miler and 5k will showcase Batesville’s historic downtown and surrounding rolling hills. Great for competitive racing, training, or even first-timers.
Healthy Memphis Million Calorie Burn 5k Walk/Run
November 2nd, 9 a.m. Ridgeway Loop/High Point Church 6000 Sweetbriar Avenue, 38120millioncalorieburn.racesonline.com The Million Calorie Burn 5K Walk/Run is a new initiative dedicated to helping reduce the obesity epidemic. To encourage families to participate, a one-mile fun run will begin approximately 15 minutes after the adult race.
Senior Health Series
November 4th, 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Bartlett Senior Center 5727 Woodlawn, Bartlett, TN 901-385-6439 Join Healthy Memphis Common Table for the Senior Health Series where they educate seniors, their families, and/or their caregivers about how to achieve better health and healthcare through patient activation. Developing better communication with doctors, nurses, and other providers can make a difference in the quality of care one receives.
Memphis Miles for Myeloma
November 9th, 9 a.m. Shelby Farms Visitors Centermemphismilesformyeloma.racesonline.com An independent 4-mile run/walk to raise funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and raise awareness of multiple myeloma, a rare cancer.
Heroes in Recovery 6k Run/Walk
November 16th, 8 a.m. Court Square - North Main Street Memphis, TNheroesinrecovery6k.com Heroes in Recovery seeks to eliminate the social stigma that keeps individuals with addiction and mental health issues from seeking help, to share stories of recovery for the purpose of encouragement and inspiration, and to create an engaged, sober community that empowers people to get involved, give back, and live healthy, active lives.
10th annual Meowathon 5k Run/Walk
November 16th, 9 a.m. Overton Park, Memphis, TNhouseofmews.com/meowathon Benefitting the House of Mews, Feline Adoption Agency & Cat Lover Gift Shop.
Tim Creager 5k
November 16th, 9 a.m. North-82 Gym (Bldg. N-82), Millington, TNtimcreager5k.racesonline.com In memory of Tim Creager, killed July 1, 2004 by enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Regiment. Proceeds will benefit the professional development of the midshipmen from the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University.
Southern Obesity Summit (SOS)
November 17th-November 19th Nashville, TNsouthernobesitysummit.org The largest regional obesity prevention event in the United States, drawing hundreds of participants from 16 Southern states.
Chicken Strut 5k Family Fun Walk
November 23rd, 9 a.m. Neighborhood Christian Centers 785 Jackson Avenue Memphis, TNncclife.org Benefitting Neighborhood Christian Centers whose mission is to build stronger families and neighborhoods by providing compassionate, Christ-centered ministries to those in need.
Turkey Trot 4-Miler & Turkey Leg Relay
November 28th, 9 a.m. Shelby Farms Park 500 North Pine Lake Drive Memphis, TNmemphisturkeytrot.racesonline.com This 4-mile timed race takes place the morning of Thanksgiving Day. Winners in various age categories and overall winners receive certificates, medals, and pumpkin pies! Benefitting March of Dimes.
Memphis Recovery Centers 6th annual Recovery Run 5k
November 30th, 9 a.m. Overton Park, Memphis, TNmemphisrecovery5k.racesonline.com Proceeds to benefit the patients of MRC: men, women and youth achieving life success through recovery.
Memphis Grizzlies House 5k
December 7th, 7:15 a.m. FedExForum (Third Street near Beale) Memphis, TNstjudemarathon.org The Memphis Grizzlies House 5k takes you from downtown Memphis through the St. Jude campus. Runners will pass the Memphis Grizzlies House, the short-term housing facility for St. Jude patients and their families. Sponsored by Memphis’ own NBA team. Benefitting St. Jude.
St. Jude Memphis Marathon
December 7th, 8 a.m. Fourth Street at Beale Street, Memphis, TNstjudemarathon.org Benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, this race takes participants down Beale Street, past Sun Studio, and other historic sites.
Breakaway Starry 4k Run/Walk
December 28th, 5 p.m. Shelby Farms Park Visitor Center Memphis, TN 38134starry4k.racesonline.com See Starry Nights at the speed of light during this exciting race at Shelby Farms Park. Pre-registered runners receive long-sleeved T-shirts that glow in the dark. This race is open to all ages.
Ongoing Sports & Fitness events
Cycling
Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club offers weekly bicycle rides and social events for all ages and skill levels. Many rides do not require membership. Fee: $25 per year for individuals and $40 per year for households. memphishightailers.com
Hiking
Mid-South Trails Association offers a calendar of racing and mountain-biking events, and detailed maps of Memphis Area Trails. Members receive discounts at many area bicycle shops and work to promote off-road cycling. Fee: $20 per year for individuals and $30 per year for households. midsouthtrails.com
Roller Derby
Memphis Roller Derby offers teams for women age 18 and up. Newbie “Boot Camps” and open registration. Season runs January-September. Always accepting new referees and non-skating officials. Fee: $45 per month. Email contact@memphisrollerderby.com for more info. memphisrollerderby.com
Soccer
Greater Memphis Soccer Association offers men’s, women’s, and co-ed leagues for Fall, Spring, Summer, and Indoor, age 16 and up. Fee: $93-$123 per season for individuals. memphissoccer.com or email: info@memphissoccer.com
Yoga
Sunrise Yoga Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Free for members, $5 nonmembers The Dixon Gallery & Gardens 4339 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 901-761-5250
Tennis
Memphis Tennis Association offers year-round leagues for men and women age 18 and up. Runs the local USTA Tennis Leagues. memphista.com
Track
Memphis Runners Track Club offers a racing schedule of events, retail discounts for running merchandise, training, and weekly workouts. Fee: $25 per year and $45 for two years for individuals and $30 per year and $55 for two years for households. For more information: memphisrunners.com
Ongoing Wellness Events
The Church Health Center is offering a free, six-week course on diabetes education, helping people to take control of their diabetes. Classes are Mondays at 11 a.m. or Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue. Those interested can start anytime. For more information, call (901) 259-4673. No reservation required. Free cooking classes are offered in the demonstration kitchen at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue, every Thursday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 901-259-4673, or visit www.ChurchHealthCenter.org.
Exploring Relaxation Practices Mondays at 9:40 a.m. This class focuses on muscle relaxation and other stress-relieving techniques at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. For more information, call 901-259-4673.
