'Such a lovely race': Run United set for April 25

Apr. 11—AIKEN — The last Saturday morning in April is on track to be exceptionally busy in downtown Aiken, with Run United taking over Newberry Street's festival area as walkers, runners and joggers fan out for mileage to support local charities.

The annual event, run by Aiken Electric Cooperative as a fundraiser for United Way of Aiken County, offers four options: a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles) a 5K (3.1 miles) and a fun run for kids (one mile). Check-in time is 7 a.m., and the half-marathon and 10K both start at 7:30 a.m. The 5K starts at 7:45 a.m., and the one-miler begins at 9:30 a.m. The various courses, with mileage on such routes as Kershaw Street, Two Notch Road and Marion Street, will close at 10:30 a.m.

"Run United is such a gem, because you get the big-race feel, but you're not having to be shuttled to the start line. You can just park in downtown Aiken and walk up," said Kena Black, who has taken part in all three of the adult distances in Run United over the course of several years.

"The course highlights so many beautiful parts to Aiken as well. There's South Boundary, the historic horse district, Colleton Avenue... It's such a gem of a race, and it's well-marked and organized. If you have pre-race jitters of any kind, it's so easy to get to the start line and go through the race. All those jitters just go away," she added.

"Run United's just such a lovely race," she said. "It's become an annual tradition for me and now my family members. If I'm planning what races I want to do in a year, Run United's always on there, because it's just so good."

Pre-race packet pick-up and registration will be available April 24 at Aiken Center for the Arts from 3-7 p.m. Race day packet pick-up will only be available under approved extreme circumstances for out-of-town guests at the USC Aiken downtown location building.

Promotional material for the event notes, "Participants will not only run for a great cause, but also for a memento of Aiken. The first 400 finishers in each race category will receive a custom-designed medal inspired by Aiken's charm, regardless of their time. Awards for race finishers based on time will be presented at the end of the race. Awards are split into age categories, first, second and third overall male and female winners for each race. Each participant is eligible for a single award for their highest placement."

Participation in the fun run will be free for the first 500 kids to sign up. Registration fees vary from $55 to $80, plus a sign-up fee.