A guide to September charity runs

Ross Bridge 8K

• 2101 Grand Avenue
• Sept. 5, 8 a.m.
• active.com, search 2015 Ross Bridge 8K & Health Expo
• Registration: $25 per runner

The Ross Bridge 8K supports Alabama Teen Challenge, a 50-year-old program that helps individuals cope with addiction, mental illness and eating disorders.

The 8K includes a health expo sponsored by St. Vincent’s Health System. 

Last year the race drew 600-700 participants, volunteer Rachel Roberts said, and there is a chance for even more participants this year. Although an 8K seems daunting, Roberts said no one should feel discouraged from participating.

For more information, visit the event’s page on active.com.

Head Over Teal 5K/10K

• The Hoover Preserve
• Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-noon
• thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal
• Registration: $40 (Individuals), $35 (Individuals on teams of 5+), $20 (children 12 and under)

In line with National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation is holding its annual Head Over Teal 5K.

Executive director Mary Anne King said the event helps spread information and support research. Last year there were almost 1,000 runners.

The day includes a 5K, 10K, 1-mile fun run and family fun activities after the race, as well as informational and sponsor booths.

“It’s a mix of serious and fun, informational and whimsical,” King said. 

Give Kids the World 5K

• Sept. 26, 8 a.m.
• The Hyatt Regency – The Wynfrey Hotel
• gktw5k.com
• Registration: $25

The Hyatt Regency at Riverchase Galleria is hosting its first Give Kids the World 5K to fundraise for one of its primary charities.

Give Kids the World, a nonprofit resort in central Florida, allows children with life-threatening illnesses and their families stay for cost-free family vacations. It’s a cause the Hyatt Regency supports every year.

Paul Dangel, director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Regency, said runners will be in one lane of the loop around the mall, and he does not believe it will affect mall traffic.

“We’re excited,” Dangel said. “It’s really an opportunity for a lot of us to give back and to do something for Give Kids the World.”

JDRF One Walk

• Sept. 27, 2 p.m.
• Veteran’s Park    
• walk.jdrf.org/Birmingham
• Registration: No registration fee, but each team is encouraged to raise at least $100

The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes has been renamed the One Walk to communicate its focus on one goal – creating a world without type 1 diabetes. 

Anna Rambo, development coordinator for the local JDRF chapter, said the walk aims to unite the community around a cause and show children with type 1 diabetes that they are not alone. 

The walk typically draws over 1,000 participants. Activities in Veteran’s Park start at 2 p.m., including music, tents, informational booths and a children’s area.