CONTRIBUTED

A group of four area race directors representing AutumnFest, Miles for Mira, Pinehurst Turkey Trot and Southern Pines Reindeer Fun Run in partnership with the Sandhills Striders are pleased to announce the formation of the Sandhills Race Series (SRS).

The SRS seeks to promote participation in local races, coordinate an annual schedule, offer support and resources for the implementation of events and create a pool of trained volunteers.

Race Director Sallie Beth Johnson, founder and past president of the Sandhills Striders, hopes the series will connect the growing interest in running events with family fun while meeting safety and professional race management standards.

The series will begin with AutumnFest 5K on Oct. 2, followed by Miles for Mira 5K on Oct. 30, Turkey Trot 5k, 10k or Half-Marathon on Nov. 20 and Reindeer Fun Run 5K or 10K on Dec. 4.

Races will offer participation and performance points. For individuals participating in all four events, bonus points will be awarded along with exclusive SRS gear.

Additional series awards based on individual point totals include: Grand Prize Overall Male, Grand Prize Overall Female and nine separate age group categories for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female.

Free registration is automatic when one participates in any series event.

"Based heavily on participation, the SRS provides an extra incentive for all ages and abilities to run or walk in a community race," Johnson said.

Dave Petsolt, co-founder of the Reindeer Fun Run, expressed excitement for the new series.

"Reindeer Fun Run is proud to be part of the inaugural Sandhills Race Series," says Petsolt. "This official series combines the most established, well-organized and popular events in the Sandhills to encourage participation, recognize performance and provide event support for the promotion of fun, fitness and community causes."

Races included in the series benefit Southern Pines Recreation & Parks Department, Mira Foundation USA, fitness center scholarships and the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sandhills.

The SRS has already received major sponsorship from FirstHealth Center for Health and Fitness and is currently seeking additional sponsors. The SRS is in the process of becoming a non-profit organization and plans to add a Spring race series in 2011.

For more information and to register for races, visit sandhillsracesseries.com or contact Sallie Beth Johnson at (910) 528-2302.