FREE Chick-fil-A for a YEAR - Register today for Walk Run Rides for Heroes

Enter 2 win FREE Chick-fil-A for 1yr - register for any race by APR 16. Military disc http://t.co/sIhz3axq4l #patriotsfest #Cosprings

— Springs411 (@Springs411) March 27, 2015

Five 5Ks in Colorado Springs that help charities

If you're a runner, there are plenty of local 5K's in the Colorado Springs area. If you're not a runner, now's the time to start! A 5K run is an excellent way to beginning a new type of fitness and check something off your bucket list.
There are plenty of 5K's (5 kilometer race = 3.1 miles) to choose from that are simply events to participate in, but there are a select few where you can also give back to your community through helping support a cause or raising money for a charity. Take a look at our Top FIVE 5k races happening soon where your participation can make real a difference:

Chick-fil-A 5th annual Patriots' Festival: Hometown Hero 5K
Saturday, September 12 2015
The Chick-fil-A on Garden of the Gods organizes and supports this local event called the Patriots' Festival. It includes the Walk Ride Run for Heroes and you're able to select whichever race or event fits your interests and fitness level. From a Walk in the park, to a 43-mile bike ride, there are plenty of options.  For runners, the Hometown Heroes 5K is a no brainer to help support local charities that honor our police, fire, EMS and military personnel.  Also, if you fit any of those categories, you'll get an additional $5 discount off registration. Even if you aren't ready to participate in one of the races, the event is FREE and open to anyone.
http://patriotsfestival.com/about.html
Twitter: eatmorchikinCOS
NOTE: They've also announced if you register during early bird registration (by April 16th) you'll be entered to win FREE Chick-fil-A for a year. 

Ks for Kenya
Saturday, April 11 2015
Organized by GlobeMed (a student group at Colorado College), this race helps support the Western Organization of People Living with HIV/AIDS (WOPLAH).
http://www.active.com/colorado-springs-co/running/distance-running-races/ks-for-kenya-2015

Springs Rescue Mission 5K
Whether a family or individual is homeless or simply struggling to make ends meet, Springs Rescue Mission has been a key advocate for the Colorado Springs community since 1996. They help an average of 4,500 families per year. Now, it's your turn to help at this family-friendly walk/run to help support and raise funds for the Springs Rescue Mission.
http://www.springsrescuemission.org/5k

Kickin' it for Kids Classic
Saturday, May 9th 2015
Remember how much fun summer camp was growing up? There are kids who have never experience the joy and life-changing opportunity to attend a camp. Run this 5k to help raise money for kids who want to attend a Young Life camp.
http://tri-lakes.younglife.org/Pages/classic.aspx

Springs Spree 5K
Saturday, June 14 2015
Help raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Association of Colorado Springs
http://www.lymevents.com/events/springs-spree-5k-2015


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Need to train before committing to a race? Join a MeetUp group
Want to volunteer for a race? Click here for more info
Need an app to help get started? Check out Couch to 5K

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Patriotic Pooch Walk • Kids Bicycle Parade • Kids 2 mile Run
Couch to 5K • Fitness Club • Volunteers Needed

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Great volunteer opportunities around Colorado Springs

If you're looking for a rewarding way to spend some of your extra time, there are many organizations throughout the Colorado Springs area that need volunteers! Take a look at some of these great opportunities to get more involved in your local community to get connected with runners and bikers, change the lives of youth, assist the homeless, help create better trails, and many more organizations who need your help:

Events, Concerts, and Festivals
With a community of nearly 500,000 residences, there are always events and festival planners throughout the region who will be looking for volunteers. Often, you'll be granted free admission and/or provided a meal along with other perks. For instance, Chick-Fil-A Garden of the Gods plans an annual Patriot's Festival in Colorado Springs. It honors military and emergency responders in the community and includes a Walk, Run, Ride for Hero's. If you love running or biking, this is a great event to help make connections and get involved with elements of the community that you're interested in.
http://patriotsfestival.com/volunteer.html
City of Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has many volunteer opportunities to make a difference in our community. From parks and visitor centers to coaching options, the community is always in need of dedicated volunteers.
http://springsgov.com/Page.aspx?NavID=1216
Great Non-Profits in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is full of non-profit organizations, from religious to cause-driven groups. As a non-profit, budgets are small and the workload is often overwhelming for a small staff.  However, there are websites where you can learn about the volunteer opportunities, connect with theses organizations, and make a real difference. Check out http://greatnonprofits.org/city/colorado-springs/CO for specific non-profits looking for volunteers.
Choose Your Cause
Perhaps you just want to become more active in your community or log some volunteer hours to build your resume, but you're not sure what type of organization you want to donate your time to. If so, Volunteer Match is a great resource. You'll be able to search by what you care about and plug into the best company that needs your help.
http://www.volunteermatch.org/?l=Colorado+Springs%2C+CO#

Most importantly, get involved and connect with your community. We all benefit from helping each other!

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