Move Your Feet!

get Outdoors, Get Some Exercise and Give A Little

Site Staff Sports

Temperatures have cooled, and the season of giving is heating up. Make a difference in the lives of others — and in your own life — by running or walking in one of several desert events. Sweat a little for charity or experience the rush of competition — you’ll be glad you did.

Here’s a calendar of upcoming running/walking (and swimming and biking) events.

November 22, 2012
Martha’s Village Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk

The course for this annual fundraiser for Martha’s Village starts and finishes in La Quinta Park. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with runners and walkers stepping off at 8 a.m., and includes a continental breakfast and T-shirt. Medals are presented to the top three finishers in each age group (determined in five-year increments). Wheelchairs, pets, and baby strollers welcome. No rollerblades, scooters, or bikes. 760-347-4741; www.mvk.org

December 15, 2012
Great Santa Run

Dress up like Santa Claus and participate in this year’s 4K run/walk. Proceeds from this event will help fund the We Care Dental Center, which provides free dental services to developmentally disabled adults and children. The run begins at 10 a.m. at Palm Desert Civic Center Park at the corner of Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue in Palm Desert. A public awareness rally and entertainment by Chris Burke and the DeMasi Brothers follows. Register online at www.dfddnow.org or the day of the run between 8 and 10 a.m. 760-832-6555; www.dfddnow.org

February 10, 2013
Palm Springs Half Marathon, Relay & 5K

While not a fundraiser, this is a great race for avid athletes. A flat, fast course takes runners through city neighborhoods, beginning at Ruth Hardy Park. Both the half marathon and the 5K courses are certified by USA Track and Field. Start time is 7 a.m. Visit www.active.com to register online. www.kleinclarksports.com

March 2-3, 2013
Desert Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon and Relay

Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area in La Quinta
provides a backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. On March 2, choose from triathlon: 500-meter swim, 14-mile bike ride, and three-mile run; Duathlon: One-mile run, 14-mile bike, three-mile run. The March 3 triathalon and relay is a 3/4-mile swim, 24-mile bike ride, and six-mile run. Enjoy awards, music, prizes, and post-race refreshments. All entrants receive a race shirt and finishers receive a medal. 7:30 a.m. start time. www.kleinclarksports.com

March 24, 2013
Women Running Wild 5K Run/Walk

This event encourages education and motivation in the fight against breast cancer. The Jody Klein Breast Cancer Fund was created in memory of event director Greg Klein’s sister and provides money for groups devoted to breast cancer causes, such as City of Hope. 
A balloon release will pay tribute to those touched by cancer. Family friendly with stroller, baby jogger, and dog divisions. 
 www.kleinclarksports.com

April 6, 2013
Run for Ike

In memory of Palm Springs Police Department’s K-9 officer Ike, this annual 5K run/walk benefits the department’s K9 Unit and Guide Dogs of the Desert. Past funds raised helped purchase K-9 puppy Kane, who is now on duty. Entry fee includes race, T-shirt, goodie bag, pancake breakfast, finisher dog tag, and race photo. The event is dog, stroller, and walker friendly. 760-323-5677.