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Return to the Plains

We plan to move the race to spring 2025. Auburn, AL 36832 US Directions

Events

Return to the Plains 1-Mile

8:00AM CST - 8:30AM CST

Return to the Plains 5K

8:30AM CST - 9:30AM CST

Race Postponed to Spring 2025

New Date: We plan to move the race to spring 2025.


We want to thank you for registering for the Return to the Plains 1-Mile and 5K event! While we were excited to host this community gathering, we have made the decision to postpone the race due to current registration numbers. The event is now being rescheduled for a date in spring 2025, when we hope to bring together even more participants in support of mental health services in our community.

For Those Who Have Already Registered, Your Options Moving Forward:

1. Stay Registered – Secure your spot for the rescheduled event in spring 2025.

2. Request a Refund – If you prefer not to participate in the rescheduled race, we can issue a full refund.

3. Donate Your Registration Fee – You also have the option to donate your fee directly to support the Center for Mental Health.

Next Steps:
Please  let us know your preference. If we don’t hear from you, we’ll assume you’d like to stay registered.

We appreciate your support of this meaningful cause and look forward to seeing you in the spring. Thank you for helping us make a difference for mental health in our community.

Sincerely,
Clem Tanaka
Race Director
Return to the Plains Race

Here Are Your Options:

We will transfer your registration to the new event date once it is set, and look forward to having you join us. Thanks for your patience!

You understand that events are expensive, even when cancelled, and you want us to keep your registration fees to help cover our costs. We deeply appreciate your generosity and look forward to seeing you at an event soon.

We understand. We hope you can join us next time.

Place

Town Creek Park
1150 S. Gay St
Auburn, AL US 36832

Description

Event Description: Join us for the Return to the Plains 5K, a community-driven event that celebrates the spirit of Auburn while supporting a cause that touches us all: mental health. Lace up your running shoes and embark on a scenic journey through the historic plains of Auburn, Alabama, as we come together to raise funds for the future Center for Mental Health, set to open in Fall 2025.

This state-of-the-art facility, located in nearby Opelika, will provide much-needed mental health services to the residents of Lee County and beyond. With a 40-bed capacity, private rooms, and dedicated spaces for inpatient and outpatient care, the Center will be a beacon of healing and hope for those grappling with mental health challenges.

As you race through the heart of Auburn, you’ll not only reconnect with the beauty of the plains but also contribute to a future where mental health services are accessible to all. Proceeds from the race will directly support the construction of this vital center, helping to expand psychiatric care, recruit new physicians, and nurture the next generation of mental health professionals.

Whether you're running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation in the Return to the Plains 5K makes a meaningful impact. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community faces mental health struggles alone.

Pre-Registration Fees: $30 for the 5K, and $20 for the 1-mile fun run which includes a t-shirt.
On November 1st, fees increase to $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile fun.
** Deadline to register to be guaranteed a t-shirt is November 8th.

Race Day Registration Fees:
5K ($45), 1-Mile ($35)

Early Packet Pickup: Friday, November 22nd at Run2GRunfrom 4:00-6:00 PM.
                                    1957 E Samford Ave Ste B, Auburn, AL 36830

Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration: 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM at Town Creek Park.

Race Day Schedule
7:00-7:50 Packet Pickup
8:00 1-Mile Start
8:30 5K Start

5K Award Categories*
1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall Male and Female.
* All awards must be picked up at the event.  Final official results will be posted with 48 hours race completion at www.auburnrunning.org/results.html

Parking: Town Creek Park and overflow parking across Gay Street.

Water Stops: Water/Gatorade will be available at 1.5 miles for the 5K.

Refunds are not allowed for this race.

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Directions

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