Events
Return to the Plains 1-Mile
Return to the Plains 5K
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:
Place
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 January 24th, fees increase to $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1-mile fun.
** Deadline to register to be guaranteed a t-shirt is January 31st.
Race Day Registration Fees: 5K ($45), 1-Mile ($35)
Early Packet Pickup: Friday, February 14th 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.
