NCRC's Spring Forth was initiated in 2021 as a replacement event for the COVID-19-canceled Run for the Roses 5K. Run for the Roses returned last year, and Spring Forth enters its third year with plans for a bigger, better event this time. What is NCRC's Spring Forth? Basically, it's a weeklong online scavenger run photo challenge. If you meet the easy challenge, you win a $10 Capstone Events race credit (eligible races include City of Oaks, Bull City Race Fest, the Hamptons Marathon in New York, and the Greenbrier Half Marathon in West Virginia) and a chance to win another prize for a free race entry or running store gift card (a total of 26 prizes available!).

We (the North Carolina Roadrunners Club) are a nonprofit group, and our races and events raise money for other nonprofit groups. The beneficiaries again for this year's NCRC's Spring Forth will be Girls on the Run of the Triangle and the City of Oaks Foundation. For this event, 100% of the registration fees will be split between the two charities. Participants can also make additional donations to one or both organizations. Over two years, this event has raised a donation total of almost $2,300. We aim to raise more than that combined amount this year.

How does NCRC's Spring Forth work? Full details can be found on our How It Works page. We suggest spending a few minutes on that page to plan ahead before event week. Essentially, it's a simple challenge. We give you a list of 10 categories for photos (they should be quick snapshots with a smartphone) to take while running or walking in March or April. Photos must be taken outdoors and not at your house or apartment. One category will be mandatory, but you can choose six of the other nine categories. For the week beginning with Earth Day (April 22-29), you'll have eight days to post photos. The categories are broad, so you can be creative! Most of them are new this year. Photos will be posted in the galleries on this website. You need to post photos in only seven categories to receive the race credit and be eligible for our gift prize drawing. Those who post in all 10 categories will be eligible for one of three special grand prizes.

Anyone can view the photos, but you have to register in order to post them (11:59 p.m. on April 21 is the registration deadline). Some donors are listed on our Donors page, and others will be added before the event starts. Sample photos are now posted in the galleries; they won't be part of this year's event.

What's new this year? Mainly, we'll have much more involvement by our two beneficiary organizations. You'll see that reflected in our new photo categories. For the first time, we'll also have a "kickoff" on the day before the event starts, April 21, at Raleigh's Lake Lynn Park. It will be a fun opportunity at a park to try out a scavenger hunt and ask any questions. 

We look forward to seeing everyone's photos! Previous years' photos are available on this website's Past Photos tab. If you have questions about the event, please contact Jack at president@ncroadrunners.org.