Two upcoming chances to beat the heat and run a race at the same time are coming up in downtown Brookhaven.

There will be two 5K runs this month that will be located in downtown. Running with the Panthers and Splash Dash 5K will both be held in front of the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re anticipating about 150 participants since it’s grown,” said Julie Pounds, a coordinator for Run with the Panthers. “We usually invite surrounding schools that have cross country teams because of practice through the summer. It lets the kids see where they’re at.”

The Brookhaven High School Cross Country team will be hosting the third annual Run with the Panthers 5K run/walk through downtown Brookhaven July 28 at 8:30 a.m. The early registration deadline is today, and the fee is $20. Race day registration will be at 7:30 a.m. and the fee will be $25.

Awards will be given to the first place overall male and female and the top males and females in each age group. Register online at southernracetiming.com. Only early registrants will be guaranteed a race T-shirt. 

Defining Moments LLC is hosting the Splash Dash 5K & One Mile Kids Run Saturday. Start time has been delayed to 8:30 a.m. This 5K is race number three of five in the 2018 Ole Brook Run Series. There will be water stations and splash zones set up along the course of the race. The end of the race will have a huge soak zone. 

Registration the day of the race will be $35. Participants who finish the race will receive a finisher medal, T-shirt and customized bib. Awards will be given to the overall male and female, and to the top three participants in each age group. Register online at definingmomentsevents.com/splash-dash-5k.

“We are very excited, and we’re looking to have a great turnout,” said Steven McMorris, owner of Defining Moments.

Story by Gracie Byrne