Most of us know University Research Park as our No. 1 corporate center. On three upcoming Saturdays, URP will host events that help our kids, too: the Governors Village 5K on April 18, the YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 25 and the University City Duathlon on May 2. Here are event details and how you can plug in, either as a business or an individual.

Governors Village 5K and Fun Run

How this helps kids: All sponsorship money will go for college scholarships. Four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded on race day to a student from each of the four Governor’s Village schools. Students will also train and compete in the 5K and Fun Run. “We are so excited to see University City businesses coming together to bring encouragement and resources to the 4,600 students at the Governor’s Village schools,” said Rob Rogers, Owner/Operator of Chick-fill-A at University Place.

When: 8 am Saturday, April 18. 5K starts at 8 am. Fun Run starts at 9 am.

Where: 7910 Neal Road (Nathaniel Alexander Elementary School)

What: 5K run plus Fun Run for kids.

Other event details: The 5K will feature ChronoTrack Chip Timing and a USATF Certified Course. Participants will get Swag Bags and DRI-FIT shirts. A post-race block party will have awesome music, free food, the YMCA Family Fun Zone, and interactive sponsor areas. The 1-mile Fun Run is for younger runners and free, but online registration is required. MORE AT WEBSITE

Who is organizing: Chick-fill-A at University Place and the Governor’s Village Schools – Morehead STEM, Nathaniel Alexander Elementary, James Martin Middle, and Vance High School.

Sponsors include: TIAA-CREF, University City Partners, Elevation Church, Tide Dry Cleaners, Wiki Wiki Carwash, University YMCA, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Great Harvest Bread, Sam’s Club, FastSigns, the Prodigal Son Foundation, Northside Church, Smoothie King, Allstate, Ryerson, UNC Charlotte, Carolina’s Healthcare, and DevelopUs.

How you can take part:

• Register to run: 5K cost is $25 online, $30 on race day. MORE
• Sponsor a student runner for $25. MORE
• Donate to the scholarship fund. MORE
• Become an event sponsor or volunteer: For details on how you or your business can help, contact Amanda Kerr, 704-572-3960 or cfauniversityplace@gmail.com

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

How this helps kids: Children have fun with this fitness-focused activities. The event’s many sponsors contribute funds that help several thousand children go to YMCA summer camp and take part in spring and fall sports programs.

When: 10 am-2 pm April 25

What: A fun and FREE celebration of kids’ fitness and health, open to everyone in the community.

Other event details: Drop in anytime from 10 to 2 and take part in activities such as the bike safety rodeo, obstacle course, line dancing and more. Learn about YMCA programs, too. MORE AT WEBSITE

Where: University City YMCA, 8100 Old Mallard Creek Road

Who is organizing: The staff of University City YMCA.

Sponsors include: Queen City Dental and Dentistry of the Carolinas, Bike Line of Charlotte, Run For Your Life – University, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, CMC-University

How you can take part: Come with children and have a good time.

How to sponsor: Sponsorships are available ranging from $200 for a promotional table to $7,500 for the event’s Platinum Presenting Supporter. For details, contact Matt Fitzwater, director of operations, at 704-716-6715 or matt.fitzwater@ymcacharlotte.org
How to volunteer: Contact Jennifer Cotton, volunteers coordinator at 704-716-6705 or Jennifer.cotton@ymcacharlotte.org

University City Duathlon

How this helps kids: The event raises several thousand dollars each year for Bethany Christian Services, a leading adoption service in Charlotte and nationwide. Kids can also take part in the events.

When: 8-11 am Saturday, May 2.

What: The 5th annual Duathlon features a 5K run on forest trails in University Research Park, followed by a 19K bike race on park and nearby paved roads and ending with a final 3K run to the finish line.

Other event details: The event also offers a 5K run and a Kids Dash for youngsters, plus other children’s activities. Several vendors will also have displays and food. Bike Line of Charlotte will have a station for minor bike adjustments and repairs. MORE AT WEBSITE

Where: The event starts and ends at David Taylor Corporate Park, 10101 David Taylor Drive at Governor Hunt Road

Who is organizing: Two University City businesses organize the event, Bike Line of Charlotte and Run For Your Life – University.

Sponsors include: University City Partners and several companies provide major sponsorship, including Peak 10 and BECO South. Other sponsors include Adidas, Charlotte Sports Cycling, Great Harvest Bread Co., Harris Teeter, PowerBar, Roots Hummus, and University Neuromuscular Massage.

How you can take part: CLICK TO REGISTER for the Duathlon or 5K. Cost is $50 for the Duathlon or $25 for the 5K through May 1; $60 for the Duathlon or $30 for the 5K at the event. Part of your registration fee will help Bethany Christian Service.

How to sponsor or volunteer: Learn more by contacting Shane Hockensmith (Bike Line of Charlotte) at bikeline@bellsouth.net or 704-549-8804; or Chris Elkins (Run For Your Life – University) at chriselk@runforyourlife.com or 704-503-1105.