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Brenau Masters Swim Team, Gainesville. Practice and competitive program for masters swimmers of all levels, high school age and older. Mon., Wed. & Thurs. 6-7 a.m. Brenau University Natatorium, Washington/Prior St. $60 month. (770) 532-6279,
bbachman@brenau.edu,
crossfitnega@yahoo.com.
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North Georgia Super Sprint Triathlon, Dawsonville. Triathlons for adults and children; adult distances-250 yard pool swim, 7 mile bike, 2. 25 mile run; various distances for children. Starting waves begin at 8 a.m. May 18. Adults $40, children $35.
www.fivestarntp.com,
www.active.com, (770) 633-5511.
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Outdoor Leisure Pool Opens, Cumming. Outdoor water park with water play features, slides, sprays opens weekends 1-6 p.m. May 4-19; Mon.-Sat. 2 sessions, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2:30 -6:30 p.m.; Sun. 1-6 p.m. May 25-Aug. 7. Session cost $4 kids/seniors; $5 adults.
www.cummingaquaticcenter.com, (770) 781-1781.
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Atlanta Iron Girl Women’s Triathlon, Buford. 1/4 mile, swim 19 mile bike, 3 mile run. 7 a.m. May 19, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy. $95 until Apr. 18, $105 to May 18; $12 additional USAT fee. Must be at least 18 years old.
www.irongirl.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Splash Zone Opens, Gainesville. Opening of outdoor water park with slides, spray fountains, interactive water play, 10 a.m. May 25, Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center, 1545 Community Way. Daily $6 Gainesville/Hall County residents, $8 out of city/county; $4/$6 age 60 and older and groups of 10 or more; free to children 2 and younger.
www.gainesville.org/frances-meadows, (770) 533-5850.
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Laurel Park Sprayground Opens, Gainesville. Water playground for children opens at noon May 25. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., noon- 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 3100 Cleveland Hwy. $2 per child.
www.hallcounty.org, (770) 535-8280
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My First/Next Triathlon, Buford. Weekend triathlon festival with two triathlons each day: ? mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run. Triathlons start at 7:45 a.m. (Next) and 8 a.m. (First) June 8, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Parkway. $89.
www.active.com,
www.firsttri.com, (800) 343-4466.
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Peach Kids Triathlon, Gainesville. Kids 14 and younger swim, bike, run various distances by age group, 7 a.m. ages 12-14, 8:15 a.m. 9-11, 9 a.m. 6-8, June 9, Frances Meadows Aquatic Center, 1545 Community Way. $40.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Ridge 5K Open Water Swim, Hiawassee. Swim in Lake Chatuge from The Ridges Resort to Clay County Recreation Park, 10 a.m. June 30, The Ridges Resort, 3499 Hwy 76W. $45.
www.active.com, www.thebeastoftheeast.net, (828) 389-6982
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Crow’s Lake Triathlon, Jefferson. 400 yard swim, 15 mile bike, 5K run, 7:30 a.m. July 14, 155 Crow’s Lake Dr. Individuals $82 by June 30, $102 after; relays $130/$150. $12 per person USAT fee.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Tri the Mountains, Blue Ridge. 600 yard swim, 18 mile bike, 5K run, 7 a.m. July 21, Lake Blue Ridge Marina, 335 Marina Dr. Individuals $97 until July 7, $117 after; relays $125/$140. $12 per person USAT fee. No race day registration.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Summer Sizzler Triathlon, Hiawassee. .8 mile swim, 13 mile bike, 3 mile run, 8 a.m. Aug. 4, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hwy 76. Individuals $65 by July 20, $75 after; relays $95/$110.
www.active.com,
www.thebeastoftheeast.net, (828) 389-6982.
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Tri to Beat Cancer, Athens. 400 meter swim, 14 mile bike, 5K run, 7 a.m. Aug. 18, Sandy Creek Park, 400 Holman Rd. Individuals $70 by 4, $90 after; relays $130/$150. $12 per person USAT fee.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Tugaloo Triathlon, Lavonia. 1.5K swim, 42 K bike, 10K run, 8 a.m. Sept. 7, Tugaloo State Park, 1763 Tugaloo State Park Dr. Individuals $97 by Aug., 25, $117 after; relays $130/$150. $12 per person USAT fee.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
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Lake Lanier Islands Triathlon, Buford. 400 meter swim, 13 mile bike, 5K run, 7:30 a.m. Sept. 29; mandatory bike drop off Sept. 28, Lake Lanier Islands Resort, 7000 Lake Lanier Islands Pkwy. Individuals $70 by Sept 15, $90 after; relays $130/$150. $12 per person USAT fee.
www.active.com,
www.gamultisports.com, (770) 926-2367.
Grounded Pursuits
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Blue Sky Concerts, Gainesville. Live music on the downtown square, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays in May. Free.
www.gainesville.org.
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First Friday, Gainesville. Live music performances on the downtown square; patrons can purchase alcoholic beverages and wristbands from local restaurants and stroll designated downtown area, beverage in hand, 5-10 p.m. May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 9, Sept. 6. Free.
www.gainesville.org.
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5K/1-Mile Run-A-Zance, Gainesville. 8 a.m. May 4, North Hall High School Track, 4885 Mt. Vernon Rd. 5K $20 early, $25 race day; fun run $15.
www.active.com, (770) 983-7331.
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Cinco de Run-O 5K & 10K, Dawsonville. 8 a.m. May 4, Dawsonville City Hall, 415 Hwy 53E. 5K $25, 10K $30.
www.active.com,
www.fivestarntp.com, (770) 633-5511.
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NFHS Raders 5K Challenge, Cumming. 8:30 a.m. May 4, North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Road. $25. www.active.com, www.ffcpromotions.com.
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Trail Crew Work Day, Gainesville. Bring water, lunch and gloves for trail maintenance work, tools provided, ages 18 and older, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4, June 1, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123 Elachee Drive. Call to register.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
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First Saturday Hike, Gainesville. Naturalist led hikes focuses on stream life in Chicopee Woods 10-11:30 a.m. May 4, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123 Elachee Drive. $5 adults, $3 children 2-12, free to Elachee members and children younger than 3.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
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Light in the Mountains 5K, Tallulah Falls. Off-road 5K 8:30 a.m., 1 mile fun run 8 a.m. May 4, Tallulah Falls School Farm, 580 Scenic Loop Rd. $25.
www.georgiarunner.com,
www.racerpal.com, (706) 839-2001.
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Spring Fling Art in the Garden, Dawsonville. Concerts, car show, garden seminars, children’s activities, crafts, food, outdoor movie, beginning 10 a.m. May 4-5, Bowen Center for the Arts, 335 Hwy. 9 North. Free.
www.dawsonarts.org, (706) 216-2787.
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Hall County Farmers Market, Gainesville. Farmers sell locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, 6 a.m.-sellout Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays beginning May 7, Jesse Jewell/East Crescent Dr. (770) 531-6900.
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Flights of Fancy, Gainesville. Silent auction of “birdy” garden items, bird houses, yard art, plus hors d’oeuvres, wine and other beverages, 6-9 p.m. May 10, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123 Elachee Dr. $45 per person; sponsorship tables available in various price categories.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
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L.A.P. Century Ride, Lula. 26, 35, 50, 63, 80, 100 mile bicycle rides with rest stops, snacks and lunch, 8 a.m. May 11, Lula Assembly of Praise Church, 6158 Carter St. $40.
www.habershamcycles.com,
www.active.com, (706) 894-2453.
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Mountain Man Dam Hard Trail Race, Buford. 4 and 10 mile trail races, 8:30 a.m. May 11, Lower Pool Park (just below Buford Dam), Little Mill Rd. $45. www.mtnmanevents.com, www.active.com, Ben Culbertson, (678) 644-7366.
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Hope 5K, Maysville. 10 a.m. May 11, Hurricane Shoals Park, 416 Hurricane Shoals Rd. $25.
www.active.com, (706) 652-2124.
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Resurrection Road Run/Fun Run, Helen. Fun run 9 a.m., 5K 9:30 a.m. May 11, Edelweiss Strauss. 5K $25, fun run $10.
www.runnersfit.com, (770) 561-1050.
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Atlanta Audubon Society Bird Walk, Winder. Look for woodpeckers, warblers, wading birds with Audubon Society guide, noon-2 p.m. May 11, Fort Yargo State Park, 210 S. Broad St. $5 parking.
www.gastateparks.org, (770) 867-3489.
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CCC Reunion/Trail Project, Blairsville. “Tree Army” boys tell stories of New Deal Era, Georgia Appalachian Trail Club leads service project, covered dish meal, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. Reservation required.
www.gastateparks.org, (706) 745-2628.
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Georgia Master Naturalist Program, Gainesville. 10-week program on Georgia natural habitats and ecosystems, 1-5:30 p.m. Thursdays thru June 13, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Program fee $160. Must be 18 or older.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
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ISI Cycling, Gainesville. Group road cycling for all speeds and levels in North Hall area, mountain biking at Chicopee Woods, see
www.isicycling.com.
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Multisport Workouts, Gainesville. Swim, bike, run training opportunities at Baxter’s Multisport, 2480 Limestone Pkwy. Call or check website for information about group bike rides, swim clinics, runs. (770) 532-2453,
http://baxtersmultisport01.moonfruit.com/
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Lanier Running Club, Gainesville. Club meeting, 7 p.m. May 13, Re-cess Southern Gastro Pub, 118 Bradford St., NW.
www.lanierrunningclub.org.
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Zion’s Power Dash 5K/Fun Run, Oakwood. Fun run 7:30 a.m., 5K 8 a.m. May 18, West Hall High School, 5500 McEver Rd. $25 by May 10, $30 after.
www.active.com.
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Dawg Dash at Dusk, Cumming. 5K 6:30 p.m. May 18, Forsyth Central High School, 520 Tribble Gap Rd. $20 students, $25 adults.
www.active.com, (404) 964-3251.
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Gotta Give Back 5K/1-mile, Cumming. 4 p.m. May 18, First Redeemer Church, 2100 Peachtree Pkwy.$25 by May 8, $30 after.
www.active.com,
www.gattarunkids.com.
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Stars over Elachee at Chicopee Lake, Gainesville. Learn how to use a telescope, view the night sky. 8-9 p.m., May 18. Bring pencil and flashlight. For ages 8 and up. Register in advance. Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Adults $10, ages 8-12 $5.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
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Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals, Helen. Children accompanied by adult fish stocked lake, 8 a.m.-noon May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21. Call for directions to Buck Shoals, near Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail. $5 parking.
www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.
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17th Annual Butterfly Release, Gainesville. Release of 1,500 painted butterflies, 3 p.m., paper sailboat races, face painting, refreshments 1-4 p.m. May 19, Wilshire Trails Park, 849 Wilshire Rd. Free. Canned item for Georgia Mountain Food Bank suggested.
www.gainesville.org/friends-of-the-parks, (770) 531-2680.
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Brenau Barbecue Championship, Gainesville. Cook-off with professional teams and backyard chefs, preview party/concert 6-10 p.m. May 24, $10; judging, tasting, family activities, crafts and more,10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 25, $5, Brenau University, 500 Washington St.
www.brenau.edu/bbq.
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Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike, Tallulah Falls. Mile and a half night hike to suspension bridge over falls, 8:15-10:15 p.m. May 24, 9:30-11:30 p.m. May 25, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive. $5 plus $5 parking.
www.gastateparks.org, (706) 754-7981.
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Jr. Falcons 5K/Fun Run, Flowery Branch. Fun run 8 a.m., 5K 8:30 a.m. May 25, Flowery Branch High School, 6603 Spout Springs Rd. 5K $25, fun run $15.
www.active.com , (678) 358-3815
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Memorial Day Blast, Helen. Sack races, field day activities, campfire, music, hoe-down, 8-9 p.m. May 24, 1-9 p.m. May 25, 1-8 p.m. May 26, 1-4 p.m. May 27, Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201, Ext. 305.
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Exploring Mushrooms, Helen. Lessons and walk explores fungi in forest and ecosystem, 10 a.m.-noon, May 25, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trail. Register in advance. $10 plus $5 parking.
www.gastateparks.org, (706) 878-3087.
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Holiday Gorge Floor Hike, Tallulah Falls. Strenuous trek, including 531 stairs, river crossing, boulder climbing and rock jumping to swim near Bridal Veil Falls, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 25, 26, 27, & 28, Tallulah Gorge State Park, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive. Register in advance. $5, plus $5 parking.
www.gastateparks.org, (706) 754-7981.
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Challenge of the Centuries, Hartwell. 35, 65, 100 mile bicycle rides with rest stops, snacks and camping, 8 a.m. May 25-26, Bell YMCA, 281 Opal Extension. 1-day $40, 2-day $50.
www.challengeofthecenturies.blogspot.com,
www.active.com.
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Farmers Market, Gainesville. Farmers market features locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations, 2:30-sellout or 6:30 p.m., Fridays May 31 through Sept., Downtown Gainesville Square.
www.gainesville.org.
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Siege Yargo Trailblazer Race, Winder. Individuals and 2-3 member teams paddle, run, mountain bike, and face other challenges in adventure race, 8:30 a.m. June 1, Fort Yargo State Park 210 S. Broad St. $50-$65.
www.siegeyaro.trailblazerar.com (770) 736-8715.
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First Saturday Hike, Gainesville. Naturalist led hikes focuses on insects June 1 in Chicopee Woods 10-11:30 a.m, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2123 Elachee Drive. $5 adults, $3 children 2-12, free to Elachee members and children younger than 3.
www.elachee.org, (770) 535-1976.
- compliled by Jane Harrison
