Plus, great photo spots in CLT.
 
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82º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:48 a.m. | Sunset 8:02 p.m.
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🏃 Just one more lap...

Charlotte running taken to the “Ultra” level
A runner sprints up a forested hill.
Runners in the Sweaty Backyard Ultra Cox raced the clock to complete a 4.167-mile loop in the woods of Concord each hour until only one runner remained. | Photo by CLTtoday
Running enthusiasts don’t have to jog far to find good company. There are plenty of running clubs across Charlotte, offering exercise and a chance to build community. If you’re seeking a greater challenge, there are opportunities to put your endurance to the test.

Picture this — Running a 4.167-mile loop through the mud and elevated trails in Concord in the heat of summer. You’re in a race against time. You must complete the course in 60 minutes, and you get whatever’s left of that time in rest before doing it all over again. Can’t beat the clock? You’re out. At the end, only one runner is left standing — no matter how long it takes.

Up your alley? The inaugural Sweaty Backyard Ultra Cox was an “ultra marathon” race drawing Charlotte’s running culture on the last Saturday of July.

Two men smile for a photo together in the woods of Concord.

Donnie Harris and Jonathan Clayton are the co-race directors of the inaugural Sweaty Backyard Cox Ultra marathon event.

|

Photo by CLTtoday

“This type of event naturally attracts people who want to push themselves physically,” said race co-director, Donnie Harris. “That’s just how they’re built. But I think it’s also the community.”

The event took a year of planning — hand digging and marking the course in a friend’s backyard.

“4.167 miles is a specific length because when you hit 24 hours, you hit 100 miles,” said race co-director, Jonathan Clayton. The inaugural race welcomed 25 runners. The hope is to grow so future races can become qualifying events to larger scale marathons.

Interested runners can find a long list of upcoming events throughout the year.

“People interested in trail racing often start off with shorter distances,” said Harris. He recommends aspiring runners to “walk” before they start to “ultra run.” “You don’t start running 50 miles, you build up to it.”
Asked

How far would you be willing to run in a race?
A. 5K — 3.1 miles
B. 10K — 6.2 miles
C. Marathon — 26.2 miles
D. Running just isn’t my thing
Take your marks
City of West Columbia
 
Events
Thursday, Aug. 22
Friday, Aug. 23
  • Date Night Cooking Class | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | The Perfect Beet | $150 | Unlock your culinary potential while learning chef-inspired recipes with your significant other.
  • Friday Nights at Camp North End | Friday, Aug. 23 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Camp North End | Cost of purchase | Take advantage of the cooler evenings with live music, food, and public art.
  • The Fleetwood Mac Experience | Friday, Aug. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $29+ | Prepare for a “Landslide” of entertainment seeing The FMX Experience recreate the classic rock band.
Saturday, Aug. 24
  • Tacos N Taps Festival | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 12-5 p.m. | Ballantyne’s Backyard | $39+ | Savor drinks and food from 15+ taco trucks, taquerias, and restaurants across Charlotte.
  • Charlotte FC vs. New York Red Bulls | Saturday, Aug. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $34+ | Cheer for Charlotte FC as the team faces the Bulls from the Big Apple.
  • Nirvani: The Ultimate Tribute to Nirvana | Saturday, Aug. 24 | Amos’ Southend | $15+ | South End “Smells Like Teen Spirit” during this tribute to the rock band.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Closing
  • Kannapolis-based Stewart-Haas Racing plans to close. The closure will result in 323 layoffs beginning Monday, Nov. 11. The team is owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. (WCNC)
Development
  • There’s a push to bring 400 new residences to Fort Mill. Crossroads Development Partners and Pulte Homes submitted plans for a retirement facility between Williams and Haire roads. Town leaders voted to defer the plans until the land is annexed. (WCNC)
Edu
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is warning parents about potential bus delays when school starts next week. Families can expect a 15-20 minute delay due to an ongoing driver shortage. The district is currently trying to fill ~35 vacancies. (WCNC)
Open
  • California-based Pasta Crush is now open in Uptown’s Monarch Market. Hungry guests will find the stall between Dock Local and Focaccina. This is Pasta Crush’s second US location, serving Italian dishes + a build-your-own pasta option.
Festival
  • The eighth annual University City Wine Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Shoppes at University Place. The festival features over 100 wines from more than 25 wineries and vendors + live music and local food. General admission is $35.
Ranked
  • Charlotte’s 28277 zip code lands at No. 26 on Realtor.com’s 2024 list of the 50 hottest ZIP codes in America. This zip code includes Piper Glen, Providence Crossing, and Ballantyne. In case you’re curious — 43230 in Gahanna, Ohio (near Columbus) came in at No. 1. What’s up, CBUStoday? (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
  • Gastonia Baseball Club needs your help finding a new team name. Fans have until Friday, Aug. 30 at 11:59 p.m. to vote online for their favorite names. (WCNC)
Listen
  • Where does the Carolina Panthers defensive roster stand less than a week from Cutdown Day? Go beyond the field for the biggest stories on the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Eat
    • Looking to dine out this weekend? According to OpenTable, top-loved restaurants this month include El Puro Cuban Restaurant for food and Limani for ambience.*
    Health
    • Did you hear that? Most hearing aids have one processor. These bad boys have two. They process speech and noise separately, so speech gets clearer and crisper. No wonder 385,000+ customers love them.*
     
    Outdoors

    📸 The money shot

    Places to take great photos in Charlotte
    A colorful sunset over the Uptown skyline.
    The Target parking deck at 900 Metropolitan Ave. can offer photographers opportunities to capture amazing sunsets. | Photo by CLTtoday
    Whether you’re upgrading your fine art portfolio or just need a new profile picture, Charlotte offers plenty of scenic locations to capture great photographs.

    City Editor Jack, here. As a photography enthusiast, here are just a few places to explore before your next photo shoot:

    Truist Field
    Home of the Charlotte Knights, this landmark ballpark has a fantastic view of the Uptown skyline day and night.

    Confetti Hearts Wall
    This mural of colorful hearts can be found at 1930 Camden Rd. in Charlotte’s South End. Good luck finding a more charming spot to take photos with your friends or loved ones.

    The Overlook at CLT
    This observation post provides unparalleled views of airplanes arriving/departing from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

    Target parking deck at Metropolitan Ave.
    This “hidden gem” gives visitors a vast, scenic vista over the Uptown skyline, with the chance to capture incredible sunrises and sunsets.
    Capture nature
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    The Wrap
     
    CLT_Jack VanderToll

    Today’s edition by:
    Jack

    From the editor

    I had a blast seeing Olympic gold medalist Kaylyn Brown return from Paris to an enthusiastic crowd at CaroMont Health Park in Gastonia last night.

    She won gold in the women’s 4x400m relay and silver in the mixed 4x400m relay.

    Way to make the Charlotte region proud, Kaylyn.
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