CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Avid runners and casual joggers were out in force Saturday at the first-ever Meck Mile in Charlotte.
The event, organized by the Charlotte Sports Foundation and presented by Albemarle, allowed participants to run or walk at their own pace along a course outside of American Legion Memorial Stadium. There were different heats by skill level, including for professional runners.
Beyond the chance to get your steps in during Memorial Day Weekend, the Meck Mile also featured arts and culture exhibits, music and DJs, food vendors, concessions, a kids' zone, and even a beer garden.
"What this is, is a community event celebrating movement," said Miller Yoho, spokesperson for the foundation. "It could be your first mile, it could be your fastest mile -- we just want people to come out and have the best time possible."
One of the runners out Saturday was Elizabeth Hindal. At 64 years old, she keeps active with plenty of running and was excited for the day's festivities as well.
Several members of the WCNC Charlotte team also hit the mile and cheered on each other.
Another part of the weekend planned for by the CSF included the Queen City Parlay, which allowed people to guess different outcomes for two of the Mile's professional heats, goals scored in the home Charlotte FC match against Philadelphia Union, and the finishing race time for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 winner. For every submission, $1 will be donated to Veterans Bridge Home.
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