Get ready for running and community fun. | Photo via @chattanoogachase
The Chattanooga Chase will return for its 57th loop around the Riverview neighborhood on Monday, May 27. Don’t run towards the finish line before we can give you all the need-to-knows.
This road race is Chattanooga’s oldest, getting its start in 1968, and it still takes place on the original course. Owner of Fast Break Athletics Alan Outlaw said that the shop took over organizing the race in 2016 after working with the Chattanooga Track Club.
“I wanted to make it as authentic and nostalgic as running was in the ‘70s,” said Outlaw.
Outlaw added that he wanted to engage the community by adding in fun for those not running. You can expect art activation with local artist Olivia Reckert, music, local vendors, activities for the kiddos, and more.
Now for the runners, let’s get into what you can expect.
Training for the terrain
8K race | Windy, hilly open path (meaning passing cars may be present) that goes through the Riverview neighborhood — bonus: Two runners will be named King + Queen of Minnekahda for reaching the top of this road first.
One-mile race | Fairly flat course around the neighborhood adjacent to the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club — proceeds from this race benefit Siskin Children’s Institute.
Fun fact: The race consists of runners ages 3-95.
Pro tips from an insider
In the spirit of friendly competition, Outlaw gave us some helpful tips for navigating the day.
Parking will be available at Girls Preparatory School this year or street-side around the area — carpool and arrive early for a spot.
Get acquainted with the course by attending a preview run on Wednesday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
Sign up early to make sure you secure your t-shirt before the big day.
“It truly is a Chattanooga original,” Outlaw said. “It’s something like MoonPie, Coca-Cola, it’s as original in our history as any of those things.”
Think you’re now ready and set for the races? Register online or sign up to volunteer.
Beginner-friendly Yoga | Thursday, May 9 | 6-7 p.m. | Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, 1800 Polk St., Chattanooga | $17.85 | Step into your warrior poses for this inclusive class — bring your own mat.
Chattanooga Lookouts “Star Wars” Night & Thirsty Thursday™ | Thursday, May 9 | 7:15-10:30 p.m. | AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley, Chattanooga | $6-$11 | Travel to a galaxy not so far, far away for $2 drink deals + special “Star Wars” jerseys.*
Friday, May 10
Mother’s Day Four-Course Feast | Friday, May 10-Sunday, May 12 | Times vary | Zaya 1943 Korean Steakhouse, 300 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga | $69 | Take those mom figures in your life out for an exclusive menu at this local Korean steakhouse.
Wheeler Walker Jr. | Friday, May 10 | 8 p.m. | The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga | $25-$75.01 | See this comedic country singer take the stage on “The Spread Eagle” tour
Saturday, May 11
Medicinal Plant Sale | Saturday, May 11 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Rising Fawn Gardens, 521 Cureton Mill Rd., Rising Fawn, GA | Price of purchase | This preorder-only plant sale features medicinal seedlings like nettle, lemon balm, catnip, and so much more.
Men’s Mental Health Matters | Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Miller Park, 928 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Gather in support of men’s mental health with local organizations + enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and games.
Mother’s Day Improv Comedy Show | Saturday, May 11 | 7-9 p.m. | The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga | $17.85 | Laugh along with Improv Chattanooga during this comedy show done on the fly — this event is BYOB.
Sunday, May 12
Mother’s Day Celebration | Sunday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Stop by the market to gift shop (or treat yourself) from local artisans and crafters.
Family Fun Day | Sunday, May 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Greenway Farms, 5051 Gann Store Rd., Hixson | Free | Choose your own adventure — a self-guided canoeing trip, archery, a nature hike, disc golf, or enjoy a relaxing picnic.
The City of Chattanooga has published a Request for Qualification “to begin the scoping and analysis for the proposed Sunbelt-Atlantic Connector” (the passenger rail project that will link Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga + Atlanta). Qualified firms can submit an application online through Tuesday, June 11.
Traffic
Lake Resort Drive will be closed tomorrow, May 10 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to allow for the transfer of traffic control devices to the new bridge span. During the closure, all traffic will detour via Hamill Road.
Theater
Tickets are now on sale for the Tivoli Theatre Foundation’s annual Jewel Awards, Chattanooga’s high school theater awards program. The ceremony on Saturday, May 11 will celebrate schools with honors like the “Best Musical,” “Jimmy Awards Best Actor,” and “Best Actress Nominees.”
Film
Barking Legs Theater will host the premiere screening of “Cultural Cross Ties: Sister Cities in Conversation” on Friday, May 24 at 6 p.m. The screening is free + open to the public and will share conversations between librarians, firefighters, and artists from Chattanooga’s Sister City Hamm, Germany.
Sports
Chattanooga Mocs sophomore pitcher Peja Goold has been named the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year. Notably, she struck out 86 batters in 85 innings of work + was named to the softball league’s All-Conference First Team. Congratulations, Goold. (Chattanooga Mocs)
Community
Calling all plant lovers. The Chattanooga Department of Community Development will host a community plant swap on Saturday, May 11 at the North River Civic Center. Bring a plant from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to trade with others. Note: Plants must be pest-free + labeled with care instructions.
Concert
It’s Live Nation’s Concert Week, meaning you can get $25 tickets now through Tuesday, May 14, and Chattanooga’s concert venue The Signal is joining in on the fun. Get discounted tickets for upcoming shows like August Burns Red, Isaiah Rashad, and more online.
Plan Ahead
Folks of all ages are invited to participate in RiseUP Cooperative’s Adventure Trek scavenger hunt on Monday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hunt will start at the Chattanooga Green where teams will solve clues that will take them through downtown to win prizes.
Number
$9,000. That’s how much we’re looking to raise to support our staff and mission here at NOOGAtoday — and our fundraising ends tomorrow, May 10. If you love the free community resource you’re reading right now (we sure do), support us today with a one-time donation. See how close we are to our goal.
Announced
Congrats to Haley M., James T., and Lori E., our three winners of Reflection Riding’s outdoor adventures giveaway. Didn’t win? Not to worry, you can still enjoy all 300+ pristine acres with an annual membership.*
Road work ahead? Uh, we sure hope it does. | Photo by Kevin Ruck via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has proposed building the area’s first-ever County Roads Improvement Fund. Before it goes to vote, let’s pave out the key details.
The proposal outlines allocating $5.8 million of the county’s General Fund into these investments with a projection of it being leveraged to $8 million in grant matches. This marks the largest investment in road infrastructure in Hamilton County history.
“I have persistently advocated for upgrades as the roads out here have experienced unprecedented usage, and this fund is a great first step in addressing infrastructure in the unincorporated county,” said Commissioner Steve Highlander.
County commissioners will vote on the allocation of funds on Wednesday, May 15. Pending approval, see what roads are being prioritized.
LED signs. Are you looking for a fun way to brighten up your home? Category6 LED has iconic neon signs scaled down to a size perfect for your at-home bar or game room.
Okay guys, I have some pretty exciting news. I have discovered where to get some of the tastiest and freshest churros in the city, and I can’t wait to share it with you all — but you’ll have to wait until this weekend. Make sure you’re keeping up with our Instagram.
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