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As the weather starts to cool down and the sun becomes a little less visible behind sheets of light cloud cover, it’s time again for the annual Q Fitness & Wellness 5K Run & Walk (QFW5K) on the east side of Charlotte.
Taking place in the latter part of October, the QFW5K is a 5k race that is low-stress and perfect for anyone wanting to take part in it, from the journeyed runner to aspiring joggers. The race itself will be taking place in a wooded area, with a gravel running path that runs throughout the park. McAlpine Park’s cross-country route mainly consists of a flat, fast access surface, which is perfect for gaining speed when needed, and only includes one moderate-sized hill.
Running the show at the event is Q Fitness & Wellness, a fitness brand in Charlotte that caters to members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Owned and operated by seasoned trainer and nutritionist Crem Morris-Frazier, QF&W features reasonably priced services directed toward the clientele’s personal goals when it comes to their health, whether it is a need to work with a coach one-on-one, dropping in for group sessions, creating a plan that caters to better personal diets, or just the need to talk with a professional for consultation.
The QFW5K acts as much as a fundraiser for the benefit of local LGBTQ+ organizations, where much of the proceeds go at the end of each year’s event.
This year, two organizations are being highlighted: the Lional Lee Jr. Center for Wellness, which is a grassroots institution that addresses concerns throughout the Queen City’s community with education, advocacy, and networking; and Time Out Youth, a center that caters to helping LGBTQ+ youth in the local area from ages 13 to 24, providing not only a safe space but also offers services including weekly peer support groups, counseling, and various forms of therapy.
The Q Fitness & Wellness 5K will be taking place on October 20th, 2024, at McAlpine Creek Park at 11AM. The event itself will be held, rain or shine. The entry fee is $30 when signing up on the 5k website.