How It Works

            
What is NCRC's Spring Forth? It's not a race or mileage challenge. We don't care how fast or slow you are or whether you run or walk. You can run 10 miles or just around your neighborhood. You could probably take the photos all within a park. It's not a photo competition, but a photo-sharing challenge. It's similar to a scavenger hunt. You get a list of things to find while you're out running or walking. The unique aspect of this event is to take photos of what you find and share them with everyone on the event website. You'll get to see what other people see on their outdoor runs or walks. We're based in Raleigh, but you can participate from anywhere.

Why do we have to register? First of all, this is a fundraiser. We're raising money for two nonprofit groups: Girls on the Run of the Triangle and the City of Oaks Foundation. All proceeds from the registration fees will be split equally between the two groups. Participants also can choose to donate more to one or both of the groups. Secondly, we want to require registration for participation in the challenge. Anyone can view the photos, but only registered participants can post them. As an incentive for participating and meeting the challenge, we will have drawings for gift cards and free race entries at the end of the event. Registration ends March 18.

        
After registering, what's next? Nothing officially happens for participants until March 19. We suggest deciding beforehand which themes you want to choose, or if you want to try all of them. You don't have to wait until the event week to take your photos. However, we ask that you post your photos to the website during the week of March 19-26. You have one mandatory theme and will choose six of the other nine for the seven themes.

      
Any limitations on the photos? Mainly just be original, venture beyond your house or yard, take all of them outdoors, and fit the themes (with wide latitude). They don't have to be taken during a single run or walk. You can submit as many photos as you'd like, but you are only required to submit one photo per theme and one theme per photo (seven different photos). The idea is to use smartphone cameras and to take snapshots, not high-resolution photos. We reserve the right to disqualify and remove any offensive photos or any that are copyrighted, are taken by someone other than the participant, or involve an invasion of privacy or trespassing.

What are the themes? The one mandatory theme is Sign of Spring. Primarily, this includes flowers, but it could be pollen, plantings, or anything else that brings spring to mind (where you happen to live). The other main theme (not mandatory) is Public Park. The other eight themes include Greenway or Marked Trail, Kid(s) at Play (must be outdoors), Lake or Pond, Outdoor Art, Pedestrian Bridge (no cars allowed), Puffy Cloud(s), Twisted Tree(s) (not necessarily twisted but certainly unusual), and Wildlife (any animal that hasn't been domesticated). The photos on this page are just samples. Your photos will likely look much different!

                                                                                                 
What is the event week schedule? Each day will have a different theme. Two themes, Sign of Spring and Public Park, can be posted on any of the eight days. The other eight themes will have designated days: March 19: Greenway or Marked Trail; March 20: Kid(s) at Play; March 21: Lake or Pond; March 22: Outdoor Art; March 23: Pedestrian Bridge; March 24: Puffy Cloud(s); March 25: Twisted Tree(s); and March 26: Wildlife. 
 
Should people be in the photos? They don't have to be, but you can post selfies and/or photos with your friends and loved ones. Pets cannot count as Wildlife.
 
        
Can the photos promote my group or business? Sure. Feel free to do so. Just be respectful and please keep out any politics, thank you.

Who is donating gift cards and race entries for the drawing? Please check out our "Donors" page and support our donors. All prizes have been donated.

Can everyone see your identity in posting? That's your choice. When you register, you'll be asked for a "Posting Name." Be creative in choosing a name! Of course, you may still choose to use your real name. Your posting name will appear with your photos, along with where you took the photo and what theme fits the photo.