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 require registration for participation in the challenge. Anyone can view the photos, but only registered participants can post them. Participants can register as a group, but we need one group member's contact information and only that person can post photos. 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 at 11:59 p.m. April 21.

        
After registering, what's next? Nothing officially happens for participants until April 22. This year, we'll have a special in-person "kickoff" on April 21 at Raleigh's Lake Lynn park. Participants aren't required to attend, but we think it'll be a fun way to start the event. We suggest deciding beforehand which categories 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 April 22-29. You have one mandatory category and can choose from six of the other nine for the seven categories required to qualify for the prize drawing.

      
Any limitations on the photos? Mainly just be original, venture beyond your house or yard, take all of them outdoors, and fit the categories (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 category and one category 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, have been taken by someone other than the participant or someone collaborating with the participant, or involve an invasion of privacy or trespassing. Photos that don't fit the categories or the event rules will also be removed.

What are the categories? The one mandatory category 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 category (not mandatory) is Public Park. The other eight categories include Bird Watch (no backyard feeder photos allowed), Four-Legged Friends or Foes (must be outdoors), Greenway or Marked Trail, Leafy Treasures, Nature's Alphabet (a letter you see etched by nature, such as a V, Y, or S), Outdoor Art, Shadow Friends (outdoor silhouette photos), and Water Wonders. The photos on this page are just samples. Your photos will likely look much different!

                                                                                                 
What is the event week schedule? Each day will feature a different category. Two categories, Sign of Spring and Public Park, can be posted on any of the eight days. The other eight galleries will open for posting on designated days: April 22: Bird Watch; April 23: Four-Legged Friends or Foes; April 24: Greenway or Marked Trail; April 25: Leafy Treasures; April 26: Nature's Alphabet; April 27: Outdoor Art; April 28: Shadow Friends; and April 29: Water Wonders. 
 
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. Shadows of people (not animals) should be in Shadow Friends.
 
        
Can the photos promote my group or business? Sure. Feel free to do so. Just be respectful.

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 category fits the photo.