Road Races: The annual Reindeer Run in Pittsboro on Dec. 12 starts at 8 a.m. on the campus of Central Carolina Community College. Proceeds from the registration fee ($22./$25) go to enhance fitness opportunities for Chatham County citizens. (Money from the 2008 race is going to help build a trail.) Awards in the 5k run will go to the top three men and women finishers, as well as three-deep in age groups. Visit www.chathamnc.org for more information.

The fall road-race calendar in Chapel Hill-Carrboro climxes with the sixth annual Southern Village Holiday 5K and Family Fun Run on Dec. 13, with pre-race activities beginning at noon at the Village Green, (across from the Lumina Theater.) Complete details and online registration available at www.sv5k.com. Proceeds from the race go to benefit the Chapel Hill Service League ( www.chapelhillserviceleague.org).

CHHS Alum Run: The fifth annual CHHS XC Alumni 5k Run/Walk will be held at Chapel Hill High School track Sunday, Dec. 27, at 1 p.m. The 2009 3-A state championship teams from CHHS will be there at Culton-Peerman Stadium to cheer on the alums who take to the trails. Events include a "Munchkin Ramble" for young runners, a raffle for prizes and food after the run.

Registration will be $10 for adults and $5 for kids. (CHHS "XC Alumni Run" T-shirts will also be available for in sizes for adults ($15) and children ($10). Money raised will go to benefit the Chapel Hill High School cross-country team. For more information, contact CHHS coach Ron Olsen at 929-2106, or email donna_bunch@med.unc.edu.

Coaching in Carrboro: The Carrboro Recreation and Parks Department is currently accepting volunteer coach's applications for its 2009 Youth Baseball (ages 6-15 years old) and Youth Girls Volleyball (ages 10-13) programs. Coaches must exhibit the ability to organize practices and communicate effectively with players, parents, and Recreation Department staff. They must also exhibit the ability to teach proper playing skills and fundamentals, sportsmanship, and provide an enjoyable atmosphere at practices and games. To receive a volunteer coach's application or additional information, please contact the Recreation Department at 918-7364 before Friday, Dec. 11.

YMCA Basketball: Parents can still register their children for the local YMCA's winter basketball season, with age-group divisions that include Pre-Kindergarten, grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8. PreK and K-1 are coed divisions, while all other groups offer separate girls and boys divisions. Play begins Jan. 9, with games on Saturdays. Practices and games are hosted at a variety of local gymnasiums at the YMCA and local schools. (Divisions are assigned to specific sites). All divisions offer fun-focused play and instruction.

Members and non-members alike can register in person at the YMCA at 980 MLK Jr. Blvd. or with an existing participant account through the online registration system at www.chcymca.org. For additional information, contact the YMCA at or 919-442-9622.

Chatham Lax: Registration is open for North Chatham Lacrosse's spring 2010 season. North Chatham is a non-profit organization that offers instructional clinics and game play for boys and girls. The group fosters the sport's growth in Chatham, with hopes for eventual growth into varsity programs at the high school and middle school level. Please check www.fusionlacrosse.com for registration and team information.

Railhawks soccer: The Carolina RailHawks will hold an open tryout and combine in preparation for the 2010 season, with RailHawks coaches looking for talented soccer players at both sessions at WakeMed Soccer Park. Open tryouts will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6. The registration fee is $75. Two players there will be invited to the RailHawks training camp in the spring. The combine will be held on Dec.17-18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Registration costs $150. Combine participants will receive instruction and be evaluated by RailHawks coaching staff, and all deemed to demonstrate the necessary skill level will be invited to the RailHawks training camp in Spring 2010. All participants should bring cleats and shin guards or they will not be allowed to compete. Water will be provided, but players will be responsible for their own food and travel expenses. For more information visit carolinarailhawks.com or call 859-5425.

Coaching Clinic: Gill Athletics will host a USA Track& Field coaching school Dec. 18-20 at the UNC indoor facility on its ChapelHill campus. This 'Level I' program covers all track & field events,emphasizing fundamentals, rules, safety/risk management, and instruction techniques. For more information, see www.usatf.org/groups/Coaches/education/or contact clinic director Andrew Allden at 542-3853 or .