The Dixon Legend 5K, 10K off-road race and half marathon run will take place on Sat., March 12 at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia.

Race times will be at 7:45 a.m. for the half marathon and 8 a.m. for the 5K and 10K races.

The event is in its first year. Dixon Forestry Education Center director Joel Martin said the event would open up the center to many newcomers.

“It’s a different kind of event for us,” Martin said. “More so than the income we can generate, it’s about the exposure. We’ve been here since 1975 as a place for people to learn about managing natural resources. A lot of people don’t realize we’re a part of Auburn University.”

Participants can look forward to running trails, dirt roads and crossing creeks all of which make up of over 5,000 acres.

Registration can be done online at sdefec.auburn.edu. Click Dixon Legend at the bottom of the page, then SDFEC Marketplace for the race form options; or mailing the completed race form to the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center at 12130 Dixon Center Road, Andalusia, AL, 36420.

All registrations received prior to Feb. 26 will receive a race T-shirt.

Registration for the 5k race is $30 until Jan. 23, then $35 until March 11 and $40 on the day of the race.

Registration for the 10k race is $35 until Jan. 23, then $40 until March 11 and $45 on the day of the race.

For the half marathon, registration is $45 until Jan. 23, then $50 until March 11 and $55 on day of the race.

First and second place finishers will be awarded for male and female for each race and specified age group. The age groups for each race is 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over.

Volunteers for the event are also encouraged to get involved.

“We’ll have water stations placed throughout the race so we’re still on the lookout for volunteers, like community groups who want to lend a helping hand and aid our runners,” Martin said.

Proceeds from the race will be used to support the operations of the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center.

The Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center was a gift to Auburn University from Andalusia residents, Solon and Martha Dixon, with the vision for a place young people could experience nature while learning about forestry wildlife and the many other aspects of natural resources management.

For more information and to volunteer email Joel Martin at marti12@auburn.edu or call 334.222.7779.