Lace Up Those Sneakers, Decatur!

The runners are coming!

Decaturites can expect to see lots of sweaty, panting people on the streets the next two weekends. Plus, online registration for the July 4 Peachtree Road Race starts this Thursday.

Here's what's coming up:

These runners will hit the road Sunday morning in downtown Atlanta and eventually pass through Decatur, with local streets closed until 10:45 a.m. Last year, there were about 5,000 marathoners.

If you're not running, you can help the city by yelling, ringing bells and encouraging thousands of marathon runners who will pass by a cheering station at the old courthouse.

It's not just for city spirit -- there's money involved. The reward went to the Walk There! Decatur program.

If you want to join the cheer crew, email events@decaturga.com. If you have questions contact Katie Abel at Katie.abel@decaturga.com or 678-553-6573.

St. Patrick's Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run: Decatur High student Lydia Simms organized this run for her senior project. It will take place Saturday, March 17, on the Agnes Scott College track and benefit the March of Dimes.

The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and the one-mile fun run at 9 a.m. Registration is 30 minutes before each race. It costs $15 for the 5K and $10 for the fun run, with a family rate of two people for $15.

Tour deCatur on March 24: Registration is now open for the 10th Annual TOUR deCATUR, set for Saturday, March 24, at Decatur High School and benefitting the Decatur Education Foundation. Sign up to run the 5k, 1-mile Fun Run or Tot Trot and support children and youth across the community. For information about the race or to register, go to www.tourdecatur.com.

Volunteers are needed. Go to http://decatureducationfoundation.org/get-involved/volunteer for information on volunteer positions and to sign up. For further information, contact Nia Schooler Nia@decatureducationfoundation.org or 404-377-0641.

2012 Peachtree Road Race registration: This is a massive 10K race and an annual Fourth of July tradition for thousands of people. Registration for the race opens at 7 a.m. Thursday, March 15, through an online lottery at ajc.com/peachtree. Registration ends at 11:59 a.m. March 22. Entrants will receive an email by March 26 letting them know if they got into the race.