What's happening in and out of New Albany

Jan. 1 runcbus New Year’s Day River Run

11 a.m., North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St., Columbus, www.secondsoleracing.com

Run this flat, fast 5K along the Scioto River. Registration and packet pick up is 9:30 a.m. at North Bank Park. This event kicks off the Columbus Marathon Race Director’s Challenge. Beginning at the race and throughout January, drop off a non-perishable food item at the Gahanna Second Sole location and be entered into a drawing for one of 20 free entries to the 2013 Columbus Marathon or Half Marathon. Donations benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

Jan. 5

Winter Hike: Blacklick Woods

10 a.m., Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 2- or 4-mile hike at this event. As part of the Winter Hike series, this hike comes with the option of being guided or independent. Refreshments will be provided. Complete seven of the 13 hikes to earn a decorative patch.

Jan. 7

Classes Resume

New Albany-Plain Local Schools

Jan. 8

New Albany Community Garden Association meeting

Jan. 26 & Feb. 23

5:30-7 p.m., Plain Local Township Fire Department, 9500 Johnstown Rd., www. facebook.com/newalbanycommunitygarden

Join the Healthy New Albany Community Garden Association to discuss plans for the 2013 garden.

Jan. 12

Winter Hike: Sharon Woods

10 a.m., Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 2- or 4-mile hike at this Winter Hike from Metro Parks.

Jan. 13

National Geographic Tornado

Hunter: Tim Samaras

7:30 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., www.mccoycenter.org

With more than 20 years of experience chasing storms, Samaras has a wealth of dramatic footage to share from his adventurous career. Tickets range from $15-$25.

Jan. 19

The GORUCK Challenge

1 a.m. and 10 p.m., starting point TBA, Columbus, www.goruckchallenge.com

This 8-12 hour, military-inspired team adventure is not for the faint of heart. The events are capped at 30 participants each and require a registration fee of $160, $10 of which benefits the Green Beret Foundation.

Jan. 19

Winter Hike: Scioto Audubon

10 a.m., Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 1- or 2-mile hike at this Winter Hike from Metro Parks.

Jan. 19-20

Open Call Competition

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., www.mccoycenter.org or www.opencallcompetition.com

Aspiring dancers have the opportunity to connect with those in the professional dance industry at the central Ohio stop of this national touring performance competition. The specialized judging panel will include top dancers, talent agents, directors and choreographers

Jan. 19, Feb. 16

Rocks and Roots Trail Racing Series

6:30 a.m., Alum Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, www.premierraces.com

Rocks and Roots has partnered with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to offer this new trail running series. Register for one or both events and choose from a variety of distances ranging from 10K-50K.

Jan. 26, Feb. 23

New Albany Winter Farmers Market

9 a.m.-noon, Church of the Resurrection Ministry, 6300 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., www.facebook.com/nafarmersmarket

Shop local at the indoor Winter Farmers Market. More than 30 vendors bring fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, flowers, artwork and more for your perusal.

Jan. 27

Winter Hike: Inniswood

2 p.m., Inniswood Metro Park, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 2-mile hike at this Winter Hike from Metro Parks.

Feb. 2

Jan. 27

New Albany Community Band Concert

3 p.m., New Albany United Methodist Church, 20 S. Third St., www.naarts.org

The New Albany Community Band, led by Director Darren Falk, performs a variety of tunes at this free concert.

Jan. 29

Culinary Herbs 101: Using Dried Herbs

7-8:30 p.m., The Going Green Store, 909 River Rd., Granville, www.thegoinggreenstore.com

Add some spice to your winter with this herbal cooking class led by Janell Baran from Blue Owl Garden Emporium as she teaches how to use dried herbs in cooking. Attendees walk away from this $20 class with a variety of recipe ideas.

Feb. 2

Fight for Air Climb Columbus

9 a.m., Rhodes Tower, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, www.lung.org

Join the American Lung Association in this 40-floor timed climb. To participate, each individual is required to meet or exceed a $100 fundraising minimum benefiting the research, education and advocacy of lung health. Register online by Jan. 25.

Feb. 2

Winter Hike: Blendon Woods

10 a.m., Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Westerville, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 2-, 4- or 6-mile hike at this Winter Hike from Metro Parks.

Feb. 10

Shall We Dance?

3 p.m., Irving E. Schottenstein Theatre, Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., www.mccoycenter.org

This program, put on by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra, features a high-energy performance by Latin dancers from the Salsamante School of Diamond Dance Academy. Similar to Dancing with the Stars, audience members will select the winning dancers through electronic voting. Tickets range from $9-$17 when purchased in advance.

Feb. 14

Valentine’s Day

Feb. 16

Winter Hike: Three Creeks

10 a.m., Three Creeks Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport, www.metroparks.net

Take part in a 1-, 3- or 5.6-mile hike at this Winter Hike from Metro Parks.

Feb. 17

CRRC Winter Run

1 p.m., Granville Intermediate School, 2025 Burg St., Granville, www.columbusroadrunners.org

This event offers 3-, 7.5- and 15-mile runs on a 7.5-mile loop course. The course contains several hills, providing a challenging run for those training for spring marathons.

Feb. 18

Presidents Day No School

Feb. 24

Pinkalicious, the Musical

1 and 4 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., www.mccoycenter.org

The popular children’s book has been made into a hit musical. Children of all ages can watch how Pinkalicious finds her way out of a curious predicament after eating too many pink cupcakes. Tickets range from $15-$25.

Feb. 28-March 3

Arnold Sports Festival

Around Columbus, www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

Fitness fans from around the country gather for this multi-sport festival, co-produced by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Events will be held all around downtown Columbus, including the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Veterans Memorial and the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion.

For more events visit HealthyNewAlbanyMagazine.com

Feb. 24

Feb. 28-March 3

By Garth Bishop Photography by Wes Kroninger