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Some area martial arts students are turning their workout into a fundraiser to help families with critically ill children, and anyone can join in the action.

Students from the Innovative Martial Arts Academy in Wake Forest will conduct their Kick-A-Thon for Jesica's Hope Chest on from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8.

The event, which is part of the academy's own Community Service Month, takes place at 1241 S. Main St., Suite 15. You can help by participating or by sponsoring a student. Contact school owner Charles Falk at 919-562-4663, e-mail charles@martialartsforlife.ne or visit www.martialartsforlife.net.

Competitors don't have to slow down just because they have had a few more birthdays than some of the rest of the Triangle's recreational athletes. No way. Opportunities abound for senior athletes, and some of the biggest opportunities come via Senior Games competition.

This week, Sept. 22-28, more than 3,200 Senior Olympians age 55 and up from around the state will be in the Triangle for the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals. More than 900 volunteers also are expected for the event, which includes athletic competitions; SilverStriders, the national program for walkers; and SilverArts, the creative arts program for performing, visual, heritage and literary arts.

Around the Triangle, philanthropy wears running shoes.

All it takes is a slight cooling of the weather in late summer or a slight warming in late winter, and the announcements for road races start rolling in. Nearly every race is conducted to raise money to benefit a nonprofit organization or a special cause. If you don't run, you still can help - just send a check or donate online.

Runners of all experience levels participate, and many events offer walks for non-runners and short races or activities for the younger set. Dogs have their day, too.

For the highly competitive runner, the races offer plenty of competition, too. Events such as the City of Oaks Marathon and the Magnificent Mile even offer cash purses.