Insider’s Guide: NYRR Community News – Marathon Opening Day This Weekend – National Volunteer Month – Scotland Run in April – Spring Runners

Wednesday, April 27, is Marathon Opening Day. Thousands of runners will be getting good news about their entry in the ING New York City Marathon 2011, and running fans will be able to watch the Marathon Opening Day streaming broadcast. If you're thinking about applying, do it by April 19. If you already applied, check your inbox in late April for official news.

Women in Motion on April 3

Come out to Central Park this Sunday, April 3, to cheer for the women running and walking the More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon. Elisabeth Hasselbeck, co-host of “The View,” the U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Regina Benjamin, M.D., and marathoner Sheri Piers will be out there with thousands of other participants.

The post-race festival, which is open to everyone, will feature live music and giveaways.

April is for Volunteering

This month brings to mind trail running, colored eggs, and time spent with family, but did you know that it's National Volunteer Month? NYRR staff is helping to make our city a better place by volunteering with God's Love We Deliver in their kitchens and honoring our year-round volunteers in our lobby all month long. You can give back to your community by volunteering at one of our races, with New York Cares, or with the Central Park Conservancy.

Sign up on our site to earn your +1 volunteer credit!

Experience Scotland

The Scotland Run is closed, but you can cheer for the runners and enjoy the festival, which is fun for the whole family! Dance to live Scottish music by Skerryvore, bike your way to a smoothie, and take a photo “in Scotland.” Race participants are eligible to win fantastic prizes, including a trip to Scotland, courtesy of Glasgow's sumptuous Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, a flat-screen TV, courtesy of the Smithsonian Channel, and gorgeous tweed accessories from Ness.

 New York Road Runners,