Race Roundup: See Cherokee on Foot
4.27.2016
Lace up your sneakers! Whether you're running or walking, there's no better way to see Cherokee up close and in person than on foot. You might even pass a (painted) bear, or two! Check out these upcoming walks and races for the 2016 season. There's something for every fitness level.
Cherokee Relay For Life
Saturday, April 30 from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Entrance to the sixth annual Cherokee Relay for Life community festival is free, with all funds raised at the event benefiting the American Cancer Society. While not an official race or relay, participants can walk the track, in honor of loved ones whose lives have been touched by cancer. The opening ceremony begins at 4:15 pm followed by games, food, and entertainment.
After dark, a luminaria ceremony will take place to remember loved ones who have been affected by cancer, and to honor cancer survivors and those currently fighting the disease. Candles will be lit inside personalized bags and placed around the relay track as glowing tribute. Luminaria bags will be available at the event for a $10 donation.
The fundraising goal for this event is $16,000 this year, and organizer Carrie Shuler says that goal is close to being met. At the writing of this post, thirteen teams have already raised over $11,000! To join a team or make a donation, visit the Relay for Life Cherokee page on the American Cancer Society website. Over the past six years, over $50,000 has been raised at this event, bringing hope and light to those battling the disease.
Admission: Free
Location: Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, 545 Tsali Blvd. Cherokee, NC 28719
Contact: Carrie Shuler, 828-788-3525 or carrieshuler@cancer.org
See more at: http://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/cherokee-relay-for-life/#sthash.Fd6mImmD.dpuf
Mother's Day 5K
Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Cherokee Choices, a Diabetes Prevention Program, hosts the 2016 Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk at Kituwah Mound, a sacred, historic site that once sat at the center of the first Cherokee village, located in Bryson City. Kituwah Mound is often referred to as the "Mother Town of the Cherokee," dating back to nearly 10,000 years. All proceeds for the Mother's Day 5K benefit the Cherokee Dialysis Support Group.
The 5K course has a bit of everything: road, farm road, and trails—offering a complete review of the historic site and making it perfect for seasoned runners, first-timers, and walkers.
Registration will be accessible online at RunSignup.com or in person from 7:30 am until 8:30 am. Prior to April 23, entry fees are $15 per person and $5 for kids 12 and younger and ages 59 or above. After April 23, adults are $20.
Location: Kituwah Mound, 3900 Governor's Island Rd., Bryson City, NC US 28713, Cherokee, NC 28719
Contact: Tara McCoy, 828.359.6783
See more at: http://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/mothers-day-5k/#sthash.eb4QquKx.dpuf
Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K
Friday, September 30 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
The fourth annual Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K benefits the Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation, serving children 17 and under with cancer in Jackson, Graham, Swain, and Haywood Counties.
The 2016 online registration for both races is now open and can be accessed at imathlete.com. Each race is capped at 600 participants with a time limit of three hours to complete the half marathon.
Runners will start and finish in the parking lot of the Acquoni Events Center (former Cherokee High School). The half marathon course will tour all of Cherokee and will be relatively flat except for one climb at the six-mile mark. The 5K course will stay predominantly in town and is mostly flat.
The Half Marathon will begin at 8:00 am and the 5K at 8:15 am.
Last year, over $17,000 was generated from this event. Show your support by registering for the event or cheer on the participants and donate to their teams.
For the full registration and event schedule, visit http://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/cherokee-harvest-half-marathon-5k/#sthash.eOzmY7ES.dpuf
Half Marathon Entry Fees:
January 1–April 30 - $45
May 1–September 30 - $50
October 1 - $55
5K Entry Fees:
January 1–April 30 - $25
May 1–September 30 - $30
October 1 - $35
Location: Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Contact: greg@gloryhoundevents.com
Turkey Strut 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, November 19 from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
Get ready for Turkey Day with a fun 5K! On-site registration will be available from 10:30–11:30 am and the race begins at noon.
Pre-sale Tickets:
$10 for adults before November 15, and $20 after November 15
$5 for adults ages 59 and up
$5 for kids ages 12 and younger
Location: Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee, NC 28719
Contact: Tara McCoy, 828.359.6783; taramcc@nc-cherokee.com
See more at: http://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/turkey-strut-5k-walk-run/#sthash.cEgClSqe.dpuf