5k will begin at 9am. Virtual Race must be completed, submitted and uploaded by 5PM on May 17, 2025 for times to be reported on the website. Staging will be allowed as early as 7:30 AM and all runners are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:15 AM. The start of the race will be near Vance Avenue, between Pulliam Stadium and the parking area.

5k route is available for download through your Ultrasignup registration or below. Aid stations will be available on the 5k route. Locations will be marked on the course maps.

Parking will be available near the course, but will likely fill up quickly. Overflow parking is available at the Black Mountain public parking, which is approximately .5 miles from the start on Terry Estate Drive, and at Veterans Park near the public ball fields.

It’s May in the Mountains of North Carolina, which means that this is likely to be perfect weather for running! No need for snow boots or headgear! Rain and mud might be your biggest challenges.

Race volunteers will be present at all major intersections and turns on the courses to guide runners. Please follow their directions at all times in order to ensure your safety. Runners who are found in violation of volunteer instructions while on the course may be subject to disqualification. Please stay within the boundaries of the designated trails throughout the entire race. Where applicable, runners are required to stay on the appropriate side of cone or tape lines. 

Although earphones are allowed on the course, it is recommended that volume be kept low and/or only one earbud be used so that surrounding noises are audible to each runner. 

Some aid stations on the course will be supplied with a first-aid kit that will include items such as bandages, moleskin, vaseline, anti-inflammatories, etc. If you are in need of any of these items, simply stop and ask the volunteers at the aid station and they should be able to help you. Volunteers cannot dispense certain items unless specifically requested by the runner. In addition to the first-aid kits, various aid stations will be staffed by medical professionals who will be equipped with advanced medical supplies.

Runners are encouraged to note any special medical considerations on the back of their bibs in case of emergencies.

Spectators are welcomed and encouraged along the vast majority of the route. They should be considerate of public and private property and never interfere with the progress of any race participant. Spectators are required to follow the instructions of volunteers at all times.

Do not attempt to access any portion of the course by car.

Life happens. You shouldn’t have to worry about what to do if you end up not being able to participate in the race, and you shouldn’t have to pay for race insurance that you might not use. Our generous policies allow you to transfer your bib to another person or defer your entry to next year. Refunds will not be issued however. Runners can exercise these options at any time within the given timeframes for any reason whatsoever.