Runners gather in the Campus Recreation Center to pick up their race packets. Photo by Kristie Watkins
The courtyard of Western Carolina University on Saturday morning, April 1, was filled with excitement as over 300 runners came out to participate on the 7th Valley of the Lilies race.
Micaela Birek, marketing coordinator for the Valley of the Lilies said that she saw many of the same people running from previous years. Bill Klugh, a WCU alumni, was one of them. He has come back to compete each year since the start of this fundraiser.
The organizers of the event had to change the half marathon course from what it has been in the past because of the constructions on Old Cullowhee Road.
“I like this course better. So hopefully it will attract more people next year,” Birek said.
Justin Stevenson, WCU junior ran the half marathon before but said he welcomed the new changes.
“As far as races go, I thought this was well put together. I like the layout of the course itself,” Stevenson said.
See the video below for a recap of the event.
The overall winners of the 5k were Jarred Lehr, Jacob Deal and Nathan Monteith. The overall winners for the half marathon were Paul Anerson, Matthew Impagliatelli, and Jason Michaels.
The energy from the people, clear blue skies and great weather made the day perfect for a race.
Check out the story, “What it takes to conquer the Valley of the Lilies” for an inside look at the training process.
