Healthy start of Mountain Heritage Day

Mountain Heritage Day 5k run on Sept. 24, 2016. Photo by WCU PR Office.

There’s no better way to start Mountain Heritage Day festivities than with some friendly competition or just a fun walk to enjoy the mountain air.

Western Carolina University kicks off Mountain Heritage Day with the ninth annual 5k walk/run starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

While there is construction underway to build a new science building, this will not stop the Catamounts as a different route is currently mapped out for runners and walkers to follow.

Marketing students at WCU have been working diligently to plan this upcoming event with hopes of reaching record-high attendance. Students at the university have to pay a fee of $10 and non-students pay $15 if pre-registering, otherwise the cost is $20 on the race day. The first 100 people to sign up are guaranteed a free t-shirt. Everyone is encouraged to bring their fastest foot forward as there is a new and exciting reward for top finishers.

“This year, Mudd Dabbers Pottery and Crafts has agreed to donate more than 40 unique, hand-crafted medals. No medal will be the same and we are really excited to see how great they turn out,” said Avery Page, a marketing team member for the event.

All proceeds from the race will go towards the Sport Event Management Association Scholarship at WCU. A scholarship created to help provide students with financial help who are majoring and minoring in Sport Management.

After the run people can continue to the rest of the fun during the 43rd Annual Mountain Heritage Day. The event is an old-fashioned fair-style celebration of Southern Appalachian Culture that boasts great food, music and dancing and even the more unique attractions such as beard contests.