Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
- Date Sat 26th September 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Cullowhee, North Carolina
- Price $22.20
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exciting day of fitness and fun at the 16th Annual Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run, taking place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in the scenic Cullowhee, Jackson area. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and skill levels, featuring a chip-timed race that welcomes both avid runners and leisurely walkers alike. The 5K course winds through the picturesque campus of Western Carolina University, allowing participants to enjoy iconic landmarks such as the famous 'Catafount' water fountain and Alumni Tower.
Not only will you have the chance to stay active and challenge yourself, but all proceeds from this race support the Sport Management Association Scholarship Fund, making your participation even more meaningful. After crossing the finish line, join the festivities at the award-winning Mountain Heritage Days festival, where you can indulge in delicious food, explore craft vendors, and immerse yourself in live musical performances celebrating Southern Appalachian culture. With free admission to the festival and custom awards for top finishers across various age categories, this event promises a day of excitement and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while supporting a worthy cause!
Not only will you have the chance to stay active and challenge yourself, but all proceeds from this race support the Sport Management Association Scholarship Fund, making your participation even more meaningful. After crossing the finish line, join the festivities at the award-winning Mountain Heritage Days festival, where you can indulge in delicious food, explore craft vendors, and immerse yourself in live musical performances celebrating Southern Appalachian culture. With free admission to the festival and custom awards for top finishers across various age categories, this event promises a day of excitement and community spirit. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while supporting a worthy cause!
Organiser's Description
Western Carolina University's Sport Management Association invites you to the 16TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN HERITAGE DAYS 5K ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026! This is a family-friendly chip-timed race for both runners and walkers. The course features a combination of pavement and gravel paths and is appropriate for both beginner and accomplished runners as well as leisure walkers. Participants will dash through WCU's campus past iconic landmarks, including the 'Catafount' water fountain and Alumni Tower. Come enjoy a fun way to stay active while experiencing Western Carolina University's beautiful campus! All proceeds from the 5k race support the Sport Management Association Scholarship Fund.
After completing the race take a short stroll or shuttle ride to the award-winning Mountain Heritage Days festival, celebrating Southern Appalachian mountain culture through live musical performances and demonstrations, food and craft vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Admission to the festival is always free!
* Age categories for awards: 14 & under / 15-19 / 20-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70 & up
* Chip timing provided by Right On Time Productions Inc.
* Custom handcrafted awards provided by Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts (Balsam, NC)
* Awards to the top overall male and female finishers, and for the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category.
* Race T-shirt guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants
* This race is capped at 250 participants to maximize the race day experience for all!
LIVE RESULTS [https://rightontimeproductions.blogspot.com/2025/09/2025-wcu-mountain-heritage-day-5k.html]
COMPLETE AGE GROUP RESULTS [https://rightontimeproductions.blogspot.com/2025/09/2025-wcu-mountain-heritage-5k-age-group.html]
After completing the race take a short stroll or shuttle ride to the award-winning Mountain Heritage Days festival, celebrating Southern Appalachian mountain culture through live musical performances and demonstrations, food and craft vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Admission to the festival is always free!
* Age categories for awards: 14 & under / 15-19 / 20-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70 & up
* Chip timing provided by Right On Time Productions Inc.
* Custom handcrafted awards provided by Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts (Balsam, NC)
* Awards to the top overall male and female finishers, and for the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category.
* Race T-shirt guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants
* This race is capped at 250 participants to maximize the race day experience for all!
LIVE RESULTS [https://rightontimeproductions.blogspot.com/2025/09/2025-wcu-mountain-heritage-day-5k.html]
COMPLETE AGE GROUP RESULTS [https://rightontimeproductions.blogspot.com/2025/09/2025-wcu-mountain-heritage-5k-age-group.html]
Races
-
Mountain Heritage Days 5K
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 26th September 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$22.20
OPENS 28 AUGRunners and Walkers Welcome! (Walkers must be able to finish the course in 1 hour) Pre-registered check-in 7AM to 8:15AM Race is capped at 250 participants If spots remain, walk-up race day registration will be available from 7AM to 8AM for $30.00 Awards age categories: 14 & under l 15-19 l 20-29 l 30-39 l 40-49 l 50-59 l 60 -69 l 70 & up -Custom handcrafted medals provided by Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts (Balsam, NC) -Chip Timing provided by Right On Time Productions -T-shirt guaranteed to the first 100 registered participants
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
Western Carolina University - Stillwell Science Building, Cullowhee, 28723, NC, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
