Cullowhee race brings back crowd for a second year
The Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K will race through the Western Carolina University campus and greater Cullowhee on Saturday, April 6.
Just a few days out from the race, nearly 300 had signed up: 185 for the half marathon and 92 for the 5K. Of those registered, 31 are WCU faculty or staff and 90 are WCU students.
The half marathon event begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K begins at 8:15 a.m. Both races start from the arch in front of Balsam Hall.
The half marathon course features rolling hills and largely keeps to back roads along the Tuckasegee River, while the 5K runners will stay on campus. The race pays homage to the native Cullowhee lily and the ongoing effort to repopulate WCU and its surrounds with planting of the flower.
Race day registration is available from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the Campus Recreation Center. The cost is $80 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K.
The race is hosted by the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness. MedWest Health System is the title sponsor. The proceeds of the race will help students develop professional presentations and travel to conferences.
