Writers Who Run 5k 10k Race For Literacy

"With famous, inspirational quotes along the course, it's better than having your own personal cheering section in a marathon."

Choose Your Option

Pick your path for promoting literacy: a 5k or a 10k.

RACE the 5K

A simple "lollipop" route (out-and-back with a loop around the lake). Mostly flat with a few short hills. Great for beginners!

RACE the 10K

Loop around the lake 2x and see more terrain than the 5k. Mostly flat with a few short hills. Great for those who love longer distances!

Race Event Info

This race is great for first-time racers. Walkers are also welcome!

Race Date: Saturday July 15, 2023
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles) or 10k (6.2 miles)
10k Time: 8:00 AM
5k Time: 8:05 AM
Location: Lake Junaluska in Waynesville, NC
Starting Line: Nanci Weldon Gym on N. Lakeshore Dr. behind the Lake Junaluska Welcome Center
Inclement Weather: We will hold the race rain or shine
Online Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 13 at 10:00 PM

PURPOSE

The goal for the Writers Who Run 5k & 10k Race For Literacy is to help promote worldwide literacy by focusing on a local region.

This year, we're donating books to Read 2 Succeed Asheville-Buncombe (R2S) and 50% of the race profits will also go to R2S.

Bring a few new or gently used books for 3-17 year olds to donate to the cause. We will be collecting culturally diverse books at the pavilion. Find out more about our Literacy Partners. Please bring books with Black main characters and/or written by Black authors.

GOAL: 500 books and $1,500 funds raised.

COURSE

For the 2023 race, the course is mostly flat on paved trails around Lake Junaluska. Check out the course map for more details.

Average Temp: Low 62 – High 81.
Water stations will be set up to keep you hydrated.

ENTRY FEE REGISTRATION

Early registration for 5k (thru May 31) $25
Price increases for 5k on June 1 to $35
Early registration for 10k (thru May 31) $35
Price increases for 10k on June 1 to $45
Online Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 13 at 10:00 PM
NO race-day registration.

PACKET PICKUP

Friday, July 14, 2023 ~ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM near the boat dock, under the gift shop in the Harrell Center.
Saturday, July 15, 2023 ~ 7:15 AM - 7:45 AM at the race start.
WE ENCOURAGE ALL RACERS TO PICK UP THEIR REGISTRATION PACKETS ON FRIDAY NIGHT. Please bring your confirmation with the QR code. If you don't get a QR code, we can look up your registration by name or email.

SCHEDULE

10k Race Start 8:00 AM
5k Race Start 8:05 AM
5k Awards Ceremony 9:00 AM
Literacy Partner Books Presentation 9:30 AM
10k Awards Ceremony 10:00 AM
All racers are expected to finish by 10:00 AM

TIMING/AWARDS

This race will be chip timed. All racers are expected to finish by 10:00 AM if you want your timing results posted. Awards will be presented in the following categories. NO DOUBLE DIPPING FOR OVERALL FINISHERS. Overall finishers will also receive PRIZES donated by our sponsors (Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, and Dillsboro River Company, so far.)

Top 3 Male Finishers Overall for 5k
Top 3 Female Finishers Overall for 5k
Top 3 Male Finishers Overall for 10k
Top 3 Female Finishers Overall for 10k
Top Male and Female Finishers in the following 12 age categories for both 5k and 10k:
- 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+

T-SHIRTS

Custom designed race T-shirt.
T-shirts are cotton/poly blend.
Unisex T-shirts available in small, medium, large, and XL, and XXL (for men only).
Those who register by Saturday, June 24th are guaranteed a T-shirt.

CANCELLATION POLICY

No refunds. In the event the race should be cancelled for any reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (e.g. extreme inclement weather or unsafe conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made. Runners who want to cancel for any reason will not be given a refund. We will still hold the race if it rains.

RULES & GUIDELINES

For safety reasons, we do not allow dogs, bicycles, inline skates, or skateboards on the race course. Strollers are allowed for 5k racers only and must line up in the back. Race Director reserves the right to reject any entry or to remove any participant from the race course without explanation. When you register, you will must sign the online waiver release form.