Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
The Mountain Heritage Days 5K is the 16th annual community race held on September 26, 2026, on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee, NC. The event is a family friendly, chip timed race open to runners and walkers. The course combines pavement and gravel paths and runs through campus landmarks such as the Catafount water fountain and Alumni Tower.
All race proceeds support the Sport Management Association Scholarship Fund. Chip timing is provided by Right On Time Productions Inc. Custom handcrafted awards are supplied by Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts. Awards are given to the top overall male and female finishers and to the top three male and female finishers in each age category. Age categories for awards are 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & up. A race T-shirt is guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants, and the field is capped at 250 participants.
The course starts at the Stillwell Science Building, follows Central Drive past Judaculla Residence Hall, passes the fountain and Courtyard Dining Hall, continues by the WCU bookstore toward the Village Apartments, turns around in a cul-de-sac, and returns toward Apodaca Science building before finishing at Stillwell.
After the race participants may walk or take a shuttle to the Mountain Heritage Days festival, which features live musical performances, demonstrations, food and craft vendors, and family friendly activities; festival admission is free. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
