6th Annual Nolichucky 5K River Run

The Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce is planning its 6th Annual Nolichucky 5K River Run on Saturday, May 6. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the race. The theme for this year’s race is “Derby Day”.
“In efforts to keep the race fresh and new for all participants, the race committee recommended to theme the race this year,” said Amanda Delp, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “In looking at different options for the theme, we kept coming back to ‘Derby Day’ since the Kentucky Derby is also being run that day. We will continue this new tradition with a different theme each year for future races.”
The race will begin at 4 p.m. The Start/Finish Line of the race will be in the parking lot of the Mountain Inn and Suites (former Holiday Inn Express) located at 2002 Temple Hill Road, Erwin. From Temple Hill Road, racers will continue to Jackson Love Highway and then to Industrial Park Drive. Runners will race down Industrial Park Drive to the Linear Trail access point near the Trail Gazebo and race back on the Linear Trail alongside the Nolichucky River.
Electronic tag timing and professional race management from We Run Events will be provided again this year.
“The Nolichucky 5K River Run is a timed racing event in which many competitive runners take part in each year. The race will continue to be a timed event on the same flat and fast course that racers have enjoyed for the past several years. Offering a different theme each year will help us to differentiate this race from others across the region,” added Delp.
Last year, the Nolichucky 5K River Run boasted nearly 200 runners and walkers.
“We are excited for the race this year because we have added new and fun elements including the Derby Hat Strut following the race in which participants can show off their Derby hat,” added Delp.
Following the race, male and Female awards will be presented in each category: overall (top 3), Top Masters, and Top GrandMasters, as well as the top three in each of the following age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over. Male & Female Awards will also be presented in the “Derby Hat Strut” non-competitive walk.
“Whether you are a racer or not, we hope you will come out and enjoy the food, fun and festivities at the 6th Annual Nolichucky 5K River Run,” added Delp.
Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the run/walk beginning at 4:00 p.m. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and a complimentary dinner provided by Fatz following the race. The cost to preregister for the River Run 5K is $25 and $20 for the Derby Day Hat Strut. The cost on race day is $30 and $25. Preregistration is available through May 4. Participants are able to register on-line by visiting www.werunevents.com/calendar-register-results/2017-events. For more information call the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at 423-743-3000.