377 racers finished the 2019 Valley of the Lilies. Photo provided by the organizer.
This story was co-written with Cami Couch
A record number of runners from 14 states participated in the 9th annual Valley of the Lilies half marathon and 5K on Saturday, April 6.
This race was put on by the Campus Recreation and Wellness (CRW) and the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS). The race raises money for student professional development and travel needs for CRW and HHS.
“A lot of college kids do not have the money to pay to go to a conference and this allows us to help and provide for students in campus recreation and health and human sciences who need it,” said Associate Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, Brandon MacCallum.
This year they saw a 32% increase in registration with 429 people registering for the event, according to MacCallum. There were 377 participants who completed the race. This year’s proceeds have not been totaled yet but last year proceeds totaled $7,000.
“We expect a lot more this year of race proceeds,” said MacCallum.
The course took runners throughout campus and along the Tuckasegee river showing the beauty of spring in the mountains.
“There are enough hills to it make interesting and the weather was perfect today,” said Susan Anderson, a third-time 5K competitor.
Racers were excited to participate in this fun but challenging course. A number of them have been training for months to prepare for the race.
“I have been training for this half marathon for four months. It is a beautiful course, a little tough, and a little longer than I thought but it is a great laid back race,” said Thomas Howell a WCU graduate of the class of 93’.
Half marathon competitors were awarded custom made medals for finishing and overall male and female winners in each age group for the 5K race. In addition, racers received a t-shirt, as well as snacks and refreshments, after crossing the finish line.
“I teach at Southwestern Community College and I decided the day before the race that I wanted to run the 5k. It is a good way to support WCU,” Manuela Luebeck a first-time competitor explained.
To see this year Valley of the Lilies event click here for photos and quotes from the racers.
