Several events have reported record attendance thus far in 2023, and the Highlands Twilight 5k was no exception on Saturday.
With hundreds of runners, music fans and spectators filling Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, the event took on new life and raised money for the Rotary Club of Highlands.
“We could not ask for a better turnout than what we have tonight, and there are a lot of people to thank for that,” run organizer Derek Taylor said. “All of our volunteers, the people who signed up to run, our sponsors, the band, it just takes a lot of people working together to make events like this happen.”
“And of course, the perfect 70-degree, blue sky weather is a big help,” Taylor said.
The Twilight 5k started in 2013 as a Rotary fundraiser and soon grew into a premiere event as runners took notice of the USA Track and Field certified course and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce joined the party as an event sponsor.
After several successful years, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the event in 2020 and modified it in 2021.
Following a return to a normal schedule in 2022, the race got officially back to its previous participation level on Saturday night. A total of 254 runners crossed the starting line.
“There are not only a lot of runners out tonight for the race, but there are a lot of very good runners who have made this race part of their schedule,” Highlands Mayor, and avid long-distance runner, Patrick Taylor said. “It’s a great showcase for our town and a way to support a great organization like Rotary.”
The highlight of the race was a new course record set by overall champion Ben Kassel, of Davidson, North Carolina, who completed the 3.1-mile trek in 16 minutes, 56 seconds. Highlands’ own Amy Passauer won the over women’s title with a time of 22 minutes, 11 seconds.
Kassel’s new course record earned him $100 for his efforts. All of the age group winners received a custom mug courtesy of The Bascom pottery barn.
After crossing the finish line, all runners over the age of 21 were rewarded with a complimentary beer provided by The Ugly Dog Pub. Once the race awards were handed out, the band High Five took the stage and kept the crowd rocking with a collection of classic hits from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.
All proceeds from the Twilight 5k will be used for Rotary Club programs focused on youth and education in Highlands.