Benefit race raises nearly $15,000 for Highlands School
Runners from across Western North Carolina and beyond toed the starting line for the first road race in Highlands in over a year and a half when the Highlands Twilight 5K and 10K got underway Saturday night.
Twice pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the race had a noticeably jovial atmosphere as attendees made their way to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park to cheer on their friends and family.
“I am so excited to be here and to have the kind of crowd that we have is amazing given the circumstances with COVID-19 and then a gas shortage less than a week before the race,” event organizer Derek Taylor said. “We couldn’t ask for a better crowd and everyone seems really happy to just be outside and to run for a good cause.”
The annual race, traditionally held in August, benefits the Advance Highlands Education Committee. AHEC uses the funds raised to purchase technology upgrades for Highlands School. Taylor noted that AHEC is supporting the design for a new media center at the school in 2021.
“The Rotary Club of Highlands has supported the race for nine years and it wouldn’t be possible without their support and support from our other sponsors,” Taylor said. “All of the proceeds will benefit our local community via the school.”
A total of 237 runners took part in one of the Twilight races and the event raised approximately, $15,000 according to Taylor.
Highlands School athletic trainer Will Mathiodis won the 10K men’s race and Tracy Dockery crossed the finish line first in the women’s 10K event. Highlands School cross country runner James Moore claimed first place in the men’s 5K and Blakely Moore won the women’s 5K run.
The 2021 Highlands Twilight 5K and 10K is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Founders Park.