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A Race Worth Running
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: July 2023 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro
The Twilight 5K Race is set for August 19. If our calculations are correct,that gives you just enough time to get those abs,hamstrings, glutes, and calves into springy shape.And find some comfy shoes, too!
Morris Williams
Annually during the summer season, a race is hosted on the Plateau to benefit a local nonprofit. How Twilight 5K evolved is a story that Morris Williams shares with The Laurel.
“Shortly after I moved to Highlands in 1996, Fred Motz, Richard Betz, Skip Taylor, and I formed the Highlands Road Runners,” he said. “Since then, I have been involved in a Highlands 5K race in one way or another.”
He added, “Since 2013, under Derek [Taylor’s] leadership, the Rotary Club of Highlands-sponsored race [which became known as Twilight 5K] has grown from a small local race into one of the best certified 5K races in the south. The ‘gently rolling course’ and the party atmosphere brings runners back year after year. It is a pleasure to see so many young people getting involved in the sport I love. Older runners and walkers also show up regularly and offer a different level of competition and to provide inspiration for others to enter the race ‘next year.’”
Williams has been a runner for 65 years and said he “loves” the activity. He has assisted Taylor, owner of Highlands Decorating Center, in “getting the course certified by USA Track and Field- assured runners as well as accurately measured so that the course could be used as a qualifying race for other events. On April 25, 2016, I rode my bike along with a USATF official as he measured the course for certification.”
The Twilight 5K race this year begins at 6:00 P.M. at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. Besides enjoyment, some challenges, and community involvement, Twilight 5K raises funds for a worthy local nonprofit; this year monies will be donated to The Literacy & Learning Center, which offers a variety of programs, including summer camps, after-school enrichment, Homework Helpers, Reading Bootcamp, and more.
Registration and check-in for Twilight 5K will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 19th, with early packet pick up the night before the race from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Highlands Recreation Park. Parking will be available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ballfield, and Highlands Post Office.
Evening music begins around 7:30 P.M. The race is kid-friendly, with glow toys presented to children who attend. Plus, kids under 5 years of age can participate in the 5K for free and ages 5 to 9 for $10.
To sign up, visit: runsignup.com/Race/NC/Highlands/HighlandsTwilight5K. Contact Taylor at (828) 200-9226 for questions or to sponsor the event.
