Run to Play

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: August 2024

Although the Twilight 5K Road Race and Walk is an event attracting all ages for a day of activity and fun, its more serious side involves raising money for a worthy cause. Presently, the August 17 run event is focused on providing funds for a new playground at Highlands Rec Park.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands, the Twilight 5K “helps with awareness, provides a healthy event for our community, and brings visitors to town,” pointed out organizer Derek Taylor. “We have been able to raise over $200,000 over the years for Highlands’ children’s education efforts.”

Donations are encouraged during the event, but monies to support the new playground come primarily from Twilight 5K runners’ fees and sponsorships.

The Twilight 5K race this year begins at 6:00 P.M. at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Registration and check-in for Twilight 5K will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 17, with early packet pick up the night before the race from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Highlands Recreation Park. Parking will be available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ballfield, and Highlands Post Office.

Evening music by the V-8s begins at 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.

Proceeds from the run will be used to help build a new playground at Highlands Rec Park.

Having an inclusive outdoor playground is vital to engaging all children and youth, regardless of abilities, in physical activity and outdoor play. Systematic reviews have consistently identified positive associations between time spent outdoors and physical activity. And a growing body of evidence shows that spending more time outdoors is beneficial for social-emotional and cognitive development, psychosocial health, and vision.

The playground will not only have inclusive play equipment but also feature a built-in scavenger hunt where children will learn about the local environment and native species. In a bit of Highlands panache, a large six-foot salamander will be the centerpiece of the playground.

Of course, if you’d like to contribute to the building of the playground but avoid participating in the Twilight 5K, you’re encouraged to contribute on your own. To donate, you send a check to PO Box 460, Highlands NC 28741, or pay by credit card, please call (828) 526-2118.