Valentine 5k – February 8, 2014 – Lake Tomahawk – Black Mountain, NC

This is the second year with the new, Lake Tomahawk-based Valentine 5k course. I really like this course because it has nice variety and passes through pleasant residential neighborhoods in Black Mountain. The flat finish around Lake Tomahawk is a good opportunity to turn it on.

The weather for a February race is anyone’s guess; might be freezing (think 2012, windy and extremely cold), might be snowing (think 2010 when the race was postponed due to snow), or it might be 50 degrees.

FROM THE RACE ORGANIZERS

This 5K Road Race begins at beautiful Lake Tomahawk Park and visits three of the Town’s Greenway’s. The course will provide several challenging hills, with ample flats to gain ground and time! The final 1/2 mile will allow runners to turn it on as you travel around Lake Tomahawk, ending on the East end of the property. This 15th Annual Valentine Run allows racers to enter as teams if you like or make a go of it solo.

Age divisions & team divisions: Awards will go to the first finisher and runner up overall (male & female) and to the top three finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & up. 5K Top Teams: Husband/Wife, Mother/Daughter, Mother/Son, Father/Son, Father/Daughter, Sibling/Sibling & Open. . The “Spirit Award” will go to the competitor with the most Valentine spirit. So remember this theme as you choose your running apparel for the race!

Once again, we will offer a separate Kids ½ mile Fun Run taking place on the trail around Lake Tomahawk, beginning by the tennis courts at 9:00 a.m. This route eliminates all traffic and allows kids to run freely. All children participating will receive Valentine Fun Run signature medals. We encourage kids to wear Valentine costumes, as the “Spirit Award” will be given to the most outrageous outfit.

Proceeds benefit Black Mountain Rec & Parks Youth Sports programs.

There will be a Wellness Expo offered downstairs of the Lakeview Community Center during the event, providing yoga stretches for runners, chiropractic services, a booth by Earth Fare and Health Ridge Pharmacy.

Packet pick up will take place at the Lakeview Center (at Lake Tomahawk), Friday, February 7th 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Race Day 7:30-9:30 a.m.

RAIN/SNOW Date: Sunday, February 9, 2014 @ 2:00 pm

THE COURSE

Course data from my Garmin from the 2013 race. Click to access the data at Garmin:

REGISTRATION

Online registration is available at imAthlete.