Event Mercenaries Event Consulting and Race Timing

Night of Light 5K & Fun Run

Come out and join us for the 4th Annual running of the First United Methodist Church Night of Light 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk in downtown Morganton, NC!

Our event features include:

  • Early packet pickup on Friday from 5-7pm at FUMC Fellowship Hall
  • Christmas caroling along the course!
  • Home-made treats, cider, and hot cocoa!
  • A downtown course lit with Christmas lights!
  • Kids activities
  • Music, and more…

Online registration is available at Sign Up

On-site registration is available at First United Methodist Church starting at 4:30pm. The Family Fun Run/Walk begins at 5:15pm; the 5K race begins at 6:00pm.

This event is sure to become a staple of the Christmas-season race calendar. Don’t miss the opportunity to become one of the first participants!

Special discounts are available for families registering for the Fun Run/Walk.

Download a paper entry to take advantage of the special offer.

 

Night of Light 5K & Fun Run

Come out and join us for the second running of the First United Methodist Church Night of Light 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk in downtown Morganton, NC!

Our event features include:

  • Early packet pickup on Friday from 5-7pm at FUMC Fellowship Hall
  • Christmas caroling along the course!
  • Home-made treats, cider, and hot cocoa!
  • A downtown course lit with Christmas lights!
  • Kids activities
  • Music, and more…

Online registration is available at RunSignUp.

 On-site registration is available at First United Methodist Church starting at 4:30pm. The Family Fun Run/Walk begins at 5:15pm; the 5K race begins at 6:00pm.

This event is sure to become a staple of the Christmas-season race calendar. Don’t miss the opportunity to become one of the first participants!

Special discounts are available for families registering for the Fun Run/Walk. Download a paper entry from this site to take advantage of the special offer.

 

Valentine Greenway Challenge 5K & 10K

Black Mountain Recreation & Parks (BMRP) is excited to announce that it will be partnering with the Black Mountain Greenways & Trails Committee in 2023 to present the inaugural Valentine Greenway Challenge on Saturday, February 11. This new race will combine the fun and creative spirit of the annual Valentine 5K with the dynamic course and wonderful cause of the Greenway Challenge. 

The 2023 Valentine Greenway Challenge will consist of a 5K & 10K that begins by the Recreation Offices and goes to Veterans Park via The Oaks Trail. By combining resources, both organizations hope that more funds and awareness may be raised to support the Black Mountain Greenways. 

All sponsorships, donations, and 50% of registration fees will be donated back to the Black Mountain Greenways & Trails Committee. 

The 10K is two loops of the 5K course.

5K & 10K Individual Awards & Age Groups: Awards will go to the top three M/F overall and the 1st M/F finisher in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, & 80+

💖💖Spirit Awards 💖💖 will go to Adults, Youth, and Couples who show the most  💖💖 Valentine Spirit 💖💖. So remember this theme as you choose your running apparel for the race!

SCHEDULE:
Friday – Feb 10th
4:30-6:30PM –  Packet Pick Up & Late Registration – WNC Outdoor Collective – 110 Black Mountain Ave,  Black Mountain, NC 28711

Saturday – Feb 11th
12:00 – 1:45 PM: Packet Pick Up & Onsite Registration – WNC Outdoor Collective – 110 Black Mountain Ave,  Black Mountain, NC 28711
2:00 PM – START Valentine Greenway Challenge 5K & 10K
3:00-ish PM: Post-race Festivities: WNC Outdoor Collective

Sunday Feb 12th
2:00PM – In the event of inclement weather in the greater Black Mountain metropolitan area on Race day Saturday – the Valentine Greenway Challenge 5K & 10K may be moved to Sunday at 2:00PM. Follow us on Facebook for weather updates.

 

Valentine Run 5K & Kids Fun Run

The 22nd Annual Valentine Run 5K begins at beautiful Lake Tomahawk Park and visits two of the Black Mountain’s Greenways.  The course offers several challenging hills and ample flats to gain ground and time!  The final 1/2 mile follows the gravel path around the lake and finishes at the Lakeview Center. Enter as a two person team or go solo. All participants are included in the Overall and Age Group awards.

50% of all registration fees will be donated back to the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families

Two Person Teams: Kick off Valentine’s Day week with a run with your sweetheart.  Married Couples compete in one of five categories based on total age: Silver (80 & under), Gold (81-99), Platinum (100 – 119), Titanium (120 – 139), and Diamond (140 & Over).
Not married? No Problem > Run with your Mom, Dad, friend, neighbor, or a stranger. Any two people can be a team. Everyone can be on a team. Awards go to the quickest 5K team in the following divisions: Husband/Wife (five categories) , Mother/Daughter, Mother/Son, Father/Son, Father/Daughter, Sister/Sister, Brother/Brother, Sister/Brother, & Open (any couple) – M/F, M/M, & F/F.  Team scoring is based on the combined times of the two teammates. The teammates run at their own pace and do not have to run together. Team members are also included in the solo Overall and Age Group results and scoring.

5K Individual Awards & Age Groups: Awards will go to the top three M/F overall and to the top three M/F finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, & 80+

Prizes1st M/F: New pair of shoes from Mountain Running Company ($140)
             2nd M/F: $75 gift card to Mountain Running Company [Asheville, Black Mountain, Boone]
             3rd M/F: $50 gift card to Take a Hike Outfitters [Black Mountain]

The 💖💖Spirit Award 💖💖will go to the solo competitor and team with the most  💖💖 Valentine Spirit 💖💖. So remember this theme as you choose your running apparel for the race!

SCHEDULE:
Friday – Feb 11th
4:30-6:30PM – Early Packet Pick Up & Onsite Registration at the venue – Lakeview Center – Lake Tomahawk Park (address below) – Black Mountain, NC.

Saturday – Feb 12th
8:00 – 9:30AM – Packet Pick Up & onsite registration
9:30AM – START Kid’s Fun Run
10:00AM – START Valentine Run 5K
11:00AM – Approx start of Awards

Sunday Feb 13th
2:00PM – In the event of inclement weather in the greater Black Mountain metropolitan area on Race day Saturday – the Valentine 5K may be moved to Sunday.. Follow us on Facebook for weather updates.

 

Valentine DIY 5K

The 22nd  Annual Valentine Run 5K will be DIY this year. While we’re certainly going to miss seeing everyone – the decision to go virtual was not a difficult one to make. Everyone’s health and safety is our/your priority.

This “Do It Yourself” Event will allow participants to run or walk at any time and any location that is convenient and safe for you and your families. Run around the block, on trails, go down to the track, or even run on a treadmill. You don’t even have to live in Western NC – so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun.

Entry Fee: $20 for Adults     $15 for Youth 18 & Under

While not required – you can submit your time for inclusion in the online “Just For Fun” Results. We will collect times beginning on Friday February 12th until Sunday February 14th. Instructions on “How to submit your virtual times” are found below and will be included when you register. There will be No Overall or Age Group medals.

Online Registration will be the only option this year and will remain open until 5PM on Sunday February 14th. Two “Coffee Sign Ups” – in person registration will be held at the Thirteen Pennies Café [See schedule below].

Everyone who signs up, regardless if you submit a time or not, will receive a fabulous Valentine 5K shirt. They will be available for pick up at the Mountain Running Company (formerly Vertical Runner). See schedule below.
Don’t live in the Black Mountain Metropolitan Area? Don’t feel like driving over to the Mountain Running Company (formerly Vertical Runner) to pick up your swag? 
No worries – we’re happy to ship your swag straight to you for an additional $3 S/H

And please do remember that 50% of all proceeds will benefit the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families. Check out their website to learn more about all the great community services they provide. Donations are always welcome. Click on the DONATE button above or when you register.

💖💖SPIRIT AWARDS 💖💖 will go to two(2) solo competitors (Overall and Youth 12+ Under) and a couple with the most  💖💖 Valentine Spirit 💖💖. So remember this theme as you choose your running apparel when you run/walk! Check out the “best dressed” prizes:

1st Place: Free pair of shoes from Mountain Running Company

2nd Place: $50 Gift Certificate from Take A Hike Outfitters

3rd Place: $25 Gift Certificate from The Trailhead Restaurant & Bar

GET IN TOUCH