Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run is a running race on September 26, 2026 in Cullowhee, NC, with an entry fee of $20.
- Date
- September 26, 2026 (57 days to go)
- Price
- $20
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Western Carolina University's Sport Management Association invites you to the 16th annual Mountain Heritage Days 5K on Saturday, September 26, 2026! This is a family-friendly chip-timed race for both runners and walkers. The course features a combination of pavement and gravel paths and is appropriate for both beginner and accomplished runners as well as leisure walkers. Participants will dash through WCU's campus past iconic landmarks, including the 'Catafount' water fountain and Alumni Tower. Come enjoy a fun way to stay active while experiencing Western Carolina University's beautiful campus! All proceeds from the 5k race support the Sport Management Association Scholarship Fund.
After completing the race take a short stroll or shuttle ride to the award-winning Mountain Heritage Days festival, celebrating Southern Appalachian mountain culture through live musical performances and demonstrations, food and craft vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Admission to the festival is always free!
- Age categories for awards: 14 & under / 15-19 / 20-29 / 30-39 / 40-49 / 50-59 / 60-69 / 70 & up
- Chip timing provided by Right On Time Productions Inc.
- Custom handcrafted awards provided by Mud Dabbers Pottery & Crafts (Balsam, NC)
- Awards to the top overall male and female finishers, and for the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category.
- Race T-shirt guaranteed to the first 150 registered participants
- This race is capped at 250 participants to maximize the race day experience for all!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cullowhee, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Cullowhee, NC
City Elevation
3,009 ft
Nearest Airport
AVL
Asheville Regional Airport · 37 mi
Major Hub
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 62 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
57
Days to train
- Race
- Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
- Date
- September 26, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Mountain Valley Mile
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Wild West Catamount 5K
5K · From $20 · 1 University Drive
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Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Cullowhee than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to CullowheeFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Mountain Heritage Days 5K Walk/Run
Sep 26, 2026