Runners of all ages can lace up their tennis shoes and hit the streets and trails to prepare for the upcoming Frozen Cyclone 5K Race.
The event will take place at the scenic Three Rivers Conference Course at 220 Doe River Gorge Rd. in Hampton on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m., with check-in at 10 a.m.
The trail accommodates all ages and features mostly flat or rolling hills with two somewhat aggressive climbs, crossing over grass, gravel and dirt. Runners and walkers are welcome, but it is not stroller-accessible.
All ages will run together, and the 20 fastest will be awarded with medals.
The course is Elizabethton High School’s cross country conference course, but takes participants along a different route than this year’s competition.
“We’ve changed course a little bit, and it’s definitely a better course this year,” said Cross Country Coach Amber Abel. “We’re going to keep that as our course for our cross country meet and 5K race annually.”
Proceeds will help cover uniform and equipment expenses for the Elizabethton High School track and cross country teams.
In their most recent seasons, the girls cross country team championed conference and regionals and placed 5th in state out of over 200 teams.
“To place 5th was huge,” said Abel.
The boys cross country team placed 3rd in conference. The girls track team were the conference champions for the 5th year in a row, and two went to state. The boys track team was the conference runner-up and boasted five runners in state.
“In our division, if they qualify for state, that means they’re in top eight already,” said Abel.
Abel encourages everyone, whether they want to run competitively or just come enjoy the beauty of Doe River Gorge, to bundle up and support the teams.
She said the reason the race must be in February is because it has to be between cross country and track and field seasons to meet TSSAA standards.
Tickets are $25, and preregistration may be complete by January 28 in order to receive a complementary T-shirt. To access the registration forms or for more information, visit facebook.com/cyclonexctf.