Article by Ricky Siegel
Photos By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
A total of 303 runners competed in the Rotary Club of Highlands’ annual Twilight 5K last month and raised approx. $25,000 to support The Literacy and Learning Center’s Pre-K program.
Racers take off at the sound of the pistol to begin the Twilight 5K in Highlands.
Taylor said last year’s event attracted 231 racers.
The Twilight 5K, brainchild of Derek Taylor, raises money annually for different causes benefiting the children of Highlands.
No time limit in the Twilight 5K and racers were free to run at their own pace.
“Thank you to the Highlands community for supporting, participating, and helping with this event,” said Taylor. “It is truly a community effort.”
The Twilight 5K raised approximately $25,000 for The Literacy & Learning Center’s after-school program. Pictured are TL&LC staff handing out event shirts to racers.
The race begins at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and winds throughout Highlands and finishes back at KH Park.
The course takes racers throughout Highlands. Pictured a group makes their way down Wilson Road about to pass Highlands School.
The overall winner was Benjamin Kassel, 41, from Davidson, NC, who set a new course record of 16:56.
Benjamin Kassel, 41, from Davidson, NC, set a new course record of 16:56 at the Twilight 5K.
The race was followed by music from High Five and after finishing the race, runners were treated to a beer compliments of The Ugly Dog.
Twilight 5K founder Derek Taylor announces the winners from several categories at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park after the race.
High 5 performs on stage at KH-Founders Park after the Twilight 5K.
Highlands Fire & Rescue Firefighter Davis Picklesimer walks the 5K wearing full gear.
Runners make their way past the Peggy Crosby Center.
James Ward is ready to follow racers and make sure everyone makes it back alive.
Racers come from all over the area for the annual Twilight 5K, obviously this family came ready to rock. Also pictured at the top of the article.
More winners include:
