Race Day: Saturday, September 29, 2012 - 8:00 am

Registration

Registration for the 2012 Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon & 5K is now open. Click HERE to go to the registration page.

Pre-registration will only be accepted online using imAthlete.com.  Those new to this site will love the features this registration portal provides including an up-to-the minute list of registered athletes.  For your convenience, we have prepared a tutorial to guide you through the registration process.

Race day registration will end at promptly at 7:30 a.m.

The first 300 registrants will receive an amazing swag package that includes a zippered, cinch bag, Nike N7 shirt, long-sleeve technical race shirt and a fleece beanie.

Entry Fees

Half Marathon

January 1-September 15 - $30; After September 15 and on race day - $40

5K

January 1-September 15 - $20; After September 15 and on race day - $25

Military organizations, businesses, and non-profit clubs and organizations may receive the group entry fee of $15 for the 5K provided all entries are mailed in the same envelope and paid for with the same check.  Click HERE to download the Group Entry Form.  Entries must be received by September 14 and will not be accepted at Packet Pickup/Late Registration.  Group entry is not available on line.

Refunds/Substitutions

There will be no refund of entry fees. You may receive a credit of 50% of your entry fee towards the 2013 race by going to the race site at www.IMAthlete.com and requesting a credit before August 17. Substitutions will be allowed with written permission (e-mail acceptable) of the person no longer running up until Friday, September 30, 2011.

Race Schedule

Friday, September 28

4:00-7:00 pm             Packet Pick Up/Late Registration - Aquoni Events Center

Saturday, September 29

6:00-7:30 am             Packet Pick Up/Late Registration                                

7:45 am                      Assemble for Start of Races 

8:00 am                      Half Marathon & 5K Start 

9:15 am                      5K Awards Ceremony 

11:00 a.m.                  Half Marathon Awards Ceremony 

Timing/Results

The 2012 Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon will utilize ChampionChip timing.   Per USA Track & Field rules, awards will be based on gun time.

Results will be posted on this web site by Sunday, September 30 and at www.leetiming.com.

Race Shirts

The first 300 registrants are guaranteed to receive the official long-sleeve technical race shirt.  

Awards

Each 5K and half marathon race finisher will receive a commemorative finisher medal.

Special awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers for
Overall and Masters (40 & Over) in each race. 

Age group awards will go to the first, second and third male and female in the following age groups: 12 & Under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34,35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84 and 85 & Over. No double dipping! 

You or a friend must pick up your award.  Awards will not be mailed!

Safety

For everyones safety no pets, no strollers, no baby joggers, no bikes, no in-line skates, no roller skates and no wheeled vehicles will be allowed on-course.

For the safety of all, in accordance with RRCA Guidelines (Road Runners Clubs of America), the use of headphones is discouraged.

Course

Both races will start and finish on the stadium track at the Acquoni Expo Center. The proposed course will give runners a flavor of Cherokee through most of its communities.  Except for one hill at mile 6, the half marathon course is mostly flat on paved roads.

Click HERE to download a map of the proposed Half Marathon course.

Click HERE to download a map of the proposed 5K course.

Following the race, all runners are invited inside the track infield for post race food and drink, door prize drawings and the awards ceremony.

Post Race Meal

The post race meal will be provided through a collaboration between the Cherokee Choices program and Harrah's Culinary Department.  It will be a pumpkin soup made from pumpkins grown by the Native Cherokee Youth Garders.

The Native Cherokee Youth Gardeners is a youth development program that empowers teens through gardening and activities that encourage healthy choices and food values.  The youth are paid a stipend to cultivate vegetables, herbs and flowers they sell, donate, cook and eat throughout the 8-week summer program.  Click on the picture on the right column to see the video about this program.

Charity

Race proceeds will benefit the Madison Hornbuckle Children's Cancer Foundation serving children 17 and under with cancer in Jackson, Graham, Swain, and Haywood Counties.

Lodging

Please click HERE for a list of Cherokee hotels, motels and inns offering discounted rates to runners.

For a complete listing of Cherokee lodging and attractions, please click HERE.

Volunteer

Would you still like to be part of the rebirth of this great event but don't want to run.  Volunteering is the perfect way to do that.  We have spots available at Friday and Saturday registration and at the course aid stations.  Please email greg@gloryhoundevents.com if you are interested in volunteering yourself or have a group that wants to staff one of our aid stations.

Directions

Information

Please e-mail greg@gloryhoundevents.com for all race related questions.

Click HERE for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions.