The Greening Up the Mountains 5K Run/Walk in Sylva is forsaking its historically grueling course on the hillside streets above Sylva for more friendly terrain this year.

The Greening Up 5K will be held on Saturday, April 23, in conjunction with the downtown street festival.

This year’s course runs from Mark Watson Park across Business 23 and down Old Dillsboro Road, then turns around in Monteith Park and comes back on the same route to the finish at Mark Watson Park. This course is primarily flat, with few slopes, but does have one gravel section.

The race is put on by the Jackson County Recreation/Parks Department. This year, all proceeds will benefit the greenway trail being built at the Webster Department on Aging complex. 

The race starts at 9 a.m. prior to the opening of the festival events.

Light refreshments will be provided at the end of the race and prizes will be awarded to the top three in each age group, the top three male finishers, and the top three female finishers. T-shirts are provided with registration and are guaranteed to the first 75 to register.

Sponsorships are available for $50 or $100 and are due by Friday, March 25.

Pre-registration is $20; race-day registration is $25, and begins at 8 a.m. the day of the race. Registration forms may be printed from www.downtownsylva.org and online registration can be completed at www.active.com.

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