Richard's Fun Run

Last year, one of the runners said, "This is quite possibly the most challenging 5K on earth."

Forget the flat stretches of asphalt. Those are for wusses. This annual 5K Fun Run/Walk, through the mile-high meadows and along forest trails of Cataloochee Ranch, will have your pulse racing right along with your feet. This year's event will be a more relaxed Fun Run, with self-timing. Just register online and pay your $10 entry fee, or pay $15 day of race.

THE COURSE:

The race will begin above the Chestnut Orchard at the gate's start line. From there, the route will lead into the Bowl, an expansive bowl-shaped open meadow with dramatic long-range mountain views. The trail will lead runners around the perimeter, following the shape of the bowl, before plunging into a thick rhododendron tunnel that opens back into The Bowl.

Next, the trail will wind down towards the "Way Back When" base camp, then onto a shaded gravel road that leads past the first water station at the Ranch house. The road will go past the horse barn and through the forest. Runners will climp uphill, past the second water station, then turn left for the final one-mile stretch home. The course will wind around through the horse meadows to the finish line at the main Ranch house.

AT THE FINISH LINE

Everybody wins, knowing they helped raise money for brain cancer research. Lunch will available for purchase at a cook-out behind the main Ranch house.

THE NITTY-GRITTY:

The 5K Fun Run/Walk starts at 10 am. Please arrive at least an hour early, by 9 am. Parking will be on your right as your reach the top of the mountain on Fie Top Road. Check-in and Registration tables will be at The Pavilion across from the main Ranch house. Entry fee is $10 per participant, and can be paid online or $15 the day of race.