Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

The 2026 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. The 5K course is completely on campus and navigates through the heart of campus with moderate elevation change. The half marathon course starts on campus, and then heads off campus for a few miles before returning back to campus for the finish line.

The Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K (formerly known as Valley of the Lilies) is hosted by the Western Carolina University School of Health Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness. All race proceeds go to support student professional development and academic scholarships.

📦 Race Packets

Each registered participant will receive a race packet that includes a race t-shirt, a race bib, and various coupons and other sponsorship materials. Finisher Medals will be given to all half-marathon finishers as well.

• Packet Pick Up: Occur on April 10th, 2025, from 3pm-7pm at the WCU Campus Recreation Center.
• Morning Pick Up: Available on April 11th, 2025, from 6:30am - 7:30am at the WCU Campus Recreation Center.

🏆 Awards

Half Marathon participants will receive finisher medals. Awards, which are custom placing medals, will be given to:

• Overall Winners: Male and female overall winners.
• Masters Winners: Overall master's male and female winners.
• Top Age Group Finishers: Top three male and female in age groups: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

5K participants will receive custom medals. Awards will be given to:

• Overall Winners: Male and female overall winners.
• Masters Winners: Overall master's male and female winners.
• Top Age Group Finishers: Top three male and female in age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

For more information, visit the [race website](https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Cullowhee/CatamountClimbHalf5k?aflt_token=QZt1KFBDIiIun5smo9vi7y59qq2fNLcB).