Runners will have a chance to hit the trails while supporting a good cause when the Mountain Melody 5K takes place later this month at Southern Gap.
The race is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23, as part of the Southern Gap Trails & Tunes Festival at Breaks Interstate Park’s Southern Gap location.
Unlike a traditional road race, the Mountain Melody 5K will take runners across the trails at Southern Gap, combining competition with the mountain scenery of the area.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the race scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
The event will feature three age divisions — 15 and younger, ages 16-39 and ages 40 and older. Awards will be presented to the top three runners in each age group, with overall medals also going to the top male and female finishers.
Pre-registration is $35 and includes race entry and an event T-shirt.
All proceeds from the race will benefit the Alice Lloyd Cross Country program, led by former Grundy High School cross country standout Kaitlyn Ratliff Morris.
The 5K is part of the Southern Gap Trails & Tunes Festival, which runs Aug. 21-23 and features a weekend of live music and outdoor activities. All music performances are free and open to the public.
Registration and additional information for the Mountain Melody 5K are available through the Southern Gap Trails & Tunes event website.
