Morris Williams
Annually during the summer season, a race is hosted on the Plateau to benefit a local nonprofit. How Twilight 5K evolved is a story that Morris Williams shares with The Laurel.
“Shortly after I moved to Highlands in 1996, Fred Motz, Richard Betz, Skip Taylor, and I formed the Highlands Road Runners,” he said. “Since then, I have been involved in a Highlands 5K race in one way or another.”
He added, “Since 2013, under Derek [Taylor’s] leadership, the Rotary Club of Highlands-sponsored race [which became known as Twilight 5K] has grown from a small local race into one of the best certified 5K races in the south. The ‘gently rolling course’ and the party atmosphere brings runners back year after year. It is a pleasure to see so many young people getting involved in the sport I love. Older runners and walkers also show up regularly and offer a different level of competition and to provide inspiration for others to enter the race ‘next year.’”
Williams has been a runner for 65 years and said he “loves” the activity. He has assisted Taylor, owner of Highlands Decorating Center, in “getting the course certified by USA Track and Field- assured runners as well as accurately measured so that the course could be used as a qualifying race for other events. On April 25, 2016, I rode my bike along with a USATF official as he measured the course for certification.”
The Twilight 5K race this year begins at 6:00 P.M. at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. Besides enjoyment, some challenges, and community involvement, Twilight 5K raises funds for a worthy local nonprofit; this year monies will be donated to The Literacy & Learning Center, which offers a variety of programs, including summer camps, after-school enrichment, Homework Helpers, Reading Bootcamp, and more.
Registration and check-in for Twilight 5K will begin at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 19th, with early packet pick up the night before the race from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Highlands Recreation Park. Parking will be available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ballfield, and Highlands Post Office.
Evening music begins around 7:30 P.M. The race is kid-friendly, with glow toys presented to children who attend. Plus, kids under 5 years of age can participate in the 5K for free and ages 5 to 9 for $10.
To sign up, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Highlands/HighlandsTwilight5K. Contact Taylor at (828) 200-9226 for questions or to sponsor the event.
Favorites Count: 0