Sign up to participate in annual 49er Gold Rush 5K

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Registration is open for the 49er Gold Rush 5K. Being presented by Edifice and UNC Charlotte Recreational Services, this event will start at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Irwin Belk Track Complex.

Race day check-in, packet pickup and registration will be 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the track level. Net proceeds from the 5K will benefit UNC Charlotte student development scholarships, and direct donations will be accepted for Girls on the Run, a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization that uses running to inspire young girls.

Girls on the Run is a transformational, physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in third through eighth grades. It teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness.

"This February event is enjoyed both by year-round runners and couch-to-5K participants, as the timing coincides well with New Year’s resolutions," said LaVella Hall, assistant director of marketing and outreach for Recreational Services. "It’s also a great way for the community to experience the beautiful UNC Charlotte campus and join our students for a morning of fun and fitness."

Runners can register online for the event; the cost varies depending on the time of registration:

  • $15 for UNC Charlotte students by Jan. 23
  • $22 for all other participants by Jan. 23
  • $25 for all participants from Jan. 24 until 3 p.m., Feb. 3
  • $30 for all participants on race day, Feb. 4

Each category winner will receive a medal. Participants who register by the Jan. 23 early bird deadline are guaranteed a long-sleeved commemorative T-shirt. The 49er Gold Rush 5K recently was named one of the “best upcoming winter races to get your blood pumping” by CharlotteFive.

More information is on the Recreational Services website.