Registration Open for Pine Cone Pacer

Carrie Hawes felt adventurous as she jogged down a path through Duke Forest with other participants in the Pine Cone Pacer 5K. 

"I had never been to Duke Forest before, so I had no idea where I was headed," said Hawes, the assistant director of career services at the Pratt School of Engineering. "At each turn I just kept thinking 'wow, this place is beautiful.' "

One of 93 runners in last year's race, Hawes plans to return to the forest for this year's Pine Cone Pacer on April 13.

The Pine Cone Pacer takes place in the Durham Division of Duke Forest, just off of NC-751. Check-in is 7:30 a.m. at Gate 12 with the run beginning at 8 a.m. Race registration is $20 until April 2 and $25 on race day. Proceeds go to the Duke Forest Improvement Fund, which helps support trail maintenance projects and public outreach activities .

The $2,300 raised in 2012 helped pay for supplies for construction of three bridges, two boardwalks and a new observation platform to protect sensitive ecosystems around the popular Rhododendron Bluff Trail in the Korstian Division of the forest.

The Pine Cone Pacer is the only major fund-raising event for Duke Forest, and the funds raised have had a major impact on trail maintenance, said Sara Childs, program director for Duke Forest.

"Without these funds, the trail rehabilitation work that is ongoing in the Korstian Division would not be possible.  And this work is important for both protecting our natural resources and providing a pleasant trail experience," she said.

Runners (and walkers) of all abilities are welcome at the Pine Cone Pacer. The first three winners in the male and female divisions and first place winners in different age and gender categories receive medals. All participants receive a goody bag with a T-shirt and other small prizes. The event also includes a raffle for prizes.

Hawes, the career services assistant director, said she appreciated the introduction to Duke Forest through the run. She said she enjoyed the atmosphere and mix of casual walkers and competitive runners (winning time, 20.09 minutes for men and 22.30 for women).

"I definitely wasn't the fastest runner out there, but I finished upright and with a smile on my face," Hawes said. "That's what matters."