Pine Cone Pacer, Other Duke 5K Races Coming Up
Faculty, staff and students have race options
No matter if you're a runner, a walker or somewhere in between, Duke community members can help support the Duke Forest next month while getting exercise.
Duke Forest's Pine Cone Pacer 5K on April 12 is an annual event to raise money for the Duke Forest Improvement Fund, which helps support trail maintenance projects and public outreach activities. The race takes place in the Durham Division of Duke Forest, just off of NC-751. Check-in runs from 7:15 to 7:50 a.m. at Gate 12 with the run beginning at 8 a.m. Race registration is $20 until April 4 and $25 on race day.
Last year, 104 runners and walkers helped raise $2,500 for trail rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. This year's funds will assist with the Korstian Division, the most popular part of the forest's trail system, which runs along New Hope Creek.
"It's about helping to provide a better user experience with smooth trail surfaces and visual improvements that won't impact the environment," said Sara Childs, program director for Duke Forest. "This event is the most significant contribution to our improvement fund each year."
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. Sign up is available now for the Pine Cone Pacer.
In addition to the Pine Cone Pacer, Duke community members can also join several other 5K fun runs in March and April:
March 22The Crush Colorectal Cancer 5K run/walk is organized by the Duke Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Cancers Program and honors those who've been affected by colorectal cancer. The race starts at 8 a.m. at the Al Buehler Trail and costs between $20 and $35, depending on registration. Race and registration information is available here.
March 29The Spring for Support 5K run/walk will benefit Duke's Cancer Patient Support Program and is organized by employees in the Duke Center for Learning Health Care. The race starts at 9 a.m. at the Al Buehler Trail and costs $20 to $35, depending on registration. Participants will receive free admission to that day’s Duke baseball game against University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, to be played on West Campus. Find more information online.
April 13Duke Recreation and Physical Education will host its second Blue Devil Dash 5K fun run at the Al Buehler Trail. Faculty and staff who participated in the Get Moving Challenge are eligible for free race registration, which costs $20. All participants receive a T-shirt. Full details are available online.