Race to the top

Runners get ready for cold-weather challenge

Each year at the beginning of the spring semester, runners bundle up as they prepare to combat the frigid temperatures that await them at the Arctic 5K Trail Race. The fourth-annual Arctic 5K Trail Race, which is hosted by Liberty University’s Student Activities (SA), will take place Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9 a.m.

In previous years, the race has been held at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, but SA decided to change things up by moving the location to Camp
Hydaway this year.

According to Associate Director of SA Joshua Yeoman, the Arctic 5K Trail Race differs from SA’s other races in that it proves to be the most challenging
race to run.

“This race is our most difficult 5K race,” Yeoman said. “It is difficult because of the elevation gain and loss. It is also difficult because of the type of weather we receive during this time of year.”

The Arctic 5K Trail Race’s slogan is “Ice, Sweat, and Tears,” which has proved to be an accurate description of the race in years past, with temperatures being in the 20s during last year’s race.

“The weather always affects this event,” Yeoman said. “We have had snow, ice and cold every year. We hope we get the same this year.”

According to Yeoman, the Arctic 5K is expected to attract an average of 150 to 200 participants this year. Approximately 70 percent of those participants are Liberty students, faculty and staff, and the remaining 30 percent are the general public.

Runners interested in participating in the race can find registration forms at liberty.edu/races. The cost for this event is $10 for students who register before the day of the race and $15 for the general public.

For more information about upcoming SA races and to view course maps, visit liberty.edu/races.

Bunner is a feature reporter.