Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K and Kids Fun Run to return in September

Registration period open for annual trail race fundraiser

The Valley Echo
July 15, 2021

The Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K & Kids Fun Run is returning to Grove Stone & Sand for its 13th year, Sept. 11. The annual race has raised more than $325,000 for the Black Mountain Home for Children and Asheville Museum of Science since 2013. Photo courtesy of Hedrick Industries

Runners of all ages will return to the scenic trails winding through Grove Stone & Sand Co. to raise money for a pair of local nonprofit organizations, Saturday, Sept. 11, when the Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K and Kids Fun Run returns for its 13th year.

Registration for the race, which has raised more than $325,000 for the Black Mountain Home for Children and Asheville Museum of Science since 2013, is open through Thursday, Sept. 10.

The event drew more than 300 runners and collected a record $63,000 for its beneficiaries in 2019. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to cancel the race in 2020, sponsors and sales of t-shirts raised $40,000 for BMH and AMOS.

The quarter-mile Kids Fun Run, open to children ages 10 and under, will begin at 9:15 a.m. The 5K, which takes place on a course that features multiple stream-crossings, private trails and scenic views from atop the active quarry, gets underway at 9:30 a.m.

Registration for the fun run is $5 and includes a headband. Runners pay $30 for the 5K if they register between Aug. 15 - 30; $35 from Aug. 16 - Sept. 10 and $40 on race day. All participants who register before Aug. 22 will receive a long-sleeve running shirt.

To sign up for the Rock the Quarry Trail Challenge 5K and Kids Fun Run, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2021/48838/rock-the-quarry-trail-challenge-5k-and-fun-run.