Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 8 a.m.
The Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race & Walk is a charitable event to support the recreation opportunities of Lake Junaluska through the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund. All profits from this event go to the annual maintenance and improvement of the recreation areas at Lake Junaluska, which annually costs over $375,000. Funds raised through the Friends of the Lake 5K help Lake Junaluska continue to be a beloved place where the community can enjoy the walking trail, gardens and breathtaking vistas.
Race Details
Where: Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center – Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Start Time: 8 a.m.
Race Day Registration/Sign-In: 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Inclement Weather: The race is held rain or shine.
Registration Fees & Dates:
- Early Registration* (Until August 15, 2024) – $25
T-shirt guaranteed - Event Registration (August 16-August 31, 2024) -$30
- Students (18 & younger) – $15
Results: Want to see the results online? Click here to visit the Right on Time website for last year’s 5K results.
Awards: The awards ceremony commences upon the end of the race. Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall winners. Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female winners in each age category. No double dipping for awards!
Age Categories
- 12 years and under
- 13‐16
- 17‐19
- 20‐24
- 25‐29
- 30‐34
- 35‐39
- 40‐44
- 45‐49
- 50‐54
- 55‐59
- 60‐64
- 65‐69
- 70‐74
- 75 and over
Frequently Asked Questions
- Expand Can I spend the weekend at the Lake? contentCollapse Can I spend the weekend at the Lake? contentCan I spend the weekend at the Lake?
Yes! Lake Junaluska has a wide range of accommodations, from a lakeside hotel to a campground. You can make reservations online.
- Expand Will I Receive a T-shirt? contentCollapse Will I Receive a T-shirt? contentWill I Receive a T-shirt?
T-shirts will be given to those who register by August 15, 2024.
- Expand What Is the Course Like? contentCollapse What Is the Course Like? contentWhat Is the Course Like?
The 5K Road Race & Walk will begin and end at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym, which is located behind the Bethea Welcome Center. Click here to see a map of the course (PDF).
- Expand Will the Course Be Marked? contentCollapse Will the Course Be Marked? contentWill the Course Be Marked?
Yes. The course for the 5K Road Race & Walk will be the same course and it will be marked with chalk, cones, etc. You will begin and end at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym. Most of the course will follow the walking path around the lake.
- Expand Will There Be Awards for the Winners? contentCollapse Will There Be Awards for the Winners? contentWill There Be Awards for the Winners?
Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall winners. Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female winners in each category. Those categories are broken down into approximately 5 –year ranges. (See registration form for specific age groups).
- Expand Can I Bring My Dog? contentCollapse Can I Bring My Dog? contentCan I Bring My Dog?
No. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you please do not bring your dog.
- Expand Can I Bring a Stroller for My Child? contentCollapse Can I Bring a Stroller for My Child? contentCan I Bring a Stroller for My Child?
Strollers will be allowed in both the walk and run. If you are running, you need to line up in the back of the runners for the safety of all participants.
- Expand Can I Bring My Bicycle? contentCollapse Can I Bring My Bicycle? contentCan I Bring My Bicycle?
No. For everyone’s safety, we ask that you please do not bring your bicycle.
- Expand What Is the Registration Fee Being Used For? contentCollapse What Is the Registration Fee Being Used For? contentWhat Is the Registration Fee Being Used For?
This year’s 5K Road Race & Walk is a charitable event to support Lake Junaluska. All profits from this event will go towards the annual maintenance and improvements of the recreation areas at Lake Junaluska.
- Expand Are Registration Fees Refundable or Transferable? contentCollapse Are Registration Fees Refundable or Transferable? contentAre Registration Fees Refundable or Transferable?
Registration fees are not refundable or transferable.
- Expand Where Can I Find Past Race Results? contentCollapse Where Can I Find Past Race Results? contentWhere Can I Find Past Race Results?
Right here!
2024
2023
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
- 5k Combined Overall (.html)
Thank you to the 2024 Friends of the Lake 5K Road Race & Walk sponsors
-
Haywood Regional Medical Center
- Clark & Leatherwood, Inc.
-
Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital
- RCF Construction, Inc.
- Haywood Ace Hardware
- Smoky Mountain News
- The Mountaineer
- First United Methodist Church, Waynesville
- New York Life, Brian Brigg
- Beverly-Hanks, McElroy & Ellege Team
-
Champion Credit Union
-
Haywood Community College
-
Mountain Awards & Apparel
-
Movement for Life Physical Therapy
Questions?
For any other information, please contact the Development Office at 828-454-6680.
TAX INFORMATION
Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Gifts are tax-deductible. Our federal tax ID number is 56-0547461.
