Hickory’s & Catawba County’s annual Charity Chase Half Marathon & 5k are premier regional events run through Hickory’s streets, parks, and along the waterfront. The event is picturesque but also a challenge to even experienced runners and has often been used as preparation for big name marathons. Participants range from …
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Hickory’s & Catawba County’s annual Charity Chase Half Marathon & 5k are premier regional events run through Hickory’s streets, parks, and along the waterfront. The event is picturesque but also a challenge to even experienced runners and has often been used as preparation for big name marathons. Participants range from expert runners to families and youths. This year’s races will start and end in Union Square in downtown Hickory. Hickory is in the foothills of North Carolina and the race course winds around the city with elevation changes that will require some effort. You will have run up and down the equivalent of a sixty-story building before you finish but don’t be scared off! Participants that run/walk and runners are as young as seven and as old as seventy. Weather is typically mild for Hickory in April.
Charity Chase Half Marathon started in 2006 by the Hickory Jaycees to support the NC Jaycees Burn Center. Today, proceeds from the event go to multiple charitable organizations in the community who provide volunteers to assist in running the event. Proceeds are distributed in proportion to the number of volunteer hours contributed by the receiving organizations. Entrance fees for the races typically pay the costs of the event itself with the addition of some in-kind contributions from local businesses. The primary source of money for distribution to the receiving organizations is via donations from local individuals and businesses. Donors receive free race registration with the number of slots depending on donation level and have their logos printed on runners’ t-shirts and on the race banner. Donor businesses may also set up tents at the starting/finishing line to market themselves to race participants.
This is a great opportunity to show support for the community, either through participation or through donations. Hickory’s Charity Chase Half Marathon & 5K is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Catawba Valley., which meets in Newton, NC.
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Hilly but Great Crowd Support
I felt like I was crashing a local race in a town where everyone knows each other. The crowd support was one of the best I have seen especially for … MORE
I felt like I was crashing a local race in a town where everyone knows each other. The crowd support was one of the best I have seen especially for such a small sized race. There is a competition for best water stop and they really all go all out. People will line the hills dressed up like cat in the hat or wizard of oz characters and cheer you on whether you are walking or running. Don’t expect a moment of flats though. You are either running up or down the whole time. I was not trained for the hills and I felt them each time I approached a new one. Swag was a soft cotton shirt, finisher medal, and some socks that I believe are made in Hickory. I always like when I get a surprise item like socks. Overall difficult but fun course. You will never be lonely even if running alone.
Nice hilly race
Race is on asphalt roads through hilly city and neighborhoods. Mile markers and plenty of water/powerade stops and cheering zones from various charities tat benefit from race. Cold wet cloths … MORE
Race is on asphalt roads through hilly city and neighborhoods. Mile markers and plenty of water/powerade stops and cheering zones from various charities tat benefit from race. Cold wet cloths at one stop. Nice blended short sleeve shirt, 2 pairs of socks, medal. Awards in 5 year increments – bobble head. Good refreshments. Results posted quick.
Hilly charity race
The local Rotary club of Hickory has been organising the race for many years and with their experience, they set up a perfect race. This year for the first time … MORE
The local Rotary club of Hickory has been organising the race for many years and with their experience, they set up a perfect race. This year for the first time a 10k as well. We all started together from the Union square and the half marathoners did an additional loop to what the 10k runners did. I really enjoyed the different neighbourhoods but if you only train in the flat these NC hills might be very challenging for you. The water and isotonic support along the track was very sufficient (about almost every mile) also since the race has a competition over the best support crew (local school, people dressed as pink minions, …). The race was relatively inexpensive despite collecting money for a good course. I scored a cute bobblehead figure for coming in first in my age group besides a big medal, cotton shirt, running socks and plenty of free food including pizza.
Nice Race and swag!
Race was well put on. Plenty of volunteers, water/gatorade stops, cheering zones. Nice medal and awards (bobble heads) - see attached photo. Good refreshments afterwards. Not really too bad with … MORE
Race was well put on. Plenty of volunteers, water/gatorade stops, cheering zones. Nice medal and awards (bobble heads) – see attached photo. Good refreshments afterwards. Not really too bad with hills either.