Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K
Join Western Carolina University’s Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness and School of Health Sciences for the Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K, formerly known as the Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K.
Learn more about why the name changed
Race Information
The 2025 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on Saturday April 5th, 2025. The 5K course is completely on campus and navigates through the heart of campus with moderate elevation change. The half marathon course starts on campus, and then heads off campus for a few miles before returning back to campus for the finish line.
The Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K (formerly known as Valley of the Lilies) is hosted by the Western Carolina University School of Health Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness. All race proceeds go to support student professional development and travel, and academic scholarships.
Registration Opens August 1st, 2024
Half Marathon
- $45 until March 9th
- $60 March 10th - April 4th
- $75 on Race Day
5K
- $25 until March 9th
- $35 March 10th - April 4th
- $45 on Race Day
Runners between 1-18 years old will receive a $5 discount on the 5K pricing above.
Each registered participant will receive a race packet that includes a race t-shirt, a race bib, and various coupons and other sponsorship materials.
Half Marathon
Finisher medals are awarded to all half marathon finishers. Awards, which are custom
placing medals, are given to the overall male and female winner, overall master's male and female winner, as well as the top three male and female in each age group: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
5K
Awards, which are custom medals, are given to the overall male and female winner, overall master's male and female winner, as well as the top three male and female in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Packet Pick Up will occur the day before the race on April 4th 3pm-7pm at the Health and Human Services (HHS) building, and the morning of the race on April 5th 6:30am-7:30am at the Campus Recreation Center. Race packets will include race t-shirt, race bib, race information, and sponsor items.
Packet Pick-Up Proxy
Are you unable to pick up your packet? We understand. Have a friend or family member pick up your packet for you by completing a proxy form. Proxy forms must be completed in order for someone else to pick up your packet!
If you are interested in sponsoring, please let us know by emailing the race director at bmmaccallum@wcu.edu.
Visiting Jackson County
Not only will you enjoy a challenging and rewarding Half Marathon or 5K race, but you also can take in the beauty of spring in the Western North Carolina mountains. After the race, grab some lunch at one of our area's great restaurants then enjoy the Jackson County Ale Trail and celebrate NC Beer Month. There are numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts and other accommodations in the area that make the perfect weekend getaway. Request a free visitor guide and book your trip today.
Frequently Asked Questionss
Race registrations are refundable until April 3rd. Participants can request a refund on the RunSignUp page, or email the Race Director Brandon MacCallum at bmmaccallum@wcu.edu
Yes, you can switch race registrations up until April 3rd. To switch your race registration, please e-mail the Race Director Brandon MacCallum at bmmaccallum@wcu.edu
If you recognize the need to change some of your registration information, please e-mail your name, contact information, and changes to the Race Director Brandon MacCallum at bmmaccallum@wcu.edu by April 3rd.
