Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K

The 2026 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. 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 academic scholarships.

Race Packets

Each registered participant will receive a race packet that includes a race t-shirt, a race bib, and various coupons and other sponsorship materials. Finisher Medals will be given to all half-marathon finishers as well.

Packet Pick Up will occur the day before the race on April 10th, 2026 3pm-7pm at the WCU Campus Recreation Center, and the morning of the race on April 11th, 2026 6:30am - 7:30am at the WCU Campus Recreation Center. 

Awards

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+.

• Is my race registration refundable if I can longer run?

  • Race registrations are refundable until April 9th. Participants can request a refund on the RunSignUp page, or email the Race Director Martin Jacaruso at mjacaruso@wcu.edu.

• Can I switch my registration to the other race?

  • Yes, you can switch race registrations up until April 9th. To switch your race registration, please e-mail the Race Director Martin Jacaruso at mjacaruso@wcu.edu

• How do I change my registration information (name, age, tshirt size,etc.)?

  • 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 Martin Jacaruso at mjacaruso@wcu.edu by April 9th.

• Where can I park on Race Day?

  • There will be suggested parking areas noted on the course map that will be the closest lots the Start/Finish Line. However, you can park in any "yellow" painted parking spot on campus that day.

• Are animals allowed on the course?

  • We do not allow animals (except service animals) on either race course due to safety reasons. The Half Marathon and 5K races are on "open courses" which can be dangerous for animals running.

• How long does the Half Marathon course stay open?

  • The Half Marathon begins at 8am and the course officially closes at 12pm - so four hours to finish. We do have walkers every year, and the vast majority are able to finish by the 12pm cutoff. 

All race proceeds support the professional development of students, and academic scholarships of students.

The race is co-hosted by the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness and the College of Health and Human Services. Race proceeds are evenly split between those two parties, and then each party works to distribute money to students in their department or majors. Examples of how the money is used are: obtaining fitness certifications, traveling to national conferences, attending workshops, academic scholarships to the Athletic Training program, testing fees for graduate school exams.

Funding for professional development opportunities is hard to find, so the proceeds from this race help students tremendously. The majority of students receiving the funding would not be able to attend the opportunity if not for the proceeds from this race.

Direct Impact Story

My name is Konatsu Baba (Koko) and I am an international student from Japan currently enrolled in a the WCU Athletic Training Program. As an athletic training student, I have had the opportunity to work in diverse settings to gain experience and hone my skills. Throughout my education and clinical experiences I have collaborated with other medical professionals such as doctors, orthopedists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. Through clinical education experiences, I have gained the ability to identify injuries, assess their severity, and administer first aid and emergency care in several contexts. I have also gained experience with applying protective or injury-prevention equipment, as well as creating and implementing rehabilitation programs for injured to reduce the likelihood of future injuries and illnesses.

Pursuing my Athletic Training education in the United States is a tremendous opportunity for me, as it offers world-class facilities and equipment, quality education, and the necessary support that will help improve my skills. I received the MSAT Program Scholarship to pursue my education. The scholarship helped me with the cost of courses, internships, and opportunities to attend conferences that I had difficulty paying for due to financial burdens.

The MSAT Program Scholarship helped me achieve my current goals, move on to my next goals, and ultimately continue my education as an athletic trainer. I understand the financial hardships of pursuing higher education and am extremely grateful for the support of the community and staff who have dedicated themselves to my education. I will never forget my gratitude to the people who have supported me, and I will work hard every day to actively contribute to the medical field.

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. Request a free visitor guide and book your trip today.

Official Race Hotel: Hotel Sylva
We are excited to partner with Hotel Sylva for the 2026 Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K! Located in downtown Sylva, NC, Hotel Sylva is steps away from excellent local dining, shopping, and beverages. Hotel Sylva is only a short 15-minute drive from Western Carolina University, the site of Friday night packet pick-up and the race itself.As the official hotel of the Catamount Climb, Hotel Sylva is offering a special rate for runners during race weekend.

The 2026 Course Maps will be coming soon! In the meantime, here the are course maps from 2025 to give you a rough idea of what to expect.