HAZARD, Ky. — With its web of trails, the Perry County Trail System is the perfect scene for a pre-Halloween race through the woods.
The races are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. A medal ceremony is planned for 10:30 a.m.
Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Hazard/BoulderRockRun. Paper registration forms can be obtained from the registration website and mailed in, if that is preferred. Participants can also register the day of the race, but the registration fee will be higher for both races on Oct. 26. Registration on race day begins promptly at 8 a.m.
All proceeds of the event will go to the Housing Development Alliance (HDA), a local nonprofit housing provider, and Pathfinders of Perry County, another local nonprofit that has developed the trail system and promotes community well-being, health, and engagement.
“This event is special, because it’s a partnership between two Perry County nonprofits that strive every day to make life a lot better for the people who call this place home,” said Scott McReynolds, HDA’s executive director.
“Boulder Rock Run celebrates the beauty of the mountains, while also encouraging people to discover these wooded trails for themselves, to challenge each other, and to help others on whatever life path they’re on,” he continued.
Funds raised by the event will be used in the building of homes for low-income families and in further developing our mountain trails for local enjoyment and to promote area tourism. Both initiatives inspire greater economic development locally.
“Our message this year is to ‘be bolder,’” said Pathfinders’ Ben Braman, who developed the maze of trails at Perry County Park and is one of the event organizers.
“We hope people will be bold by testing themselves on our trails, and at the same time, support their community and give back to it,” he added.
The 5K Run/Walk course features a variety of trails, including old service roads, wide, multi-use trails, and single, technical mountain bike trails – all of which weave their way through the forest. This course winds its way up a mountain and features one steep, technical (but relatively short) climb to remind participants that this isn’t a run-of-the-mill 5K. Near the halfway point, runners will reach the pinnacle of the race, an impressive rock formation called Boulder Rock. From that point on, the trail is mostly cross-slope and downhill running to the finish line.
Those who are really looking for a challenge are encouraged to sign up for the 10K Run. Braman said this course offers greater heights, more steep hills, and allows runners to spend more time in the woods. Plus, participants get twice the adventure from additional trails. Due to time limitations, it is not recommended that participants hike the 10K course.
Sponsorship packages are available for interested local businesses, restaurants, groups/clubs, and individuals. They are encouraged to sign up as sponsors by Monday, Oct. 21.
The City of Hazard recently offered an extra incentive to anyone participating in the race. The city will be holding its North Fork Oktoberfest on Oct. 26, and if race participants wear their Boulder Rock Run T-shirts or medals, they will be granted free admission. All those who register for the race by Monday, Oct. 21 are guaranteed an official event T-shirt.
For more information about the race, registering, or sponsoring the event, contact Mindy Miller, HDA’s director of development and communications at 606-436-0497 or by emailing her.
Serving Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties, the Housing Development Alliance (HDA) is a 25-year-old nonprofit housing developer that serves as lender, counselor, developer, and contractor for low-income persons in need of housing assistance. We work with multiple organizations within the Federal, State, and Local governments and in the private sector to help individuals break down barriers to access the resources they need to build financial stability in regards to housing.
