Young Life aims to make a difference with 5K Glow Race

For the 10th-straight year, Young Life will call upon runners of all ages, sizes and walks of life to compete in their annual 5K race, except this time the race will take place at night and runners will be immersed with a generous dose of neon.

As the sun sets and reflects a miscellaneous easel of reds and oranges off the water, competitors will run a waterfront course along the stunning Pamlico River, beginning at the N.C. Estuarium and continuing across the Runyon Creek Bridge and into Washington Park.

The race will take place Saturday, April 5 at 7 p.m., and the cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children (under 10) if the competitor preregisters before Monday, March 31. Preregistration also guarantees a Young Life 5K Glow Race t-shirt. After March 31, the cost will be $30 for adults and $20 for children.

Medals will be awarded to the top-three runners in each age bracket, and final results will be calculated by electric chip timing by Run the East.

All proceeds from the event will go towards providing children the opportunity to attend one of Young Life’s weeklong summer camps at a reduced price, or in some cases involving more underprivileged children, free of charge.

“Kids consistently say it’s the best week of their lives,” said race organizer Tom Johnson. “We call it resort camping. These camps were designed for these kids down to every detail.”

The change from a standard morning 5K to an evening glow race has doubled registration compared to last year, said Johnson, who is expecting one of the largest turnouts in race history.

Drivers navigating along the Runyon Creek Bridge should expect delays from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., as police will be directing traffic around the runners. Motorists are encouraged to use the designated Brick Kiln Road detour.

You can register for the race by visiting runtheeast.com.