3rd Annual Light Up The Night 5K On August 6th Raises Money To Combat Homelessness In Asheville

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The 3rd Annual Light Up the Night 5K is set to take place on Friday, August 6th in-person at Carrier Park in Asheville. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, which exists to serve the homeless, poor, and addicted populations of Western North Carolina.

“I would love to see community members become aware of the significant impact we are having on hundreds of thousands of lives within our area,” says Jessica with WCRM. “We are helping them in various ways such as providing warm meals, safe shelter, public showers, free primary medical care, clothing, food boxes, and free year-long residential recovery programs for both men and women with young children. The funds raised at this event will help us to continue to provide the love these individuals need as they pick up the pieces and move forward in a healthy, positive way.”

Officials say this year’s nighttime charity run is back and better than ever with a Virtual Run/Walk option for $35 per person that can be completed anytime between June 10th through August 8th.

iDaph Events is hosting the 5K in support of the Western Carolina Rescue Ministries, which has served double the individuals in need with hot meals and grocery support since the beginning of COVID-19 crisis in March of 2020.

Officials say all people regardless of ability, race, color, ethnicity, gender, or faith are invited to take part in the glow-in-the-dark, running fundraiser either in-person or virtually.

Runners will start in waves from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and take the greenway to run or walk the 5K route, with all COVID-19 restrictions lifted for this year’s race, according to a news release.

The 5K course will be decked out with glow and neon fun, with officials encouraging participants to wear their own neon tees, light up items, and glow-in-the-dark accessories.

Registration will be available up until the day of the race here.

Officials say registration fees are $35 per person through August 1st at 12 a.m., and $40 per person through the race week until the race day.