Description

10th annual Earl Scruggs Center Rhythm & Roots 5K and 10K Run

Run, Stroll, Walk or walk your dog and join us for the biggest year yet!

WIN $250 FOR YOUR SCHOOL:

School students, administrators and parents - help your school win $250! School with highest number of participants will be recognized during the awards ceremony with a trophy. Will your school win in 2019?

 

THE ROUTE:

Live music begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Don Gibson Theatre and will kick off the race at 8:30 a.m. Both 5K and 10K start and finish at the Don Gibson Theatre located at 318 South Washington Street in historic Uptown Shelby. Run through Uptown Shelby and around the historic 1907 courthouse on the beautiful court square which is now home to the Earl Scruggs Center: Music & Stories from the American South. Earl Scruggs is a Cleveland County native and known worldwide for his three finger style on the banjo as well as his innovation with the banjo in other areas of music.

The 5K and 10K pass historic homes on tree-lined streets and enjoy live music along the route.  The 10K also winds through historic Sunset Cemetery passing the final resting place and incredible memorial of Shelby native, Don Gibson. His songs such as “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Sweet Dreams” are timeless and his music helped shape the Nashville sound. The Shelby City Park is the next area of the 10K, home to a newly upgraded, accessible playground, historic carousel and restored miniature train and aquatics center and gymnasium. Also here is the City Park Recreation and Sports Complex which includes 3 multi-purpose sports fields, warm-up area, playground, picnic shelter, walking track and horseshoe pits. Both routes return through Uptown to cross the finish line back at the Don Gibson Theatre with live music and refreshments in the reception area.

Earl Scruggs staff/volunteers take photos throughout the course and at the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony will be held after each race when results have been compiled. Photos will be available via Earl Scruggs Center facebook. Participation awards will be given to all youth (12 and under).

BANJO PLAYERS:

All banjo players - come and bring a fellow banjo player to kick off the race playing Foggy Mountain Breakdown – it’s the best race start anywhere!  Are you or someone you know a banjo player that might want to be part of this fabulous event?  Contact Stephanie at 704-487-6233.  Pre-register as a banjo player before September 20, 2019 to receive a race t-shirt and a free admission to the Earl Scruggs Center.  If not pre-registered, please come join the fun anyway as we pay tribute to Earl Scruggs… and get runners off to a great start (you’ll still receive complimentary exhibit admission).

Awards:

Awards will be given to youth 12 and under who complete either event and in the following age groups.

Age Groups:

Top 3 Male/Female finishers overall

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 12 & Under

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 13-19

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 20-29

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 30-39

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 40-49

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 50-59

Top 3 Male/Female finishers ages 60-69

Top 3 Male/Female finishers age 70 and over

 

PACKET PICKUP CHANGES THIS YEAR!

Friday, October 11                1:00pm - 6:00pm        EARL SCRUGGS CENTER

Saturday, October 12           7:00am – 8:15am        DON GIBSON THEATRE

Friday: Participants may pick up race packets Friday at the Earl Scruggs Center.  For mapping/direction purposes, use 116 S Washington Street Shelby NC – look for signs.

Saturday: Participants may register and/or pick up race packets at the Don Gibson Theatre where the race starts/finishes.

 

T-Shirts:

All athletes registered by September 20, 2019 will be guaranteed an event t-shirt in requested size.

Refunds: Refunds will not be issued for any reason.

 

This event benefits Destination Cleveland County’s Earl Scruggs Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Race sponsorship packages available. Sponsorships are tax-deductible. Contact Mary Beth Martin at 704-487-6233 for available opportunities.