Trail series

Student Activities will be hosting this year’s Arctic 5K Trail Race Saturday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. The race will take place at Camp Hydaway as a part of the Liberty Mountain Trail Series (LMTS) of races.

Josh Yeoman, director of outdoor recreation for Student Activities, said racers should not expect an easy run.

“This is a fairly difficult 5K trail race for a variety of reasons,” Yeoman said. “It can be cold, the race is on dirt trails, and the elevation gain and loss is pretty steep. However, you can also expect a sense of accomplishment.”

The course begins around 800 feet and increases to 1,250 feet before decreasing. This race is comparable to other LMTS races, so veteran racers will know what to expect. Even with the elevation change, last years’ fastest time was 23:25.

“This race course will stay the same as last year,” Yeoman said. “The start and finish will be at Camp Hydaway. … In February, 9 a.m. can be pretty cold.”

Wearing layers is recommended due to low temperatures from previous races. Last year’s temperature on race day was in the low 20s according to Yeoman.

Yeoman said he is looking for more than just Liberty students to participate in this event, and although these races are put on by Student Activities, they are open to anyone who wants to participate.

“I hope to see a good participation rate from both the student body and the Lynchburg running community,” Yeoman said. “The Arctic 5K is the first race in the spring semester Liberty Mountain Trail Series. I hope to see familiar faces as well as new ones.”

Last year, 129 runners took the challenge of the Artic 5K.

As with any other LMTS race, awards will be given to the top three male and female overall winners as well as the top three male and female winners in each age group. In addition to those awards, door prizes will be given out following the awards ceremony.

Though not everyone can win an award or a prize, participants are guaranteed a shirt when signing up online, and snacks are provided before and after the race.

For more information about signing up for the Arctic 5K, go to liberty.edu/races. The price is $10 for students and $20 for the general public when signing up in advance. The price raises to $15 and $25 on race day.

To be better prepared for race day, runners can view the race course and elevation chart at liberty.edu/trails.

Other races coming up as a part of the LMTS include the Liberty Mountain 5K Feb. 27 and the King of the Mountain race in March. Signups for those races can also be found at liberty.edu/races.