Arctic 5k challenges runners of all ages to difficult course

Runners, take your marks for Campus Recreation’s 12th Annual Arctic 5k race on Saturday, Feb. 4. 

The Arctic 5k spans 3.1 miles and will begin promptly at 9 a.m., although participants should show up at 8:30 a.m. 

The intensity of the race challenges many with difficulties such as steep hills and
rocky terrain.

The race is open to all students, staff and faculty of Liberty as well as interested people from the public.

Katy Ward, assistant director of Outdoor Adventure, said this race offers both a great way for the community to connect and a good challenge for most. 

“It’s a 5k,” Ward said. “It’s a really difficult 5k, but it’s a good one, especially if you’re not that into trail running. It’s a good introduction to it. It gets you outside, gets you moving, gets you exercising … and helps prepare you for bigger races.”

The trail begins at Hydaway Outdoor Center and makes a loop, ending in the same place. The first half of the path is difficult, uphill and rugged, but it gradually gets easier, ending in a downhill descent. 

“We see quite a bit of elevation change in the first half, but the second half is all downhill,” Ward said. “So, if you can make it through the first, you’re solid for
the second.” 

With the availability of the race to anyone, the Arctic 5k brings in people of all ages and experience. 

For some participants, this will be their first race, and for others, they have run numerous races before this one.

Junior Macy Woods said these races help her train for upcoming marathons that she hopes to run. Woods believes that she still needs to train for this event because of its terrain. 

“I think I’ll just need to train by doing some speed workouts of shorter distances,” Woods said. “I go up to Hydaway a lot and walk and occasionally run the trails because trail running really interests me. I am definitely aware of the path and its
difficulty level.”

The Arctic 5k presents a great way for people to participate with their friends and family members and to encourage them to push their limits. 

“I love running with other people,” Woods said. “I run with other people daily. It just makes the experience so much more fun. I absolutely love running, and I get a lot of joy out of it. I think it is even more fun when you get to do it with your
school peers.”

The race challenges participants in many different areas to push themselves to do their best. The Arctic 5k, as well as other races put on by Liberty, allows people to brave tough challenges in new environments.

“I think any race can be a challenge both mentally and physically because you can always push yourself physically to run faster, just to have better paces,” Woods said. “But also, running is just a mental game, and it depends on the day. It can always be a challenge mentally and physically.” 

Campus Recreation will be holding its fifth and final race of the series exactly one month after the Arctic 5k on March 4. This race is called “King of the Mountain” and is a 1-mile uphill event that will have an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. 

For more information on this race and upcoming events, visit their website and go to the events tab. 

Zagursky is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter