Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K

The 2026 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be hosted on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. The 5K course is completely on campus and navigates through the heart of campus with moderate elevation change. The half marathon course starts on campus, and then heads off campus for a few miles before returning back to campus for the finish line.

The Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K (formerly known as Valley of the Lilies) is hosted by the Western Carolina University School of Health Sciences and the Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness. All race proceeds go to support student professional development and academic scholarships.

Race Packets

Each registered participant will receive a race packet that includes a race t-shirt, a race bib, and various coupons and other sponsorship materials. Finisher Medals will be given to all half-marathon finishers as well.

Packet Pick Up will occur the day before the race on April 10th, 2026 3pm-7pm at the WCU Campus Recreation Center, and the morning of the race on April 11th, 2026 6:30am - 7:30am at the WCU Campus Recreation Center. 

Awards

Each registered participant will receive a race packet that includes a race t-shirt, a race bib, and various coupons and other sponsorship materials.

Half Marathon

Finisher medals are awarded to all half marathon finishers.  Awards, which are custom placing medals, are given to the overall male and female winner, overall master's male and female winner, as well as the top three male and female in each age group: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

5K

Awards, which are custom medals, are given to the overall male and female winner, overall master's male and female winner, as well as the top three male and female in each age group: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.