For the first time in its seven-year history, the Pacolet Area Conservancy’s PACWalk for Preservation held May 7 has incorporated a 5k run called “Run for the Hills.” Held on the grounds of Tryon Estates in Columbus, the inaugural “Hills” is the first of its kind in the foothills area – a 5k, or approximate 3.1 mile – trail run. Participants will start the 5k at 8 a.m. in front of the lobby entrance to Tryon Estates, then run along the woodland and lakeside trails before coming to a finish in front of the main building.

Run for the Hills will be an officially timed event with 48 division awards for various age groups and male-female categories.

“The idea for a 5k race came from our speedier PACWalk participants who wanted a third event to compliment the two-mile PACWalk and half-mile Sam White Stroll around the lake,” says PAC Executive Director Sally Walker. “This is a very exciting addition to a wonderful morning of events which honors the work PAC does to preserve our land and water.”

To register online for Run for the Hills, go to www.strictlyrunning.com, click on “Register Online,” then click on “Select a Race” for “Run for the Hills.”

Beginning with “Run for the Hills,” the morning’s events include PACWalk for Preservation at 10 a.m., the Sam White Stroll at 10:05 a.m. and a participants and sponsor awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m.

“As the area’s local land trust, PAC is gratified that so many local sponsors support PAC’s conservation work,” added Walker. “In addition to the residents and staff at Tryon Estates, Allstate in Columbus, Nature’s Storehouse, Edward Jones, First Citizens Bank, Owen’s Pharmacy and Costco in Spartanburg stepped up to make this family-oriented, community event happen.”

For information about PACWalk and Run for the Hills, visit www.pacolet.org or call the PAC office at 828-859-5060.