The inaugural Tryon Half Marathon presented by Wells Fargo Advisors will take place at 8 a.m. Satuday morning at Harmon Field.

More than 150 runners will take on the scenic 13.1-mile course that meanders from Harmon Field Road to Carriage Row and back. Hosting the event is 501(c)(3) nonprofit Tryon Running Club that will donate race proceeds of this first club event to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. This race marks the newly formed club’s commitment to its mission: giving back one step at a time.

The Tryon Half Marathon is designed to choose a local charity each year to benefit from the sponsorships and entry fees raised in organizing such an event. Local businesses, athletes and volunteers have reached out to make this first TRC event a true success. Supporting local nonprofits gives sponsors the opportunity to keep their giving dollars in their community, knowing that every dollar donated goes directly to the mission of the beneficiary organization.

This year, the Tryon Running Club will donate race proceeds from the half marathon to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support of our local sponsors and the running community who are helping Outreach outrun poverty,” said Carol Newton, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach. “The half marathon is in many ways symbolic of our own long commitment to ending poverty in Polk County.”