Participants in the 5K PACRun trail run at Tryon. (Photo by Chris Bartol)

The Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) will hold its 11th annual PACWalk and 5th annual 5K PACRun for Conservation on Saturday, April 23, at Tryon Estates in Columbus.

Since May of 2005, the PACWalk has become a springtime tradition for many who enjoy spending a couple of hours outdoors with friends and family in support of conservation, and the more recently added 5K PACRun, a trail run, has allowed runners to support the land trust while enjoying a race through the beautiful, wooded trails on the property. Celebrate Earth Day by supporting your local land conservancy!

PACWalk can be enjoyed by folks of all ages. To date, the oldest participant was 100 years old and the youngest was just a few months old, spanning a century! Walkers can choose the paved path around the lake, a distance of ¾ mile. This option is called the Sam White Stroll, named for one of the founders of the Pacolet Area Conservancy and a former resident of Tryon Estates.

Another choice is a lovely, two mile trail along the lake and through the woods.  If neither of those appeals, one can choose the Phantom Walk and be part of the event from anywhere.

Check-in for PACWalk is from 9 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the walk of your choice at 10 a.m. This is a pet friendly event, but pets must be on leashes.

PACRun, a 5K trail run, is a timed race on carefully chosen and marked trails that traverse the property.  Medals will be awarded for first place in the categories of  Overall 12 and under, male and female; Overall male and female; 13-19 male and female; 20-29 male and female; 30-49 male and female; and over 50 male and female.

Ribbons through third place will be awarded for each of the above categories.  Check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. for PACRun, and the race starts at 8 a.m. with snacks and awards following the run.

After the walk and awards ceremony, at approximately 11:30 a.m., walkers and runners are invited to a free lunch in the Tryon Estates Carolina Room. Walkers and runners who are registered by April 8 are guaranteed a T-shirt, and later registrants will receive shirts as supplies last. In addition to awards, swag bags will be provided for runners and door prizes for walkers.

Runners may register online at strictlyrunning.com, or, both runners and walkers can visit the PAC website, www.pacolet.org, to download registration forms for either the race or the walk. Forms are also available at the PAC office, at 850 N. Trade St. in Tryon.

For more information please call the PAC office at 828-859-5060, visit the website, or visit the office. There is a registration fee for each event.  After April 8 there will be a late registration fee for PACRun only.

-Submitted by Pam Torlina