Join us for the inaugural Sweetheart 5k presented by Dental Care Center and the 1-Mile Fun Run sponsored by Providence Bank! The Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department is excited to launch a new 5k in the Candlewood and Greystone communities on Saturday, February 14, 2009. Both Candlewood and Greystone neighborhoods are favorites to the local runners. The quiet, tree-lined streets are some of the most peaceful places to run. 

Gentle rolling hills offer a change of pace from what is normally found in Rocky Mount. The Sweetheart 5k will add a new element of excitement to road racing by offering a couples category. Any couple that pre-register for the race will be eligible for additional prizes in our "Sweetheart Division" as we try to find the fastest couples in eastern North Carolina. Come join us for the fun and festivities!

The Events:

• 8:00 am - 5k Race:  5k participants begin at the entrance to the Candlewood neighborhood by Sunset Avenue. Runners will line up beside the Batts, Batts, & Bell, LLP building and will start promptly at 8:00 a.m. Initially runners will go down Candlewood Drive before ending at Stoneybrook Road. Runners will then turn right and run a counter-clockwise loop through Greystone before returning back to the start. A complete course map is available online. All registered runners will be chip timed.  Click here to view the 5k course map.
• 8:45 am - 1 Mile Fun Run: Immediately after the conclusion of the 5k, we will line up the kids and families for the 1-Mile family fun run. This course will begin on the same route as the 5k, but will loop on to Steeplechase Road and then return back to the finish line. For those with younger children wishing to run less than a full mile, there will also be an option for an "early-turnaround" marked by a cone and a friendly volunteer.  Click here to view the 1-Mile Fun Run course map.

Race Proceeds:  Proceeds from the Sweetheart 5K will benefit the Rocky Mount Friends of Little League Baseball, Inc. The RMFLLB support the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department Athletic Division Youth Sport programs by providing funding for athletic equipment, supplies, and facility improvements   

Race Cap: Total 5k race entries will be limited to 200 participants and the 1-Mile Fun Run will be limited to the first 75 participants. The race caps are to ensure each runner has an enjoyable experience. This may fill up early, so do not delay signing up. Plus, you can take advantage of the lower fees.  

Sweetheart Couples Division: Keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme, this race will offer special prizes to couples who pre-register for the 5k. There is no extra cost, and participants can run the race individually. The combined times of each teammate will be used to determine their place in the Sweetheart Couples Division. All runners will still be eligible to compete for their individual awards. Participants must indicate their teammate on the race application.

Event Rules:

1. No dogs, skates, bikes or baby joggers are allowed on the race course.
2. Strollers are allowed in the 1-Mile fun run.
3. Runners must remain on the roads at all times.
4. Race Committee, and the City of Rocky Mount reserve the right to reject an application or remove any participant from the course at their discretion.
5. Transfer of race numbers is strictly prohibited.
6. No one is allowed on the course without a race number.
7. To ensure balance, teams entering the Sweetheart couples division must be comprised of a man and woman.

Signing Up:

• Registration: Registration can be done by completing the secure entry form above. Online enteries can be paid by Credit Card or by Mailing a Check.  To obtain a printable application, please email runrmec@yahoo.  Any checks or paper applications must be mailed to:  RMEC, PO BOX 452, Red Oak, NC 27868. 
• Packet Pickup: You are strongly encouraged to pick up your packet on Friday if possible to avoid waiting in line on race morning. Packets can be picked up on Friday the 13th at Dental Care Center on Sunset Avenue (noon – 7:00 pm). On race day they can be picked up at the start from 7:00am - 7:40 am.

Overall and Age Group Awards:

• 5k Race: Overall Top 3 Male and Female Finishers Top 3 Male and Females in each Age Group category. Age Groups are as follows: Under 13; 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60+
• 1-Mile Fun Run: All finishers under the age of 10 will receive a special award There will be no overall or age group awards.
• Sweetheart Couples Division: Top pre-registered couples will receive a special prize. Age groups are based on combined ages. Combined Age Groups are as follows: Under 40; 40-59; 60-79; 80-99; 100-119; 120+

No Refunds.  If the race is cancelled or postponed due to circimstances beyond the control of the Race Committee, race packets will still be available.  Information will be listed online