Running of the Goats 5k and Nature Walk

Whatever Floats Your Goat!

You can run, walk, slither, or slide your way across the finish line – whatever floats your goat! Join the WNC Nature Center for its 3rd Annual Running of the Goats 5k & Nature Walk on Sunday, April 23, 2023!

Run WILD while supporting the animals you love! Nature Center goats Roddy, Bryan, Swiss and Alpine, and Bill and Ted can’t wait to cheer you on as you race to be the Greatest Of All Time!

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Registration Options

Chip-timed 5K

Run or walk the 3.1 mile course, which starts and ends at the WNC Nature Center. Begin your journey by catching a glimpse of the goats, bears, birds, and otters before heading out on a rolling, paved course.

Nature Walk

Opt to walk only inside the Nature Center along a paved route and see more animals waking up to start their day. Your self-guided tour will include fun, nature-related prompts, animal stations, and activities along the path.

Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Participate at any time in any location with the virtual option, and still get our awesome shirt and swag in the mail!

Prefer to volunteer at one of the most fun events of the year?! Email Lynn at volunteers@wildwnc.org.
Volunteers will receive a free tote bag and a shirt or pollinator plant at a discounted price!

Post-Race Party, Contests, and Swag

Celebrate after the race with our vendors and sponsors, music provided by Mix 96.5, and water and snacks provided by EarthFare!
Your race bib gets you free entry to the WNC Nature Center on race day.

5K Race Winners

We'll have trophies and additional prizes for our race winners!

Categories include:
- Top 3 (M/F) overall finishers
- Top 3 (M/F) Masters finisher
-Top 3 (M/F) finisher for ages
0-12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39,
40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Costume Contest

There's no better way to run wild than in an animal costume! Last year, we had human owls, chickens, giraffes, sloths, and (of course) goats join us for the race!

Costume winners will receive prizes for their animal instinct when it comes to looking fierce!

Swag

The first 450 participants who register by April 9 will receive a tote bag and free race shirt or pollinator plant at packet pick up! We love this shirt from Image420!

Grab your swag and carb-load the weekend of the race at Highland Brewing or the WNC Nature Center (dates/times coming soon)!