The Resolution Run in Downtown Marion is back for the 5th year! The Resolution Run 5K will kick off downtown Marion's New Year's Eve celebration! This is an annual event co-hosted by the City of Marion and the Marion Rotary Club. This year is special because the race will also be kicking off North Carolina's 2023 Year of Trail, which is a statewide year-long celebration of the vast network of trails, greenways, and blueways. NC Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history.

Marion's New Year's Eve Celebration was voted one of the top small-town New Year's Eve Celebrations by Country Living in 2017. The Resolution Run 5K is the kick-off event for the New Year's Eve Celebration, which takes place on Main Street in downtown Marion, NC. The 5K is a loop course and will begin and end in the center of downtown. After the race, stick around and enjoy all of the other New Year's Eve activities including the Gold Nugget Drop at midnight.

All 5K participants who register by December 11th will receive a long-sleeved t-shirt and a sparkly finisher medal.

The Resolution Run will start at 9:00 pm at the intersection of Main Street and East Court Street. Sign in will run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on the courthouse lawn. This event will be a nighttime run/walk event so participants are encouraged to wear reflective gear, glowing accessories, or even bring a headlamp or flashlight. . There is a costume contest during the New Year's Eve Celebration, and we would love for everyone to adorn their New Year’s gear in advance of the contest later in the evening!

This is a fun, family and friends event that encourages everyone to come out to have a great time and possibly even start a New Year’s Resolution with a healthier lifestyle OR just have fun kicking off the New Year walking or running through downtown Marion.

Cost:

The cost for the Resolution Run 5K event is $35 until November 30, then goes up to $40 until December 30th. No same-day entry. Entry into the New Year’s Eve Celebration is FREE.

Packet Pick-Up:

Packet pickup for the 5Krun will be on Saturday, December 31 (New Year's Eve) from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm on the courthouse lawn. An award ceremony will be held at 10:00 pm that evening next to the registration tent. Packets, shirts, or awards will not be mailed or held. No exceptions. We also do not offer refunds. All proceeds will be donated to the McDowell Trails Association "Revive The Peavine" Captial Campaign.

Age Groups and Awards:

The top male and female overall winners will receive a prize. The top 3 males and females in each age group will receive recognition. Age Groups: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

The award ceremony will be held at approximately 10:00 pm.

Link To Race Map Race Cap:

The race is capped at 100 participants to ensure that all participants receive a bib. Register soon!

Proceeds and Donations:

All proceeds from the race will support the McDowell Trails Association's "Revive The Peavine" Capital Campaign. The Peavine Rail Trail is located in downtown Marion and is part of the event course. The McDowell Trails Association is raising funds to support the City of Marion's local match required to receive NC State Parks grant funding for the revitalization of the trail. Sponsorships and donations are welcome to support this event and the trail. To learn more click the donate button above or visit www.mcdowelltrails.org.