The Human Race is back to let people ‘lace up for local impact’

ASHEBORO — If you want to have an impact on the community, you could consider signing up for the 2025 edition of The Human Race.

For the 23rd year, the Volunteer Center of Randolph County is organizing the event, which will be held Saturday, March 15, at Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro. 

Sign-in and registration will be from 9-9:45 a.m. and the opening ceremony will be from 9:45-10 a.m. with Emily Byrd, Fox8 meteorologist, serving as emcee. The 5K race/walk will kick off at 10 a.m. The closing ceremony will be at 11:30 a.m.

Jordan Jeffers, volunteer coordinator for the Volunteer Center, said the emphasis for The Human Race this year is “Lace Up for Local Impact.” 

“The race will bring together community members to promote health, wellness and, most importantly, support for local volunteerism and nonprofits. Participants of all ages are encouraged to register and be part of an event that not only celebrates fitness but strengthens the community through charitable giving and volunteerism.”

So what is The Human Race? According to event information, it was established by the Volunteer Center, an initiative of the United Way of Randolph County, “as the community-driven fund-raising event of the year, uniting local non-profits, businesses and supporters to make a difference for Randolph County. With a 5K run and walk, organizations rally their teams of runners and walkers to raise critical funds for their causes. 

“The best part? Your efforts directly impact the community (as) 75 percent of the funds raised go to the organization of your choice, and the rest supports the Volunteer Center’s mission to mobilize volunteers for key community needs. The more you raise, the more your cause benefits. Everybody wins!”

Jeffers said, “We want to reignite the Volunteer Center and use it effectively to help our United Way partner agencies. The Human Race is a good way to do that.”

He encourages any and all 501(c)(3) non-profits, schools, churches, civic clubs and others who want to raise money for their causes to create teams for The Human Race. Even if you don’t belong to such an organization, you can register for the run/walk and choose which non-profit you wish to support. 

Participants are encouraged to register ahead of time but you can also sign up the day of the event. You can choose to run the 5K and be officially timed by Junction 311, the timing monitors. Or you can opt to walk the course. 

You can even sign up for the Mutt Strutt and include your dog. The Randolph County Animal Shelter is sponsoring the Mutt Strutt and the Humane Society is expected to be involved.

The registration fee for individuals is $35. 

Jeffers said teams can compete for a Spirit Award by wearing imaginative costumes. There will also be awards for the most funds raised. For both awards, first place receives $500, second place gets $250 and third place wins $100.

Fund-raisers who turn in at least $35 will receive a 2025 Human Race T-shirt while supplies last.

Along with the ceremonies and 5K walk/run, there will be a food truck and snacks will be provided by Ready Mart. Non-profits will also have tents set up to provide information about their missions.

To register early, visit the United Way of Randolph County office, 363 S. Cox St., Asheboro, on March 10 or March 12. Or register online at the event website: https://runsighnup.com/Race/NC/Asheboro/TheHumanRaceK.

Jeffers noted that The Human Race will lead into the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Bicentennial Park hosted by Four Saints Brewery. So participants may want to make a day at the park.

“We’re excited and ready to get running, or walking, or barking,” Jeffers said. “We’re hopeful people will come out and support us, and we’ll support them.