On Saturday, September 14th, more than 300 people came together in downtown Williamson to get dirty! Participants from all around, including England were on-site to take part in this year’s race! The Coal Dust race is referred to as the “dirtiest” in the “Fastest, Dirtiest, and Oldest” race series hosted by the Tug Valley Road Runners Club and it lives up to that name!
Let’s Get Dusted!
Runners gathered at the start/finish line located in front of the Historic Coal House on 2nd Avenue, which was designated by a HUGE piece of mining equipment! At the sounding of the race siren, runners and walkers of all ages started the race route. Both a 5K and 1-mile walk was offered during this fun run. In the style of the color run races, participants were dusted with “coal dust” in several locations along the course. Participants, who came across the finish line looking like they just came from a coal mining shift, were given a unique finishers medal. The medal design for the race changes each year, with the 2019 medal being a replica of the Coal
House using the “safety green” color found on mining gear and clothing as the accent color.
Before and after the race, the on-site DJ played music to keep the crowd entertained. Designated as a “fun run”, meaning runners aren’t timed, the race is easily one of the most fun 5K’s hosted in the Williamson area. Friends, family, local cheer squads, and sports teams came out to support this race and compete against one another. After the race, volunteers and racers stayed around to talk and enjoy the music.
The Coal Dust Run is one of the largest fundraisers for the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce. The TVCC office is located inside of the Coal House and funds raised through the race helps “keep the lights on” in the Coal House.
CDR 2020
If you missed the fun this year, don’t worry!!! Coal Dust Run 2020 planning has already started for the 2nd Saturday of September 2020. To stay up to date on this race follow the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tugvalleychamber/
and the Tug Valley Road Runners Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TugValleyRoadRunnersClub/ .
See you next year for some good, clean, but dirty fun at the Coal Dust Run!