Registration Open for 19th Annual Race

Murphy, NC  – Murphy Medical Center is accepting registrations for participants in its nineteenth annual “Two Hours from Anywhere” 5K Challenge, Two-Mile Heart Walk and Kids’ Fun Run to take place Saturday, September 19.  The event is a fundraiser to benefit the new Urgent Care Center and Family Practice, now under construction, in Murphy.

“I enjoy the fitness aspect of the road race; it’s a great community event that Murphy Medical hosts,” stated Laura Hughes, RN, a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit in the hospital. “The training required is helping me get back in shape after having a baby last year.”

Last year’s race featured more than 300 runners and walkers ranging in ages from 11 to 87. Awards for males and females in the 5K and Heart Walk will be made in the following age categories:  10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, and 80-89. Overall, Master and Grandmaster awards will also be given to top male and female winners.

The Kids’ Fun Run, a lap around Murphy Medical Center, is for kids 10 and under and is free.  All children participating in the Fun Run will receive a trophy and a goody bag.

Race pre-registration is $15.00 and includes a t-shirt.  Registration forms are located at www.murphymedical.org, the hospital’s lobby, and at PARC in Peachtree.

Race day registration is $20.00 and includes a t-shirt while supplies last.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on September 19 at the hospital’s Nursing Home entrance, at the rear of the hospital. The race begins at 9:00 a.m., rain or shine.  

Both runners and walkers races will start the race from near the Nursing Home entrance and will follow U.S. Highway 64 Alt. towards Murphy. The course is out-and-back, and racers will finish at the starting point. The road will be closed to vehicle traffic during the races. 

Mile markers and a water stop are available for both runners and walkers. Refreshments will be offered at the finish line where professional timing will give runners an official run time.

At the post-race awards ceremony, participants of the “Lighten Up” weight-loss challenge to area businesses will discover which teams are the biggest losers.  Thirty three teams will conclude their eight-week competition to lose the greatest percentage of weight.  The challenge is co-sponsored by Murphy Medical Center, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Clay County Chamber of Commerce and The Cherokee Scout.   Prizes include trophies for the top three teams and memberships to PARC, Murphy Medical Center’s fitness center.

“This road race is a fun, energetic, friendly event,” said Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director. “Knowing that proceeds support improved access to healthcare in our community just provides even more reason to participate. “

Murphy Medical Center’s Urgent Care Center treats over 11,000 people patients each year and offers a significantly lower cost alternative to the hospital’s Emergency Department for non-emergent healthcare needs. The jointly located Family Practice will help alleviate the area’s current shortage of primary care physicians, ultimately providing thousands of patient’s access to a primary doctor’s care.