ARCHIVED RACE: Beat the Heat 5K @ Near WFU’s BB&T Football Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC, United States on 21 July 2012

Presented by the Twin City Track Club, The Beat the Heat 5K has been a midsummer fixture on the Triad road racing scene for more than twenty years. The race was recently featured in Running Journal magazine as the #1 “Under the Radar” race in the South. The purpose of the Beat the Heat 5K is to promote fitness and health, and improve the quality of life for individuals and families. The 2012 race will occur on July 21st beginning and ending near Wake Forest’s BB&T Field and Bridger Field House.

In 2012, Beat the Heat will again provide special recognition to first time 5K runners with a certificate and door prize opportunities. We hope to have even more than last year’s 110 first time 5K runners.

We are thrilled to acknowledge that Beat the Heat has again been designated the official USATF 5K Championship race for the state of North Carolina. Last year, the race attracted over 800 participants with elite runners from cities around the Southeast. Prize money of $2500 will be awarded to the qualifying USATF winners. This is a fast race with the top finishers under 15:00 the last several years.

What else makes this race special? First, its evening start provides a break from the summer heat and creates a great sunset backdrop for the post race celebration and awards ceremony. Second, it is a great family event — in addition to the featured 5K race, there is a one mile fun run/walk for all ages. Third, the novel WAVA age and gender handicapped scoring system allows all 5K runners to judge their performance with the fastest runners in the field. Fourth, coveted Beat the Heat coffee mugs are awarded to the top 50 WAVA 5K finishers. Finally, and additional $1500 in prize money is awarded, based on WAVA place, to the top 20 eligible 5K finishers.