Outdoor Journal

Run, Natty, run!: The third annual Earth Day Reggae 5K will take place on Saturday, April 19, in Black Mountain.

Participants are encouraged to dress themselves in tie-dyes and dance (or limbo) across the finish line. Categories include a 5K, a 5K Stroller Push and a 1-mile Fun Run. Prizes will be offered for the best male and female times, best finish-line dance, first stroller to cross the finish line and most tricked-out stroller, along with several intriguing “mystery prizes.”

The event has a vibe befitting its island theme. “It’s not about being fast,” says organizer Martha Evans. “It’s all about having fun.”

The Earth Day Reggae 5K is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Blue Planet Run Foundation (blueplanetrun.org), which focuses on getting clean water to communities around the globe. Register by April 16 at active.com or in person at Jus’ Running in Asheville or Caminos in Black Mountain. For more information, visit www.reggae5k.com, email info@reggae5k.com, or call 669-0348.

Take a load off: Weary thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail will again be cheered by the crowds, the food, the entertainment and the rejuvenating waters of Hot Springs when the town hosts its Trailfest, on Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27.

The annual event will feature a chili cook-off, Scottish dancing (kilts in motion!), a duck race and a visit from motivational speaker Jeff Alt. The festival is no slouch music-wise, either, as Eliza Lynn, Allen Darveaux, the Butter Holler String Band, Bee and Boo, Vollie McKenzie and others take the stage on Saturday. For a full schedule of events, visit www.hotspringsnc.org.

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