Are you ready to get dirty? The 7th Annual Coal Dust Run happens in downtown Williamson on Saturday, September 14th! Hosted by the Tug Valley Road Runners Club and Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, you don’t want to be left in the dust on this one!
Why Coal Dust?
According to Coal Dust Run Race Director Leigh Ann Ray, this run began during the “color run” craze. In a color run, participants have brightly colored dust thrown on them during the race. Ray and Former Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce director Natalie Taylor wanted to do a color run but decided to put a unique spin on the race that reflected Williamson and the Tug Valley area.
“We thought it would be fun to do black dust and people would look like they just pulled a shift underground in the coal mines. It was our way of honoring the industry that “runs” our country and the hard-working people have mined coal for centuries, “says Ray.
Throwin’ Dust, Runnin’ the Streets, & Havin’ Fun!
Over the years this race has quickly become one of the most popular 5K’s in the area! When you come to downtown Williamson on Coal Dust Run evening, it’s like a party in the street. Running 3.1 miles or walking 1 mile was never so much fun!
Tug Valley Road Runners Club President Alexis Batausa says of the race, “It’s like no other! Being able to celebrate the history of coal in our area every 2nd weekend in September is fantastic. The excitement brings so much energy it could power the heart of the billion-dollar coalfields, which is Williamson!”
It's Not Just Fun, it’s a Fundraiser
This race is not just fun. It’s the largest yearly fundraiser for the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce. The TVCC office is located inside the Historic Coal House, which serves as a welcome and information center for visitors and locals.
“One way the TVCC is able to keep the lights on in the Coal House is through funds raised by the Coal Dust Run. It’s exciting to have Coronado Coal sign on to support this race as our flagship sponsor this year. We are grateful to have so many interested in sponsoring the race, registering to participate, and joining us for a fun time in town,” explains Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce President Chris Dotson.
Wes Wilson, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau Director tells us Rish Equipment will make this year’s start/finish line something unique, but If you want to know what it is, you’ll have to come to the race!
“We’re really pumped about the race! We’re excited! We set a goal to have 500 participants this year. We want to raise the bar! Last year we had some area school teams involved as a group
and we want all of the area teams participating this year!” says Wilson.
The Details
The 7th Annual Coal Dust Run happens on Saturday, Saturday 14th in downtown Williamson at 6 pm. This race offers a 1-mile walk and a 5k Fun Run, neither course is timed. This is a fun, fast course with dust zones and dust-free zones. The start and finish line will be on 2nd Avenue in front of the Coal House. Pre-registration cost is $20.00 and the price increases to $25.00 if you register on race day. With your registration, you will receive a Coal Dust Run T-Shirt, cool finishers medal, and goggles. You can register online until September 12th at 9 pm. You can also register at the Coal House, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am - 4: 30 pm.
If you’re interested in being a sponsor or want more information about sponsorship opportunities for the Coal Dust Run, call Wes at 304-235-5240 or email wes.tvcc@gmail.com
You can find the event link on the Tug Valley Road Runners Facebook page
or Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce Facebook page
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