The Gold Hill Rail Trail will be used for the inaugural Gold Rush 5K at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Volunteers have been working on the trail, formerly the home of an 1880s narrow-gauge railroad line, extensively over the last few months. The 5K course is open to walkers and runners of all abilities and will be 90 percent off pavement. Crushed gravel and scenic woodland paths make up most of the course. A fun run for kids, 12 and under, will be held following the 5K.

The 5K also has historic significance. Along the course will be two mines, the powder room and a finish line in the center of the early mining village. Awards will be presented at the Village Arbor in 14 age group categories. There will be drawings for Gold Hill Dollars, good for purchases within the village. All participants will receive a unique commemorative dri-fit t-shirt.

Proceeds benefit the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation and rail trail maintenance. The Gold Hill Rail Trail is a protected railroad right of way developed by the LandTrust for Central North Carolina in partnership with the Historic Gold Hill and Mines Foundation, Inc. The rail line transported gold, gold refining equipment and supplies to and from the mines.

Major sponsors are Vulcan Materials Company and Novant Health. Online registration is available at www.sportoften.com and a printable brochure is available at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org. For more information, call Vivian Hopkins at 704-267-9439 or vivian@historicgoldhill.com Race day registration will be available.