The University of North Carolina campus transformed into a sea of runners on Saturday, April 20th as the Tar Heel 10 Miler returned for its 17th year. 8,634 athletes, including UNC students, faculty, alumni, and runners from across the country, laced up their shoes to conquer the scenic (and demanding) 10-mile course or the shorter 4-mile option. The most ambitious athletes tackled the “Double Down Challenge,” tackling both distances. Race organizers built a special double down express-lane chute that allowed runners to run the 4 mile, then sidestep the finish line to arrive right back in the starting corral for the ten miler. After seeing the finish line once, the double downers finally experienced its glory after their 14 mile journey.
The weather was perfect and the energy was electric as runners weaved through the iconic UNC campus, vibrant downtown Chapel Hill, and past some of the area’s most cherished landmarks. Each of the three distances finished on one of the most demanding and uphill finishes in the area.
Whether you were a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, the Tar Heel 10 Miler offered a chance to push your limits and celebrate college-town-community spirit. Each runner, wearing specially-colored bibs corresponding to their chosen distance, ran to the cheers from fellow runners and spectators who lined the streets of the famed University town.
Having received exceptionally positive feedback from the City, the University and the runners, Capstone events, the race organizer, promises even more fun and excitement for the 2025 Tarheel Ten Miler.
