The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians announces the inaugural Harvest Half Marathon on Saturday, October 15, 2011, beginning at 8:00 am in beautiful Cherokee, North Carolina. The day's events also feature a 5k race.

"I would like to invite runners to join us in Cherokee for what I hope is the first of many races," said Principal Chief Michell Hicks. The proceeds will benefit the Madison Hornbuckle Children's Cancer Foundation, providing funding for families with children being treated for cancer. Everyone is invited to enjoy the fall colors in the Great Smokies for a memorable event for charity.

The runners will receive a finisher's award as they cross the finish line and be treated to a post-race bowl of colorful harvest soup. The recipe was developed in collaboration with the Cherokee Central Schools as part of the Healthy Roots program sponsored by Cherokee Choices and the culinary team at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel and consists of local ingredients grown by the students.

Both races begin at the Cherokee Fairgrounds on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The course traverses through downtown Cherokee and winds through some of the beautiful mountain areas of the Great Smokies during the colorful fall season. The half marathon course will pass through virtually every community in Cherokee, with one significant climb at mile six. The runners will experience Cherokee culture throughout the entire course and fully staffed aid stations will be provided along the course.

Registration is open at the official race web site: www.CherokeeHarvestHalf.com. Runners will also receive a long-sleeve technical running shirt, swag bag and post-race entertainment. Entry fees are $30 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K through September 30.

The event is a collaboration between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel and is produced by Glory Hound Events.

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