By: Daphne Kirkwood

There are some places that stay with you long after the event cones are picked up and the finish line comes down. For me, Kanuga is one of those places.

When I think about returning to Kanuga for a trail race, the first emotion that comes up is gratitude.

In the event world, relationships matter. Sometimes when a race doesn’t continue at a location — for reasons big or small — there can be hard feelings. That’s just part of the process when schedules change or priorities shift. That wasn’t the case with Kanuga. When I reached back out about bringing a race here again, the response was open, thoughtful, and enthusiastic.

“They were ready, willing, and genuinely excited to create something together,” I shared. “That kind of openness means a lot — especially when you’re returning to a place that already holds so much meaning.”

Kanuga has always felt like a gem tucked into Henderson County. If you’ve never attended a camp, conference, or retreat there, you might not even realize what’s hidden back in those woods. Trails that wind through the property. Water. Tennis courts. Historic lodging. Quiet corners that make you forget how close you are to town.

The first time we produced a race at Kanuga, I remember thinking how special it felt — like discovering something you want to share, but also protect. And so coming back now — not just with a race, but with a trail 5K — feels purposeful.

We have a full calendar at iDaph Events. And yet, one of the most common questions we hear — especially from people who have experienced our TreeTops trail race — is simple:

Can you please offer more trail races?

Our TreeTops 8.5-mile trail race sells out every year at 300 runners, and the feedback is consistent. People love trail racing, but they’re also asking for something shorter — something that feels accessible without losing what makes trail running special. Ultra-distance races are thriving, but there are fewer opportunities for runners who want a shorter trail experience.

This question comes from all corners of our community: longtime iDaph runners, road runners curious about trail racing, locals who want to try something new without committing to a long distance.

What I wish more people understood — and what this race helps show — is that trail running doesn’t have to be about pace or perfection. It’s fun to move through a landscape that feels different than pavement. Running on trails and mixed surfaces is more challenging, and your overall time may be slower than a road race — and that’s okay.

“Trail running takes the pressure off the time goal,” I often say. “It invites you to be present, to adapt, and to enjoy the experience rather than chase a number.”

That philosophy is at the heart of the brand new Twilight Trail 5K.

This race was intentionally designed to be approachable, welcoming, and non-intimidating. Walkers and families are encouraged. The elevation gain and loss are modest. There is single track trail  — but not the entire course — making it a perfect entry point for road runners who have been curious about trails but unsure where to start.

“I really hope a road runner reads this and thinks, ‘Okay… maybe I could do this,’” I shared. “Because they absolutely can.”

And if someone finishes this 5K feeling proud — but not wrecked — that matters. It means the experience built confidence instead of doubt. It means trail running feels like an open door, not a closed club.

The timing of this race matters too.

There’s something powerful about a sunset — a fleeting moment that changes shape and color so quickly you have to be present to catch it. The Twilight Trail 5K takes place as the sun is setting, and I love the idea of sharing that moment with our community.

A 5:30pm start also shifts the energy. Most races happen in the early morning hours. This one invites you to mix it up. If you train after work, your body may already be primed for an evening run — you just might not know it yet.

After the finish, the experience doesn’t end. We’re intentionally creating space to linger — to share food, gather around a bonfire, and spend the evening together.

“We so often rush to set up and break down races,” I reflected. “Here, I want us to savor the moment. To hang out. To enjoy being together. To let people imagine what it would feel like to stay the night and wake up for the triathlon in the morning.”

It was important to me that the Twilight Trail 5K stand on its own. This is not a triathlon add-on. Trail runners who have zero interest in a triathlon are absolutely welcome here.

At the same time, I love the idea of these two communities overlapping — collaborating, commiserating, and cheering each other on.

“If you’ve ever thought about challenging yourself in a new way,” I often tell people, “this might be your opportunity.”

Why now?

Because this race reflects where iDaph is right now — thoughtful, intentional, and deeply focused on experience. Not trying to be everything to everyone, but creating events that feel meaningful and accessible in places that matter.

If this race is a reflection of how I’m evolving as a race director, I hope it says this: that belonging matters, that trying something new should feel supported, and that community is just as important as competition.

We can’t wait to welcome you — whether it’s your first visit or a return — to Kanuga this August for the Twilight Trail 5K!