Summit Twilight Racing Series returns to Davidson March 16

If you’re a competitive runner, you know the drill – awake at dawn, rub the sleep from your eyes while slathering a piece of toast with peanut butter and haul yourself down to the starting line of the Saturday morning course.

However, there’s a twist on the standard race routine in Davidson as Summit Coffee returns with its Summit Twilight Racing Series, four night running events followed by post-race festivals held downtown.

First up is the Leprechaun Loop 8K, scheduled for March 16 and benefitting Levine Children’s Hospital.

Summit Coffee proprietors Brian and Tim Helfrich launched the racing series last year, and it proved to be an overwhelming success. The brothers wanted to create an event that drew both avid runners, usually in their 20’s, and racers, who tend to be older.

“I think there’s something for everyone – a competitive field for fast runners, a good course for all participants, and a wildly fun after-party for everyone,” said Brian Helfrich, 27, who serves as director of the race series.

Summit Coffee has been a fixture on Main Street for 15 years, and Helfrich is grateful for the support of a community like Davidson. “I can’t say enough about how much Davidson has given back to us as a business. The town has walked with us step-by-step along the way to execute events like the Racing Series,” he said. “These folks want action on Main Street just as much as we do. The people of Davidson are young, active and thirsty for community events.”

Last year, between the series and other events, Summit donated more than $25,000 to charities.

Registration thus far is more than double last March’s total race entries. Keri Fitzgerald, 35, of River Run plans to participate again after her experience in last year’s June Summer Solstice race. “It was a fun, yet challenging four-mile road and trail run, and relaxing with live music and friends at the finish line made it a great way to spend an evening in Davidson,” she said.

After participants finish the Leprechaun Loop 8K, they’ll be entertained by Charlotte-based band The New Familiars. Food trucks will be on hand to satisfy post-race cravings. Charlotte-based Triple C Brewing Co., a shop favorite, has signed on to sponsor the four races as the exclusive beer partner.