The 8th annual Cougar Challenge will be held at Sam Michael’s Park and the adjacent Harpers Ferry Job Corps on Saturday, June 29. The challenge consists of family-friendly 5K Race, Tot Trot and 2K Fun Run to promote fitness in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and raise money for the boys and girls cross country teams at Jefferson High School. Runners from area high schools and middle schools are encouraged to enjoy a day of friendly competition.

The 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) cross-country race will be open to all ages and a 2-kilometer fun run will be held for youths ages 14 & under along with a 200 meter Tot Trot. The course is run primarily on dirt and grass trails. Registration will be from 7:00-8:00 a.m. Start times for the races are: 5-K Race 8:15 a.m.; 200 meter Tot Trot 9:00 a.m.; 2K Fun Run 9:15 a.m.

The fee for pre-registered runners (postmarked by June 24th) is $15 and the race day registration fee is $20. Family discounts: 2 for 1 (younger than 12 years old) or family $50. Checks are payable to: JHS X-C.