(Highlands, NC) Old Edwards Inn and Spa will host the Par-5K event September 11, 2010 from 8 am to 11 am. The race will be held on the front nine holes of the golf course totaling 3.1 miles. The top three males and females in various age groups will be awarded medals for their participation. The entry fee before August 31 is $30 and after will be $35. Each participant receives a t-shirt and the pancake breakfast. Proceeds will benefit the Highlands Literacy Council.

Race Director, Dave Linn said, “It’s going to be a great weekend full of fun, exercise and a delicious breakfast offered by the Old Edwards Club Grill. This is an event that the whole family can enjoy. The community has provided great support by donating funds, door prizes and time to make this race a success. We invite everyone to come out and challenge yourself and enjoy one of the most beautiful courses in Western North Carolina.”

During the race spectators can also enjoy the Pancake Breakfast provided for purchase by the Old Edwards Club Grill. Various door prizes will be given out during the course of the race.

Race participants will be offered a special 10% discount on accommodations at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. A special thank you to The Summer House, Koenig Homebuilders, Askew Family, Signs Express, Sports Zone, Lakeside Restaurant, Franklin Ford, Highlands Dermatology, Roto-Rooter and Faye H. Siegel for being a sponsor of the 2010 Old Edwards Inn and Spa Par 5K.

For more information call 828-526-8008 or visit www.oldedwardsinn.com.

About Old Edwards Inn and Spa (www.oldedwardsinn.com)
• Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Hotel Spa in North America for 2010 with the First Ever Perfect Score in the 20-Year History of the Reader’s Survey
• 2010 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (top ten in the US)
• Condé Nast Johansen’s Most Excellent Inn in the US and Canada 2008
• Forbes Four-Star Rated for both the Resort and The Spa
• AAA Four-Diamond Rated
• Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden has won the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” every year since 2005 and the “Best Of” award in 2008 and 2009.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa welcomes visitors to North Carolina’s high country with its unique blend of relaxed luxury recognized worldwide. A spectacular outdoor heated mineral pool, world class spa, award-winning dining, and golf at the private Old Edwards Club are signature experiences at this full-service mountain resort. Guests are surrounded by the warmth and character of Old-Europe architecture and authentic period antiques. Many rooms, cottages and suites offer private patios or terraces—some with captivating rooftop views of Main Street and downtown Highlands. All of the luxury accommodations include champagne arrival, twice-daily housekeeping, two 24-hour business centers and two 24-hour Butler’s pantries with Dove Bars, fresh fruit and soft beverages. European bedding, fine Italian linens, plush robes & slippers, rainfall showers, heated-tile bathroom floors, in-room safes and Wi-Fi enhance the in-room experience. Old Edwards Inn and Spa also boasts a state-of-the art fitness center with wellness classes that include guided hikes into the scenic surrounding mountains known as “waterfall country.”

Guests enjoy onsite shopping at the Spa Boutique, Acorn’s Boutique or Acorn’s Annex featuring fine antiques and home accessories. Dining venues include Madison ’s Restaurant and Wine Garden serving innovative New South Cuisine, The Rib Shack and Sports Corner, the Spa Café and the Poolside Bar and Bistro. Special events and weddings take place at The Farm—a lushly landscaped Old Edwards property located one mile from downtown Highlands featuring The Barn, the Farmhouse with luxury lodging, Bridal Pavilion, Bridal Bridge over a scenic pond and outdoor events pavilion. The Old Edwards Executive Conference Center provides a catered corporate retreat venue.

Also introduced in 2009 was Satulah, Old Edwards Private Residences, which includes 14 luxury mountain homes just two blocks off Main Street, Highlands. The Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four-Diamond resort is located at 445 Main Street in Highlands, NC.

About Highlands Literacy Council (www.hcliteracy.org)
The Literacy Council of Highlands is a nonprofit organization that helps children and adults to overcome their struggles with literacy and exists to help people gain the communication tools they need to lead more fulfilling and productive lives. Located in the Peggy Crosby Center, the Literacy Council offers various classes and tutoring sessions that are free and open to the public. To find out more about these classes, call 828-526-9938, extension 240.