We’re only a week and a half away from the first official day of fall, y’all. 🍂 As summer starts coming to an end and cooler temps begin hitting the forecasts, one wonderful aspect of autumn is all the outdoor races.
So for all you runners or first-time racers, here’s a list of 10 Asheville fall races (plus more races in the WNC area) to get you in the spirit of the fall race season, so you can begin your training sesh. And, for those of you not ready to race but who want to join a running group, see our guide to local running groups here.
Which race do you want to attend? Choose between these, the Asheville Turkey Trot, the Thomas Wolfe 8K, the Shut In Trail Race + 4 more here. ⬇
Last year’s Superhero 5K + Super Villain 10K. Photo by @glory_hound_events.
📅Sept. 16 | 📍Biltmore Estate – 1 Lodge St. | 👟7:45 a.m. | $60+
This Duathlon, 10K off-road run, and Gravel Grinder Bike Event allows runners to choose a course that is best for them as all three of these events are entirely on the historic grounds of the Biltmore Estate property (areas that are not usually open to guests).
Superhero 5K + Super Villain 10K
📅Sept. 22 | 📍Salvage Station – 468 Riverside Dr. |👟 9 a.m | $30+
Both the 5K and 10K begin at Salvage Station and make their way around the area and through Montford before returning to the Salvage Station. Post-race beer will be provided to runners who are 21+. Bonus: Feel free to dress in your fav superhero or villain apparel.
📅Sept. 23 | 📍One World Brewing – 10 Patton Ave. | 👟12 p.m. | $140 per team
During this race, your group of four will follow a series of clues to various Asheville locations. Teams are expected to run or walk between 3 and 5 miles and the winning team is determined by the time it took to complete all clues. Each member of the winning team will receive a $100 gift card to Frugal Backpacker.
📅Sept. 23 | 📍Richmond Hill Park – 280 Richmond Hill Dr. | 👟9 a.m | $20+
Enjoy the outdoor adventure in city limits with this combination of single and double-track trails. There will be post-race food at the awards ceremony.
📅Sept. 29 | 📍New Belgium Brewing – 21 Craven St. | 👟9 a.m. | $25+
As part of the Mix 96.5 Race to the Taps Marathon Series, choose between a 5K or 7Miler where you will receive a commemorative flight glass and a beer at the finish line.
📅Oct. 20 | 📍Thomas Wolfe House – 52 N Market St. | 👟9 a.m | $30+
The 42nd Annual Thomas Wolfe House 8K begins at the Wolfe house and makes its way through downtown and Montford. DYK: This is Asheville’s oldest race.
📅Nov. 3 |📍Carrier Park – 220 Amboy Rd. | 👟10 a.m | $30
This race will begin at the bike track and move towards Amboy Dog Park. In honor of October being ADHD Awareness Month, all proceeds will go to SOAR’s Scholarship Fund (which helps students with learning disabilities).
📅Nov. 3 | 📍The N.C. Arboretum – 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | 👟10 a.m. | $95
Celebrating its 39th year, this 17.8-mile trail race begins at Bent Creek + climbs over the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Mt. Pisgah parking lot.
📅Nov. 22 | 📍Downtown YMCA – 30 Woodfin St. | 👟9:15 a.m. | $25+
Start your Thanksgiving morning with a 5K to make room for all the celebratory food. Proceeds benefit MANNA Food Bank. Bonus: The Gobble Wobble 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m.
📅Dec. 2 | 📍Asheville Outlets – 800 Brevard Rd. | 👟10 a.m. | $15+
Perfect for beginners and pros alike. This 5K will trek around the Asheville Outlets and Ridgefield Business Park.
**Since the runs listed above are only in the Asheville area, here’s a list of more WNC races for the remainder of the year. Locations include Black Mountain, Mills River, Cherokee, Boone + more.
I’m normally not much of a runner, but this guide has inspired me to give it a go. Ali and I have decided to sign up for either the Thomas Wolfe 8K or the SOAR Eagle Run 5K together – so time to get training.
Do you know of any Asheville races or local running groups not on this list? Reply to this email and let us know.
Happy running!!
