10+ Asheville running clubs to help you go the distance
A morning run is better with the promise of free coffee. | Photo via @flouravl
If you’re looking to get your running regime back on track or hoping to go the extra mile — well, join the club. No, seriously. We’ve gathered a few Asheville running clubs that will help you hit the road (or trail or sidewalk).
Ready, set, socialize
Asheville Run Crew | Join a safe space community for free BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S + ally runs — these pop-up events require registration.
Asheville Runners | Share your enthusiasm for running, whether you’re a competitive racer or just need movement motivation, at Tuesday and Thursday runs with different distance options.
Asheville Running Collective | This crew is a nationally certified, post-collegiate racing team— however, the Thursday night runs at Wedge Brewing Company are open to folks of all abilities and paces.
Fleet Feet Asheville | Hit the ground running with free coach-led group runs every Tuesday and Saturday.
Flour Run Club | Start your Sunday morning at 7 a.m. with a brisk 2.5-mile jog around downtown for any pace, then stick around for a free cup of coffee at the shop.
Jus’ Running | Check out the strength + speed interval training on Tuesday nights and the weekly Wednesday pub runs at Archetype Brewing. Pro tip: The training group for new runners kicks off on Monday, Sept. 9.
Lookout Brewing Running Club | The Wednesday run starts out at Mountain Running Company in Black Mountain at 6 p.m. and makes its way to the brewery; on Sundays, runners start at the brewery at 12:15 p.m.
Trek the trails
Mountain Running Company | You’ve got three running options throughout the week, each with multiple distance options for any pace.
NC Mountain Trail Runners | Take the (dirt) path less traveled by, and choose from several pace groups at the Monday night group run at Bent Creek Trailhead. Bonus: If you become a member, you can also get involved with longer “adventure runs” on the weekends.
A. The trails are calling, and I must go. B. I like the challenge of dodging tourists on the downtown sidewalks. C. Give me a city park any day. D. If you need me, I’ll be on my couch.
JORTS! | Friday, Aug. 30 | 9 p.m. | Catawba Brewing Company | $15 | Don your best pair of Daisy Dukes (or longer cutoff lengths, if that’s more your style) for a lineup of denim-clad comedians.
The Snozzberries | Friday, Aug. 30 | 10 p.m. | Asheville Music Hall | $12-$15 | Keep the night going with a psychedelic after-party for the King Gizzard and Umphrey’s McGee concerts.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Beer City Cup | Saturday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Sept. 1 | 8 a.m. | John B. Lewis Soccer Complex and Buncombe County Sports Park | Free | Watch high-level club, college, semi-pro, and even pro players compete for cash prizes — plus, enjoy $4 beers and a merch tent.
Collector’s Sale | Saturday, Aug. 31-Monday, Sept. 2 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Odyssey Clayworks | Free | Browse a showcase of impressive works from ceramic artists from across the world.
Labor Day Cooking Class | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 4-7 p.m. | Asheville Mountain Kitchen | $90 | Cook up an all-American menu in honor of the holiday — like shrimp + grits and vegetable succotash.
Sunday, Sept. 1
Kokedama Workshop | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | PlantHouse | $18-$25 | Unleash your botanical creativity to turn a soil ball and moss into a stunning display.
Sunday Scrabble Club | Sunday, Sept. 1 | 1:30-5:30 p.m. | Stephens-Lee Recreation Center | Free | Test your linguistic skills with the classic word game — it’s okay to come late or leave early.
Monday, Sept. 2
“Tangerine” | Monday, Sept. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Grail Moviehouse | $20 | Experience an odyssey through LA subcultures as Sin-Dee gets to the bottom of a scandalous rumor — proceeds benefit Tranzmission.
No. 1. That’s where Asheville landed on Outside Magazine’s list of the “9 Best Mountain Towns in the Southeast.” Our little city secured the top spot for its beer + food scenes, art, music, and access to outdoor adventure. Psst... we have a few guides to validate that opinion.
Featured
Sorry, what was that? Another No. 1 spot for Asheville? That’s right — the Land of the Sky was also at the top of HomeToGo’s “Off-the-Beaten-Path Beer Destinations” list. The ranking utilizes the vacation rental company’s 2024 Beer Lovers Index, which offers scores in breweries, beer pricing, and accommodation.
Listen
Hear, hear. The Asheville Police Department became the first individual City of Asheville department to launch a podcast. The bi-weekly episodes of APD Pod Squad, hosted by Public Information Officer Rick Rice, will include officer profiles, cold cases, community outreach, and chats with Chief Mike Lamb.
Civic
The Asheville City Council approved a resolution to donate its used cell phones and computers to the Land of Sky Regional Council. The council will give refurbished devices and training to locals who do not have access to bridge the digital divide.
Community
Buncombe County is hosting its third annual Bike Rodeo and Safety Day on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Buncombe County Sports Park. The free, family-friendly event will set up young cyclists with safety essentials and let them take their new skills for a spin.
State
The NC Chamber is seeking feedback from businesses on their healthcare priorities. The results of the anonymous survey will offer a statewide overview of attitudes toward benefits and the programs that impact them. Submit your response.
Learn
Calling all lifelong learners. Just 13 hours of study with Rosetta Stone is equivalent to a full semester of college Spanish. Ready to hone your skills between meetings, on your commute, or even replace some mindless social media scrolling? Get 50% off.*
Home
In case you missed it, Enza’s Inventory Elimination Sale lasts just a few more days. If you’re looking for high-quality home goods at crazy low prices, now’s the time.*
Finance
Rates just dropped. Now could be the perfect time for you to tap into your home equity — calculate your payment.*
Edu
Does a school merger make the grade?
Study up on the feasibility of an Asheville City and Buncombe County schools merger
The report will be completed in December and presented in February. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
School’s in session. Well, more like school consolidation feasibility study public feedback drop-in meetings are in session — but that’s not as catchy. It is more accurate, though, because Prismatic Services is hosting a series of community meetings to gather your thoughts on the viability of a merger between Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools.
Last September, the NC General Assembly mandated that the governments study the possibility of merging their two school systems. Educational consultant Prismatic Services, which is leading the study, will present its final report to the State Legislature in early 2025.
The first drop-in meeting will take place on Monday, Sept. 9, and additional meetings will take place throughout the month. An online survey will also open for feedback.
Speaking of schools + surveys — the 2030 Strategic Plan virtual feedback meeting is also on Sept. 9, and you can give your thoughts on school system priorities.
The Buy
The Buy 8.30.24 (Affiliate)
A car charger adapter strong enough to provide a full-speed charge to two phones at once. Psst — it’s 35% off for Labor Day.
I just moved to a new apartment last weekend, and unsurprisingly, my 800+ books really slowed down the whole relocation process. As soon as the last volume was unpacked, I made a firm resolution to just not buy anymore books — a resolution which is already being tested. A Copenhagen-based publishing company is about to release “The Minimoog Book,” capturing the story of the instrument, its influence, and of course, Asheville’s own Bob Moog. Maybe one more book wouldn’t hurt.
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