Searching for a local or destination race like no other? Look no further than an epic weekend of racing in the beautiful city of Asheville! Here's 10 Reasons why the Asheville Running Experience is Freakin' Awesome!
I'd like to thank my friends at the Asheville Running Experience for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Running in a Skirt.
Hello! Hello!
I love where I live. Asheville is a fun, quirky mountain utopia in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This little city has a free spirit and independence like I've never seen before. We have spectacular restaurants that never cease to surprise me, a thriving arts scene and more breweries per capita than anywhere else, getting us the nickname Beer City USA. Most of us have some sort of hippie tendencies and we were supporting local food before local food was cool. In general this little city fights to keep locally owned shops open over chains with a passion. I can go on a waterfall hike, paddleboard a river, take a brewery tour and eat at food cooked by a James Beard award winning chef in one beautiful day. All of this is framed by mountain vistas that will simply take my breath away.
There is no denying Asheville is a special place.
Because being fit, healthy and outdoors is such a big part of Asheville it's no surprise that there is an amazing running community here. We have all sorts of fabulous races and events but one of the most epic is the Asheville Running Experience! Whether you are local and looking for something fun to do this month or planning a destination race, this is THE event to experience the best of running in Western North Carolina.
So what is the Asheville Running Experience?
The Asheville Running Experience is three days of freakin' awesome running events in Asheville including the Asheville Running Experience Half Marathon, Superhero 5K, Chasing Trail 8K and the Asheville Urban Odyssey, which is a running scavenger hunt (covers 2-3 miles) through the city. All of the races happen in and around downtown Asheville so you can maximize your time in the city.
The three days of events run from September 22-24. Packet pick up is on Friday the 22nd and the races are split up over the next two days. It's not too late to sign up either. Here are the dates...
- Asheville Running Experience Half Marathon - September 23, 2017
- Superhero 5K - September 23, 2017
- Asheville Urban Odyssey - September 24, 2017
- Chasing Trail 8K - September 24, 2017
Even though these races are grouped together as one spectacular weekend, you can do as many or as few as you'd like. If you are not in shape for a longer race you can have a fun few days running the Superhero 5K on Saturday and the Urban Odyssey on Sunday, which covers 2-3 miles.
Have I convinced you yet? Just in case you're still on the fence... here are 10 reasons it's time to sign up.
10 Reasons the Asheville Running Experience is Freakin' Awesome
1. Packet Pickup Asheville Style - At a Brewery
The Asheville Running Experience expo is done like only Asheville can... at a brewery! It's truly a race expo like no other and brings even more fun to the weekend. Pickup is called "The Happening" and will be at Hi-Wire Brewing, which is bound to be a good time.
2. The Scenery
Asheville's mountains are downright magical.
This is a gorgeous place that just makes you want to run. Plus, our elevation means we are often a touch cooler than the rest of the south which is ideal for September racing.
3. The Music
Asheville is well known for having a fun local music scene and the Asheville Running Experience brings the tunes to you throughout the weekend. There is music along the half marathon course as well as a band for the Superhero 5K after party.
Pretty awesome, huh?
4. Three Words... Super. Hero. Race.
I mean come on.... what's more awesome than running through downtown Asheville in a super hero outfit?
Asheville embracing the FUN and you can expect all sort of characters at this evening 5K. There is also a fun run for the littles and a DOG PARADE for your furry superheroes.
Anyone have any ideas for Makena's outfit?
5. The Costumes
And speaking of the Superhero 5K... Asheville goes all out with those costumes!
This year there will be a costume contest awarding the best woman and man superHERO, best woman and man villain and the best dynamic duo! In complete Asheville style, the winners get local brewery gift cards.
6. An Urban Trail Run
Asheville is a mecca for trail running with all of our surrounding mountains! Asheville Running Experience race organizers put together a course that keeps you in the heart of Asheville but still on those trails. It's a unique experience like no other.
7. The After Party
What's more awesome than an after party??? Whether you run the Superhero 5K and go to the official after party or do your own thing there is no shortage of party locations in a town known for it's delicious craft beer and Asheville style fun!
Saturday night after the Superhero 5K there will be live music and beer! If you go out on your own there is no shortage of fun and delicious stops in town. They say you never know WHAT you will see in downtown Asheville and after 14 years of living here... I can promise you that statement is right.
8. A Running Scavenger Hunt
Curious about the Asheville Urban Odyssey? Think of it as a team run (about 2-3 miles) combined with a scavenger hunt. Add in some fun challenges and you really have an epic afternoon of fun. The entire event is in downtown, so you really never know what you'll see.
Still confused... check out this video.
9. Discounts for Multiple Races
It's pretty awesome to SAVE some cash on registration. Take advantage of the Asheville Running Experience multi-race event and get discounts by signing up for more than one! Register for 2 events and get 10% off or register for 3 or more and get 20% off. Register here!
10. Memories to Last a Lifetime
This is the kind of event runners dream of! If you live in Asheville you have no excuse to not do at least one of these spectacular events.
The experience is not to be missed! If you are visiting, there is still time to come or start making your plans for next year. Make sure to check out Asheville Running Experience for more details on all the weekend events.
10 Reasons the Asheville Running Experience is Freakin' Awesome #avlrx #asheville #avl @avlrx Share on XLike this post about the Asheville Running Experience? Pin this to your favorite running Pinterest board.
Your turn!
Head to the Asheville Running Experience and let me know which race you'd like to do!
I’m linking this post about the Asheville Running Experience with Marvelous Monday, Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday & Inspired to be Fit, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Coaches Corner, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Chrystal Rose says
This looks like such a fun run! I bet Asheville is such a great place, scenic wise, to host all those running events. I will have to check out dates for the next one!
Hatton says
This looks like so much fun! And reading this blog encouraged me to keep trying to run, and I just finished the couch to 5k app so I'm ready to try a fun race! (Please note: this may not seem like a big deal but I felt like giving up after 2 minutes of running when I first started!) Even though we are moving on the 30th... I'm tempted to travel to Asheville for this!!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This is so much fun! I do not run though but I would love to see my children join and I will be on the sidelines cheering them on! I hope there are fun activities like this around my area. Asheville looks like such an awesome place to be.
JulieWunder says
The kids love these race! Thanks Annemarie!
Annmarie says
I wish that Ragnar wasn't that weekend or I'd totally consider coming down to run this! Looks awesome!
JulieWunder says
That would be so much fun! Maybe one year!!!
Alisa Fleming says
I've heard such amazing things about Asheville and those pictures make it look gorgeous! I can only imagine the bliss running in an area like that.
JulieWunder says
It's so nice! I'm pretty lucky.
Mikki says
Oh my!! This looks like soo much fun and I"m not even a runner. Love the idea of the Super Hero race!
Elena says
You got me at scenery. I have never been to Asheville before but it looks like a such a beautiful place.
JulieWunder says
It's so pretty! Thanks Elena!
Carrie says
I've never heard of this before! But it sounds like so much fun! Although I've never done a 5K before and to be honest I don't think I could run one now!
JulieWunder says
You can always run/walk!
Carmy @ carmyy.com says
I love the superhero one! Dressing up for 5K is totally do-able and fun!
JulieWunder says
Exactly!!!
Kelly says
What a fun and beautiful place for a race. Will have to look into it!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kelly!
Christine - Jar Of Lemons says
It looks beautiful! I'd love to be a part of this race one day. Sounds amazing!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Christine!
Rachel says
I've always wanted to visit Asheville! And now here's even more of a reason!!
JulieWunder says
It's a great place!
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
Looks like a gorgeous and awesome time! Glad you had fun!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Emily!
Meredith says
Oh my goodness the super hero race looks like so much fun! What a wonderful way to get a whole family excited about running!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
A super hero race?! SIGN. ME. UP. I wish I lived closer so I could do it this year, but this might be a good destination race experience for future years!
Steph @GratefulGrazer says
I've always wanted to visit Asheville—it looks like such a fun place! Always knew their food scene was good, but now I'vegot plenty of running to do, too! 🙂
Crystal says
That looks like so much fun! I love all the people dressing up and all the entertainment. Makes it fun for all the supporters on the sidelines too!
Alicia @Bridges Through Life says
Your city definitely looks so beautiful. I need to go to North Carolina some day. A superhero 5k sounds pretty fun too.
Heather Johnson says
I am totally not a runner at all. I would still love to explore all the sights and experiences of Asheville!
Veggie Inspired says
The Super Hero 5k looks so awesome!!
Abbey Sharp says
Definitely looks like a super fun time! Love all of your photos 🙂
Jaime says
This is a great race series! My husband and son did the Superhero fun run last year. They had a blast!
JulieWunder says
Such a great race! Thanks Jaime!
Emily Erson says
I wish my community would do something like this. Talk about a way to bring people of all ages together!
JulieWunder says
Yes! So much fun. Thanks Emily.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This sounds so fun!!! I wish I'd known about it. I'm doing a half in Charlotte that same weekend!
JulieWunder says
Ohhh no way! I forgot about that!! Wish you were coming here!!
Kimberly Hatting says
Asheville looks so beautiful! This sounds like a great weekend....but it's a bit of a trek from Iowa LOL Maybe someday...
JulieWunder says
You'd love it! Thanks Kimberly.
Laura says
Wow SO many fun components of this event! I love running with such beautiful scenery too!!!
JulieWunder says
THanks Laura!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Oh cool! One of my best friends is getting married in Asheville next spring, so we're planning on making a vacation out of it! I might have to do some running while I'm there! 🙂
JulieWunder says
You will! How much fun! Let me know if you need any suggestions!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. says
Ashville looks so beautiful! I'd love to visit sometime. And a super hero race?! It doesn't get more fun than that!
JulieWunder says
So much fun! Thanks Whitney!
Deryn | Running on Real Food says
That is so much fun and the scenery looks gorgeous! I love the idea of racing or competing in some aspect on vacations...give me even more reason to eat more food! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Exactly. I like the way you think.
Lorie says
Running or not, Asheville is where my hubby and I plan to go in the next year! Love all of your pics!
JulieWunder says
Yay! Hope you enjoy your trip.
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups says
This looks like an awesome event! What a fun weekend!
JulieWunder says
So much fun! Thanks Emily!
Kristen from The Road Domestication says
I had no idea the running experience in Asheville was so amazing, but I've loved your town for a long time! One of my favorite places to visit! Especially the Biltmore LOL
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kristen! So glad you love Asheville!
Jenn says
Looks like such a fun experience! Looks like a great city to visit now that we are closer to it.
JulieWunder says
So much fun! Thanks Jenn!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I like that there are so many distance options available. Looks like a fabulous running city
JulieWunder says
It's a great place!
Dan Steadman says
Hey one day I would love to do the half...one of my best half marathons was the old Citizen Times course which this race is modeled after. Also the Citizen Time full was a great race for me, any chance to run the course
JulieWunder says
Yes!! Great course and weekend of racing!
Sarah says
Looks like fun! If we were closer my family would love to join the fun!
JulieWunder says
You guys would have so much fun!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Looks so fun! Wish I could come! Looking forward to your recap.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Wendy!
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
The Urban Odyssey sounds like an absolute blast! I wish a city near me had something like this.
JulieWunder says
Such a good race!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
What an awesome race weekend. I would LOVE this as a racecation!
JulieWunder says
Yes! Such a good time!
Blane Sherer says
Very nice.
JulieWunder says
Thanks!