Race Through WNC This Winter - TribPapers
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Race Through WNC This Winter

The annual Frostbite Races is a community-centered event.

Asheville – Gearing up for a speedy 2022? Race through idyllic Western North Carolina in a 10k, 5k or 1-mile fun run.

New Year’s Resolution Run`z

Start the new year off with a bang by participating in the 8th Annual New Year’s Resolution Run in Downtown Asheville on January 1. The 10k and 5k races are a great way to usher in new goals for 2022. The annual holiday tradition takes you through the streets of Downtown and North Asheville neighborhoods at 10am. 

“Fun, spirited, exhilarating, challenging, and organized!” described a past New Year’s Resolution racer. Another said, “Running with friends, feeling accomplished to start the new year.”

Families and participants of all ages are welcome to sign up—complete your first resolution together! Upon completion of the race, runners receive a commemorative ‘Resolution Run’ ceramic, campfire mug. Hot chocolate is available for a fill-up at the finish line. A cash prize will be awarded to the overall top three male and female winners and two additional randomly selected finishers. Participants can upgrade their complimentary ‘Resolution’ themed short sleeve race shirt to a long sleeve through online registration. The fee shirt deadline is December 12 at midnight. 

“Mother Nature did not hamper the spirit… [The] course marshals, course markings were great! And the swag is awesome!!! You set a wonderful example of how we can still race and be safe in the Covid world we live in,” said a previous-year racer.

Race through Downtown Asheville with the New Year’s Resolution Run. Photo courtesy of iDaph Events.

Spread the Warmth at the Frostbite Races

2022 marks the Frostbite Races’ thirtieth year of spreading the warmth. Hunter Subaru and the Lelia Patterson Center are presenting the oldest foot race in Henderson County on Sunday, February 20, 2022. 

This year’s event offers both a virtual race option and an in-person 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run. Both the 5k and 10k courses provide views of Hutch Mountain and are on hilly, sometimes challenging terrain with steep inclines. Alternatively, the flat, fast one-mile course is suitable for all running levels and ages. The Frostbite races all start and finish at the Lelia Patterson Center. Frostbite is inviting all past participants and community members to join them for this special, commemorative event.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Frostbite is introducing new race swag. This year, participants who register prior to midnight on January 30 can choose between a super-soft cotton blend shirt or a Brooks tech running shirt. All finishers will receive a commemorative 30-year Frostbite finisher medal. Virtual participants can race anywhere, anytime and receive the race shirt and medal in the mail. Post your results online for the chance to win prizes and awards. 

The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo, the afternoon of the race, is back on after a year hiatus due to the pandemic. Local vendors, live music, family games and activity and food and drink are available.       

The overall top three male and female winners of the 10k will receive cash prizes. First place receives $100; Second place receives $75; Third place receives $50. Not a speedy runner? Frostbite is giving out two $50 cash prizes to randomly selected 10k finishers. Stick around for the award ceremony—you must be present to accept your cash prize. 

Donations from the Frostbite races will benefit the iDream Athletes Foundation and Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA). The iDream Athletes was established to remove the cost barrier for youth and adults who are interested in training for or participating in a running, cycling, or multi-sport event in the WNC sports community. iDream also provides scholarships and financial assistance at the individual and team level for for run, bike and swim programs. 

Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA) offers soccer leagues, tournaments and training for young players in WNC. They “empower children, strengthen families, and enrich our community through soccer – the world’s game.”

For more information, to volunteer, to become a vendor at the expo, or a race sponsor, contact events@idaph.net. Registration is now open and can be found on the race website at https://idaph.net/events/frostbite/.