Western North Carolina –
Frostbite Races
The oldest foot race in Henderson County is commencing on the afternoon of Sunday, February 20. 2022 is the 30th anniversary of the time-honored tradition. This year, the Frostbite 5k, 10k and one-mile races are presented by Hunter Subaru and the Leila Patterson Center, a fitness and aquatic center. The Frostbite races all start and end at the Leila Patterson Center.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event offers both a virtual and in-person race option. The 10k and 5k courses showcase stunning views of Hutch Mountain and are on “hilly, sometimes challenging terrain with steep inclines,” said Daphne Kirkwood, race organizer. Alternately, the one-mile fun run is a fast, flat route suited for all running levels and ages.
Celebrating 30 Years
To celebrate 30 historic years of racing, Frostbite organizers are offering “race highlights” for the 2022 event. Runners get a choice between an ultra-soft cotton blend or a Brooks tech running shirt. Finishers in all three events will receive a commemorative 30 years Frostbite medal.
Race supporters can have fun without breaking a sweat. The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo is back after a hiatus in 2021. Event organizers are welcoming back local vendors, live music, family games, food and drink. The expo is taking place all afternoon during the races.
Spreading the Warmth
Donations from the Frostbite races will benefit the iDreams Athlete Foundation and Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Foundation (ABYSA).
“The iDream Athletes Foundation is an organization helping 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,” Kirkwood said.
iDream provides scholarships for athletic participation at the individual and organizational levels. Funding can benefit race fees, to training measures and equipment.
ABYSA hosts 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,” says the ABYSA website.
How to Participate
“For generations, the Frostbite races have been a community and a family tradition! We are cordially inviting all past participants and community members to join us for this special commemorative event. Participants registered prior to midnight on January 30, will get a free, comfy race t-shirt. All finishers will receive a finisher medal at the finish line,” Kirkwood said.
Virtual participants can run the race anywhere at any time and Frostbite will mail racers a commemorative shirt and medal. Participants can also post their results online for a chance to win prizes.
“We hope you choose to join us as we carry on a Western North Carolina running tradition for thirty years in the making,” Kirkwood said.
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/.
Chili Challenge
The North Buncombe 8k and one-mile Chili Chase is commencing on February 26 in Weaverville. The event is hosted by the North Buncombe Middle School PTO to raise much-needed funding for the school. The “rolling hills” course that journeys through picturesque Weaverville starts and finishes on the middle school campus. There are two water stations along the route and the 8k course is partially opened to light traffic. Volunteers and police are stationed at each major intersection to ensure safety is maintained.
The annual race is followed by a chili cook-off. Twisted Laurel donates the meat chili, but race organizers are seeking vegetarian chili and cornbread donations to feed approximately 300 runners and spectators.