The Ascent at Mountain Air 5K

Early Registration (May 2-July 31) – $25

Regular Registration (August 1-September 30) – $30

Late Registration (October 1-Race Day) – $35

Schedule – October 15

3:00-4:30 PM           Packet Pickup/Late Registration

4:30-4:55 PM           Shuttles to the finish area

5:00 PM                    5K Start at Community Gates

5:30 PM                    Shuttles to the top resume

6:00 PM                    Shuttles to the parking area begin

6:15 PM                     Awards Ceremony

This 5K is not for the faint of heart or spirit. The course is 1800’ of unrelenting climbing on paved roads from start to finish. The payoff is at the finish with unrivaled views of mountains and forests in the heart of the fall color season.

Course Map

Click HERE to see a video of the 2019 race.

Stuff

Each runner will receive a special race shirt to mark the occasion.

Bag Drop

For your convenience, we will have a bag drop area at the start area where you can leave a small bag. Prior to the start, we will take all bags to the finish line where you can claim them after the race.

We are planning for a fun post-race party complete with music and local food and refreshments plus the best views anywhere.

The awards ceremony will take place near the finish line. Special commemorative awards will be presented to the top ten male and female finishers. If you cannot stay for the awards ceremony, please ask a friend to pick it up for you. Awards will not be mailed.

Two Runways, One Day:  Thanks to our friends at Asheville Regional Airport, we will be awarding a bonus prize to anyone who completes both the AVL Runway 5K  in the morning and the Ascent at Mountain Air 5K that evening.  In addition, Mountain Air will provide a weekend stay for the fastest combined time of the two races. (weekend during the off season between November and March, no holidays.)

Cash Bonus for Course Records : We will award $150 to the male and/or female who breaks the course record for the Open, Masters (40-49), and Grand Masters (50&Over) divisions.

All ages are eligible to break the Open course record; those 49 & under are eligible to break the Open and Masters course records; and those 50 & over are eligible to break the Open and Grand Masters course records.

Course Records

Open Male: Luke Paulson – 26:24 (2022); Open Female: Anne Wheatley – 28:48 (2018)

Masters Male: Stuart Moran – 27:57 (2017); Masters Female: Emily Chappelear – 32:46 (2020)

Grand Masters Male: Brad Dellinger – 29:22 (2020); Grand Masters Female: Martha Olsen – 38:31 (2021)

This will be a bib-timed race with your time recorded when you cross the finish line. Please have your race bib visible at the finish.

Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to participate.

Parking will be near the main gate and start line.   Spectators will be shuttled to the finish area prior to the 5K start.  Shuttles will start rides from the finish area to the parking area at 6:00 PM.

Directions From Asheville
I-26 N to Burnsville exit 10 E.
Take 19E for 13 miles to first stoplight at Phipps Creek Rd. Make right and go 2 miles to entrance on left.
30 minute drive from downtown Asheville

The Ascent on Mountain Air 5K taking has a NO REFUND policy.

2022 Overall

2022 Combined AVL Runway 5K & Ascent at Mountain Air 5K

2021 Overall

2020 Overall

2019 Overall

2018 Overall

2018 Awards

2017 Overall

2017 Awards