5k Race Course

The certified 5k course begins and ends at the Asheville Chamber and winds through the historic Montford neighborhood.

• Start on lower level of Chamber parking lot and turn right onto Hill Street
• Right on Courtland Avenue
• Left on Pearson Drive
• Left on Rosewood Avenue
• Right onto Hawthorne Lane
• Right back onto Rosewood Avenue
• Right on Tacoma Street
• Left back to Pearson Drive
• Right on Santee Street
• Right on Montford Avenue
• Right into Chamber parking lot before the Chamber building
• Finish line is in the bottom of the Chamber parking lot

Registration

2019 Chamber Challenge takes place Friday, June 7^th

Race starts at 4:00 pm in the Asheville Chamber Parking Lot (36 Montford Ave.)

Early-bird registration:
Register by May 10th for early bird entree fees – Teams: $120 • Individuals: $35

Register by May 24^th to be guaranteed a shirt

Training

Asheville’s Chamber Challenge 5k should be fun—it’s made for everyone! Sure, we have some hot shots that sprint the whole course, but most participants stride at their own pace and some people walk the entire course.

Join us for Chamber Challenge training designed for ALL fitness levels.

• South Asheville: Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., April 22-May 29*. Meet at Fletcher Town Hall lower parking lot, 300 Old Cane Creek Rd., Fletcher, NC
  (*No training on Memorial Day; last session is Wednesday, May 29.) Contact: LoriKay Paden, lpaden@ymcawnc.org

***UPDATE to training location for MONDAY, APRIL 22: The Park is closed so we will be meeting in the parking lot on the corner of St. John and Hendersonville Road (Near Surf and Brew).

• Downtown Asheville: Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. April 23-May 28. Meet in Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 36 Montford Ave. Contact: Jesse Hyder, jhyder@ymcawnc.org

Need incentives? How about prizes?
Participants who complete five out of six training sessions will be entered for prizes:

• YMCA Jumpstart Package (three 30-min beginner sessions with a personal trainer — $90 value!)
• Gift Certificate to Foot Rx for a free pair of running shoes
• Member Experience Package from Orangetheory Fitness which includes a One Week Free certificate, towel, water bottle, and more

Thank you to our Training Partner – YMCA of Western North Carolina!

Nutrition Tips

clinical dietitians from presenting sponsor Pardee UNC Health Care  offer these nutrition tips to jeep you fueled and healthy…

• Ideally, fuel up 2 hours before exercise by hydrating with water and eating healthy carbs (whole-grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables). Avoid saturated fats and even a lot of protein because they’re harder to digest.
• If you are short on time and need energy, eat simple carbs like a piece of fruit because they digest faster and will provide your body with energy sooner.
• After a workout, make sure to eat lean protein rich foods like legumes, chicken, and fish, in order to repair muscles used during exercise. Consumption of carbs post workout can help stimulate protein production.
• Glucose loading isn’t recommended for athletes who train daily for endurance sports. Complex carbs like whole-grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables, promote glycogen (multiple glucose molecules) storage.
• Drink water to be adequately hydrated: drink 2 cups of water 1-2 hours before the event and 1-2 cups of fluids 15 minutes before the event. In addition, eating a lot of protein before endurance exercise can cause dehydration, so try to avoid.
• Electrolytes should be replaced after endurance exercise. Sports drinks are fine but remember they have added sugar and may cause an upset stomach if you drink too much. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of potassium.

FAQ

• I need help with registration. Who do I call?
  Register through Racesonline.com For assistance with registration, please contact support@idaph.net.
• Are there volunteer opportunities?
  Yes, we need many hands on deck in order for this event to be a success! Click here to sign up for one (or more!) volunteer spots.
• What if I pre-registered teams for my company?
  If you pre-registered for the Chamber Challenge through our Total Resource Campaign, we will be in contact with you by April 19th for instructions on how to register your pre-paid teams.
• What prizes are given out?
  Prizes will be awarded to the top male, female and co-ed teams. We’ll also hand out prizes to the top team in each of our industry categories: Health/Wellness, Manufacturing, Education, Government & Nonprofit, Finance, Professional Services, Hospitality and Other. Individual Awards will be given to the following groups and categories: Male/Female: Overall Top 3 and Age Groups (1^st and 2^nd  places only): 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over.

• How many participants are on a team?
  The Chamber Challenge teams are comprised of 4 team members. The team types are: All Male, All Female or Co-Ed Teams. In order to be scored in the results as a team, you must have all four team members finish the race.
• Do I get a shirt when I register? What if my shirt doesn’t fit?
  Complimentary race shirts are included with online registration through May 24th at midnight. After May 24th, limited sizes will be available with your entry until supplies run out. We cannot guarantee shirts for any registrations after May 24th or walk-up registrations (if race is not sold out). If the shirt size that you ordered doesn’t fit, the tee may be exchanged AFTER the race has started at the registration area. We cannot guarantee sizes for exchanges.
• Can you register the day of the event?
  If there is still availability on race day, race day registration will take place from 2:00-3:30 pm at the Asheville Chamber. Look for the registration table next to the building. The Chamber Challenge is capped at 1,600 participants; we expect to sell out prior to event day.
• Do I need to bring any money to the race?
  Registrants are given one beer ticket with their bib. Beer tickets will also be available for purchase. You must provide your valid ID to drink or purchase beer. Vendors will showcase their business/products, and some of them may have items for sale.
• Can I switch one of my pre-registered team members to someone else?
  You can make changes to your team through Racesonline.com by emailing support@idaph.net — deadline for team participant changes is May 24^th at NOON EST. After May 24^th, there will be a $10 fee for changes in participants.
• Can I pick up my packet prior to race day?
  Yes, please do! Race packets (shirts, race numbers/chips and important information) can be picked up on Thursday, June 6^th, between 12 noon and 4:00 pm in the Chamber Boardroom (36 Montford Ave., second floor).
• Can I pick up the packets for my entire team?
  Yes, but you must notify your other team members that you are picking up the packets for them. You know how easily people get confused.
• Where should I park on race day?
  The Chamber strongly encourages carpooling with team members. We encourage participants to use the city parking garages available downtown and walk to the Chamber building. Please plan to arrive early. If you have someone picking you up after the race, please plan to pick up down Montford—away from the course. The Chamber parking lot will be closed. School will also be in session, so neighboring school lots are not available.
• What do I do with my race number or chip?
  Your bib with your race number should be pinned to the front of your shirt. Most bibs will have a strip on the back that serves as your timing chip.
• Why is the race on a Friday afternoon?
  Good question! Aren’t we all looking for an excuse to leave work early on Friday? The goal of the 5k is to promote health in the workplace. The time allows employers to make a statement that they are committed to the health of their employees.
• What happens in the event of rain?
  We get wet! The race takes place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather conditions the race will be delayed until the storm blows over or called off.
• Is water available on the course?
  But of course! There will be two water stations available on the course and one at the finish line. We do recommend that participants bring water to drink prior to starting the course.
• Are strollers allowed?
  To avoid running over other participants, we ask that you stay to the “back of the pack” during the start.
• Can I bring my dog?
  No. While we love pets, we ask that you leave them at home.