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

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.

Get ready with Tuesday Trainings
Everyone welcome: from first-time walkers to active runners who want to improve their time or technique
Training sessions led by the YMCA of Western North Carolina meet each Tuesday at the Asheville Chamber at 5:30 p.m. from May 1 through May 22. Trainings are free and open to participants at all levels of fitness – whatever your personal fitness goals are. YMCA Healthy Living Coordinator and trainer Jesse Hyder will lead trainings designed to help you get started, stay motivated and prepare for race day.

Note: Training scheduled for April 24th has been cancelled due to rain/wind.

FAQ

• I need help with registration. Who do I call?
  For changes to your registration, please contact info@racesonline.com. For other registration related questions, feel free to contact race support at 828-684-0812 or support@idaph.net
• Can I volunteer? It takes a crew to make this event happen. Find out about volunteer opportunities at http://signup.com/go/YkVBDjy
• 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 20th 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 and individuals. 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 (First and Second 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 20th at midnight. After May 20th, limited sizes will be available for purchase online for $10 with your entry until supplies run out. We cannot guarantee shirts for any registrations after May 20th 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 2:00-3:00 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 info@racesonline.com. Deadline for team participant changes is Tuesday, May 29th at NOON EST.
• 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, May 31st, 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.

2017 Chamber Challenge Results

Overall Results