The annual event is a fundraiser for the Chamber that encourages wellness and team-building through friendly competition between businesses. The race is scheduled intentionally during business hours as a statement about the importance of wellness to the Asheville business community.
“Rising healthcare costs are a major concern for our businesses and community,” said Kit Cramer, President and CEO of the Asheville Chamber. “The Chamber Challenge 5k is a testament that fostering employee wellness is a business strategy. Healthy employees make for healthy business with reduced health care costs, increased productivity and improved employee morale.”
Participants can form teams of four with colleagues or other businesses. Teams are encouraged to dress-up in costume or wear a unified color in the spirit of fun competition. Individual runners, families and strollers are also welcome.
Individual awards will be given to the top five male and female runners. The Chamber Challenge Cup will go to the overall first-place team. In addition to the run or walk challenge, participants will enjoy a costume contest, live music, beverages from Highland Brewing Company and healthy snacks provided by Ingles.
The Asheville Chamber is currently offering free training sessions every Wednesday through May 23. Participating runners and walkers depart from the Chamber at 36 Montford Avenue on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. The program is designed to help participants begin and stick to a workout routine, set goals, avoid injury and ultimately run or walk the Chamber Challenge 5k. Visit www.ChamberChallenge.org for more details.
Team registration for four participants is $100 for early registration and $120 after May 18. Individual registration is $30 for early registration and $35 after May 18. For more information and to register, visit www.chamberchallenge.org or contact race director Vanessa Salomo at 828-232-2247 or vsalomo@ashevillechamber.org.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,800 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to a 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes over 195,000 visitors per year.
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