Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2026 - Asheville, NC

Trailside Brewing at Lennox Station, Hendersonville, NC | June 27, 2026

10k Race Start 8AM | 5k Race Start 8:15AM | Sunshine Kids Sprint 7:45AM

This summer we're kicking off the season at Trailside Brewing at Lennox station with a 10k & 5k! Both courses start in front of Trailside and take runners on the Ecusta Trail! Courses are an out-and-back all on the trail. The Ecusta Trail is a beautiful new greenway that was transformed from a rail line.

We've also added a kids' .25 mile Sunshine Sprint untimed event before the 10k and 5k! The Sunshine Sprint is $10 and includes a finisher medal and race bib. There are not awards for the Sunshine Sprint. Sunshine Sprinters can add on shirts during the check out process for $20.

A portion of race proceeds will be donated to the Mills River Partnership.

Included in 10k/5k Race Registration

Commemorative Race Shirt

Finisher Medal

Trailside Beer (21+) or N/A Beverage

Donation to Mills River Partnership

Can't make it to race day but still want the swag? Virtual options available! We'll mail the race shirt, medal, and bib to you after the event. US shipping only.

2026 Finisher Medal & Race Shirt

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This race proudly supports the Mills River Partnership and their mission to preserve, protect and improve the water quality in the Mills River. A portion of race proceeds from each race registration will be donated to the Mills River Partnership!

Join us for an unforgettable summer 5k or 10k race, winding through the picturesque rolling hills of the historic Biltmore Forest neighborhood. Celebrating our 4th year for this event.

These scenic Biltmore Forest races promise a memorable experience, all while supporting a great cause—the Kiwanis Club of Asheville. Learn more about the impactful work done by the Kiwanis Club here.

Register for both the Biltmore Forest 5k or 10k AND the Biltmore Kiwanis Classic 5k or 15k and save 10% on registration. Register Here for the Kiwanis Running Series.

Friday July 24:

Early Packet Pick Up at Mountain Running Company, 4 Tunnel Rd S, Asheville 4:30-6pm

Online Registration closes 12pm Friday. No onsite registration, No race day registration.

Saturday July 26:

Event location: Carolina Day School, 1345 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

6:30 am – Packet Pick Up opens

7:30 am – 10k Race Start

7:40 am – 5k Race Start

8:45 am – Awards Begin (tentative)

Awards

Top Awards for 5k/10k

Gift Certificates from Mountain Running Company will be awards to the following as well.

$30 1st place male/female

$25 2nd place male/female

$20 3rd place male/female

Age Group Awards

A special commemorative prize will be awarded to the top three in the following categories.

5k

9 and Under; 10-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80-89; 90 and over.

10k

9 and Under; 10-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80-89; 90 and over.

Ready, Set… WOOF! 🐾

Join us at Patton Park on Saturday, August 1 for the 4th Annual Bark & Bolt Races, presented by Hunter Subaru, in Hendersonville.

This family and pup-friendly morning celebration features something for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike.

Choose from the Bark & Bolt 5K or One Mile, and have the option to join in the crowd-favorite 100-Meter Paw Pursuit. New for 2026, all registered participants will earn a Bark & Bolt finisher medal, making this year’s event extra special!

After the races, stick around for the Top Dog Contest and Bark in the Park Dog Fair, featuring local, pet-friendly vendors and community partners.

We’re proud to partner with Blue Ridge Humane Society, helping support rescue efforts and connect more pups with loving homes.

New & Noteworthy for 2026

• New! Official Bark & Bolt Finisher Medal

• Youth pricing available: $25 early/$30 late

• Youth-sized race tee options

• New! Bike Corral option — ride your bike to the event and earn a fun thank-you incentive!

Whether you’re running with your dog, walking with family, or cheering from the sidelines, Bark & Bolt is all about community, connection, and celebrating our love for dogs. Come make a morning of it — and help us make tails wag all across Hendersonville.

The Let Your Light Shine 5K is a fundraising walk or run and for the first time will be held on a Saturday morning. It will be timed by Finish Well Timing. This will be Western Carolina Rescue Ministries' 8th annual 5k race to raise funds and spread awareness of the ministry’s community impact. This event will take place on Saturday August 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Asheville’s Carrier Park, and all proceeds from this event will directly benefit WCRM.

As we embark on another year of service and outreach, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This year, we want to include you in playing an even greater role in our ministry. We will be pursuing funding for the need of life transformation across all our programs.

This event is one of the Ministry’s most significant opportunities to raise funds in support of our community and these funds will be directly used to break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in our region. For the past 46 years, WCRM has been serving the homeless community of Asheville providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to people in crisis. We care for our clients with dignity, providing help, hope, and opportunity for our ministry participants to reengage in society. Whether it’s a hot meal, a warm shelter, or recovery from addiction, our compassion shines on everyone we meet.

Packet Pick Up under the Pavilion starts at 8:00 am