Apple Festival Races

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.

We're excited to present the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga, Saturday, August 8th, 2026!

The Twilight Trail 5K is a golden-hour trail race at the Kanuga Conference Center designed to welcome runners of all abilities. Featuring a thoughtfully designed 5K course with mixed surfaces and gentle elevation changes, this event offers an approachable introduction to trail running while remaining engaging for experienced trail runners.

You're invited to come just for the trail race or make a full weekend of it at Kanuga. After the finish, runners can enjoy healthy food, relax by a bonfire (weather permitting), and spend the evening connecting with others in a laid-back, community-forward environment.

Kanuga Trail & Tri Weekend Challenge!

Make a full weekend of it and participate in both the Twilight Trail 5K, Saturday, August 8th, and the Kanuga Triathlon, Sunday, August 9th! Weekend Challenge participants receive finisher medals for both events, along with special recognition celebrating their commitment and versatility across the weekend, and will also be awarded a Nomadix-style performance towel!

Before you sign up for the Kanuga Twilight Trail 5k: Sign up for BOTH the Twilight Trail 5k at Kanuga and the Kanuga Triathlon at the same time through the link below and receive a discount!

KANUGA TRAIL & TRI

WEEKEND CHALLENGE SIGN UP

Join us for the 7th Annual Black Bear Half Marathon and 8k presented by Hunter Subaru!

The Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k is an exciting fall event that beckons both seasoned athletes and recreational runners alike. Nestled within the charm and beauty of Hendersonville, North Carolina, this race offers participants a unique opportunity to challenge their limits while immersing themselves in the splendor of the autumn season. Whether conquering the half marathon's 13.1-mile stretch or embracing the spirited atmosphere of the 8k, participants love supportive community vibe, scenic course, and post-race festivities.

Both courses are USATF Sanctioned and Certified.

Can’t make it in-person? No problem! We also offer a virtual option for both races.

For those looking for a personal best in the Half Marathon, you’ll discover less than 400 feet of elevation gain, making it a fast course during the most beautiful time of year in Western North Carolina.

This race is also part of the Appalachian Trilogy Series.

What's included with your race entry:

• Long sleeve dri-fit shirt, available in unisex & women's sizes, FREE (until Sunday, September 13th) for Half Marathon participants

• Short sleeve dri-fit shirt, available in unisex & women's sizes, FREE (until Sunday, September 13th) for 8k participants

• Free commemorative finisher medal for all participants

• Complimentary beer (21+) at Oklawaha Brewing

• Hunter Subaru goody bag

• Chip-timing for accurate results

• Complimentary race photos

• Very well-marked (and mostly flat) course on a beautiful greenway

• Spectator friendly course

• One-of-a-kind prizes for overall and age group winners