RACE DAY
July 24, 2010 - 8 AM
Registration Opens April 1
Welcome to the official web site of the largest road race west of Charlotte. The race continues to set records, registering over 1,400 runners in 2009. We expect over 1,600 runners to toe the line for our 31st race.
Race headquarters will once again be historic McCormick Field in downtown Asheville. The course will also remain the same as the past three years giving participants a true Asheville running experience.
In 2010 we will introduce a start pad at the start of the race. This will allow all runners to receive an accurate time regardless of where they start in the pack. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of the race, we will be accepting on-line registrations only.
Registration
Registration for the 2010 Bele Chere 5K and Fun Run opens April 1, 2010. Click here to go to the registration page.
Pre-registration will only be accepted online using imAthlete.com. Those new to this site will love the features this registration portal provides including an up-to-the minute list of registered athletes.
Race day registration will end at 7:30 a.m. for the 5K and 8:45 a.m. for the Fun Run
Entry Fees
March 1-July 9 - $25; After July 9 and on race day - $30
Current members of the Asheville Track Club will receive a $3 discount off the 5K entry fee through a discount code that can be used with online registration. Members will receive this code from an E Newsletter sent prior to the start of registration on April 1. This code can only be used once per person and is not valid for on-site registration on Friday or Saturday.
The entry fee for the Fun Run is $8.
Charities
One dollar from every entry will go to the Asheville Track Club's Shoe Fund, which provides running shoes to disadvantaged students in Asheville and Buncombe County. An additional dollar will be donated to the Association for Retarded Citizens. Over the past four years, $9,548 has been donated to these funds.
Race Schedule
Friday, July 23
4:00-7:00 pm Packet Pick Up/Late Registration Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, Max Street
Saturday, July 24
6:00-7:30 am Packet Pick Up/Late Registration - McCormick Field
6:00-8:30 am Fun Run Registration - McCormick Field
7:45 am Assemble for 5K Start - McCormick Place
8:00 am 5K Start - McCormick Place
8:45 am Assemble for Fun Run Start - Main Gate
9:00 am Fun Run Start
9:30 am 5K Awards Ceremony - Stadium Grandstands
Timing
The 2010 Bele Chere 5K will utilize electronic timing. A start pad will record all runners as the cross the start line. Per USA Track & Field rules, awards will be based on gun time.
Race Shirts
Stryde is the Official Race Shirt Provider of the 2010 Bele Chere 5K. The first 1,500 people are guaranteed to receive a short-sleeve, technical race shirt. New for 2010: Sizes will be available in both women's and unisex cuts.
Awards
Special commemorative awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers for
Overall, Masters and Grand Masters.
Age group awards will go to the first, second and third male and female in the following age groups: 12 & Under, 13-15, 16-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34,35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84 and 85 & Over. No double dipping!
Safety
No dogs, no strollers, no baby joggers, no bikes, no in-line skates, no roller skates and no wheeled vehicles will be allowed on-course.
For the safety of all, in accordance with RRCA Guidelines (Road Runners Clubs of America), the use of headphones is discouraged.
Course
The race will begin in front of McCormick Field on McCormick Place and ends on Charlotte Street just before Martin Luther King Drive. The course features of mix of climbs, descents and flats in the downtown area south of Patton Avenue. Runners will run through the festival before starting the fast descent to the finish line.
Following the race, it is a short walk back to McCormick Field for post race food and drink.
Click here to download a copy of the course map.
Festival
The Asheville Track Club is proud to be a partner with the City of Asheville to produce this event as part of Bele Chere. For more information on the Southeast's largest free outdoor festival, click here.
Volunteer
The Bele Chere 5K would not be possible without the assistance of many volunteers. If you or your organization would like to be a part of Western North Carolina's largest road race, please contact Greg Duff at 828-400-5868.
Directions
Click here to download directions to both Packet Pick Up and McCormick Field.
Past Results
Information
Please call (828) 400-5868 or email greg@gloryhoundevents.com for all race related questions.