Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Biltmore 15k/5k Race is local tradition for a good cause



Runners mark your calendars! The Kiwanis Club of Asheville presents the 18th Annual Kiwanis 15k/5k Classic Sunday, May 17th, 2015 at 7:15 am upon the grounds of Asheville's very own Biltmore Estate. This race draws all levels of competitors every year from across the region, and never fails to thrill onlookers as runners post fast times and battle it out from the starting gun to exciting kicks to the finish tape. Thanks to the efforts of race organizers, sponsors, and the support of local businesses, this race offers a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience year after year. The race attracts a positive influx of traffic into the local economy, and supports the good work of the Kiwanis Charities.

Course Overview-The race takes place against the backdrop of the world-renowned Biltmore Estate. Striding across cobbled courtyards, passing formal gardens and skirting the boundaries of the tranquil French Broad River, competitors may find themselves daydreaming: imagining they are making their rounds as Old World barons and baronesses from another time. Both courses are run entirely on the scenic grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Beginning at the Winery Village area, the 15k course climbs to Deerpark Restaurant then follows the undulating main road to Biltmore House. Here, runners will loop in front of its massive front doors. Runners will then circle through the Walled Garden, pass by the Azalea Garden and lagoon along the French Broad River, and finish by returning to the Winery. The first half of the course has two challenging hills, while the second half is downhill-to-flat. The 5K course is a flat, out-and-back course starting at the Winery and paralleling the French Broad River, and is a great venue to grab a new PR!

Kiwanis Charities-Proceeds from the race will be used to help fund the Kiwanis Charities. Specifically, shares of these revenues will be used to support the following local Kiwanis Initiatives: Sleep Tight Kids, Smart Start, 4-H Calf Program, "Paun-demonium" Chess, School Spelling Bees, Bike Giveaway, Family Fun Day, Christmas Shopping Spree, Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, Action Club, Key Club, Terrific Kids, Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry, Salvation Army, and Boys & Girls Clubs. These youth-centric programs aim to improve the quality of life for local kids, and your participation in this race will help them to stay afloat and back the leaders of our collective future.

Registration-
​ Online Registration ​is open through Wednesday, May 13th at midnight on imathlete.com. Walk-up registration (if entries are still available) ​will take place on Saturday, May 16th from 1-5pm at the DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village. A cap of 1,100 runners has been set for the Biltmore/Kiwanis races. The race has a history of selling ​out before race day, so act fast to secure spots. Check the website and our social media pages for availability regularly​. 

The races are also part of the Royal Trifecta Challenge, which offers prizes and recognition for runners who compete in all three iDaph events at Biltmore: The Asheville Marathon & Half, The Kiwanis Classic 15k/5k, and Asheville Duathlon,10k Trail Run and Inaugural Bike event the Gravel Grinder.

Entry ​Fees: 
Biltmore/Kiwanis 15K ​-​ $65
Biltmore/Kiwanis 5K - $50

​The first 1,000 participants to register will receive a short-sleeve, dri-fit, commemorative race t-shirt and goody bag. Race entry fees include access to the estate grounds on race day. Race tickets may be upgraded to visit the House on race day. 

Spectator Tickets are available for $23+ tax, and may be purchased at packet pick-up, or $18+ tax for current 12-month pass-holders. For $29+ tax, spectators can upgrade tickets for an all-day pass and House access. There is a $69+ tax fee to upgrade tickets to a 12-month site pass. Any child of a spectator between the ages of 10-16 will pay the regular spectator ticket rate of $23+ tax, and children aged 9 and younger accompanied by their paying parent will be admitted free.

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