Upcoming: CIM & Club XC

IMG_2789.JPG

One of the goals of the Asheville Running Collective is to represent Asheville, along with the greater WNC running community, on the regional and national levels. December presents us with two great opportunities to do just that. Thanks to expanded club membership, the Asheville Running Collective can increase financial support for our athletes. 

We are excited to offer our first individual travel grant to Holly Davis. This Saturday, Holly will line up at the California International Marathon in Sacramento for another crack at the 2020 Olympic Trials qualifying standard. In June, she was less than 20 seconds shy of the mark with a 2:45:17. After another six months of strong training under her belt she is ready for a successful day. We are excited to follow her progress. Go Holly! 

56623223_2248485561861638_374467985106010112_n.jpg

Next week, a group of 15-plus ARC members will travel to Bethlehem, PA, for the USATF Club Cross Country Championships. This will be the Collective’s third appearance at the national championship event (Tallahassee, FL, 2016 and Lexington, KY, 2017). Each year, we’ve increased our presence, and 2019 will see the addition of a scoring women’s open team. 

ARC travel funds will also cover much of the entry, transportation, and housing costs for our 15-plus racers (the men’s open team, women’s open team and male and female masters individuals).

ClubCross-Team1 (1).jpg

In Focus: Shut In Ridge Run 2019

With leaf-peeping season at its peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and over a half-dozen check-points along the nearly 18-mile course, the Shut In Ridge Run has to be considered one of the most spectator-friendly trail races in the country.

This event has always been a favorite for photographers. With beautiful scenery, great racing, and the opportunity to capture start-line jitters and finish-line emotion, there is a lot to see. We were lucky to have our very own Ashley Arnold out on the course during this year’s race. Check out her photos below.

_DSC6623-2.jpg

Shut In 2019 - Video Replay

The 2019 Shut-In Ridge Trail Race was one to remember.

Since this unique event allows spectators to follow the race as it snakes up the parkway, we stuck with the men's lead pack and captured the action on our Instagram story. We've spliced together the clips and posted it on youtube (in all of its vertical-video glory) so you can relive the fast paces, big moves, lead changes, blow-ups, and triumphs again and again.

Enjoy.


Movie Screening This Thursday

The 3100: Run and Become screening is this Thursday!

"What would you do to transform your life? How far would you go for a metamorphosis? Would you drive, would you fly, would you run?"

Join us after the weekly Wedge Run to check out this interesting, engaging, and enlightening documentary. The event will kick off at 7:30 pm in the Cloud Room at the Wedge at Foundation.

We are asking for a suggested $10 donation, a book, or both. Everything collected will go directly to the Literacy Council of Buncombe County, our charitable partner for the upcoming Wedge Run 10k.

Week(s) in Review: The Relay and More

It's been a busy few weeks for the ARC. The Blue Ridge Relay on September 8th & 9th was a year-long focus for the club and required quite a bit of energy. Many of us have been walking (hobbling) around in a fog since hitting the finish line. There are plans to roll out some cool features on the run with stats, photos, and a detailed recap.

The ARC just minutes after the finish of the 2017 relay

The ARC just minutes after the finish of the 2017 relay

The BRR was a big success for the ARC men. We got the win over the tough and talented Charlotte Running Club with a 30+ minute course record. However, we were not the only members of the Collective in action over the 200+ mile relay. Four ARC women competed on the winning mixed-ultra team, Jus' Running Ultra Maggots. Kate Schwartz, Ginna Reid, Anne Wheatly, and Ashley Arnold joined forces with Joe Ainsworth and Kurt Wilson for a new division record.

The ultra crew after their victory

The ultra crew after their victory

Post-relay recovery differs from person to person. Tight muscles, aching tendons, and nagging injuries often plague runners in the days and weeks that follow. However, some runners, like Wil Norris and Anne Wheatly, bounce back quickly. A week after his strong BRR performance (including a 58:30 up the 10.5 mile Grandfather Mountain leg), Wil doubled up with wins at a trail 5k on Saturday (Asheville, NC) and a half marathon on Sunday (Blacksburg, VA). For the half, he was joined by Phil Latter, who ran strong for 3rd place in his final Chicago Marathon tune-up. At Rock the Quarry, Anne's strength showed through as she snagged the win just a week after putting in 30+ miles at BRR. Impressive running!

The next team race for the Collective will be December's USATF Club Cross Country Championships. In the meantime, we will have racers lining up for 5ks, marathons, and trail races. Stay tuned!

Blue Ridge Relay - Grayson Highlands, VA to Asheville, NC
ARC - 1st in Open Division - 19:12:03 (CR)
Jus' Running Ultra Maggots - 1st in Mixed-Ultra - 23:42:56
Results

Rock the Quarry 5k - Asheville, NC
Wil Norris - 1st - 18:00
Anne Wheatly - 1st - 20:31.00
Results

Hokie Half - Blacksburg, VA
Wil Norris - 1st - 1:11:24
Phil Latter - 3rd - 1:14:37
Results