ARC of Buncombe 5K: Asheville, NC
This inaugural event in downtown Asheville, NC benefited ARC of Buncombe County, a nonprofit organization assisting low-to-moderate income individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
It was my second 5K of the year (or ever, for that matter). With it being at the beginning of March, the weather could have gone either way. Luckily, it ended up being a sunny day with temperatures that began as mild and ended up as downright summerish.
I’ve only ran two races, and I’ve discovered something rather quickly. Yes, the actual racing part is very fun and exciting, but the before and after are very enjoyable as well. With the entire family in tow, we’ve made some fun family memories at both races.
The day was absolutely beautiful with blue skies and moderate temperatures. This was the view for runners as we lined up at the Vance monument in Pack Square to start the race.
The sun was just beginning to provide some warmth as Brooks joined me for check-in around 8:15 am. He gets as excited as I do for these races.
After check-in, we had some time before the race began, so we hung out at Biltmore Coffee Co. The boys drank hot chocolate and ate some breakfast while I situated my playlist and mentally geared up.
This was my super cute fan club. I love seeing their little faces watching as I start or finish a race.
The race began promptly at 9:00. It started out flat but quickly became very hilly and remained so for the remainder of the race.
For you runners out there, here’s the Garmin graphic showing the elevation throughout the race. It was strenuous! That’s what I get for living in the mountains. I’m getting the feeling most races around here involve some hills.
During the race, the boys entertained themselves by playing on these animal statues and running around Pack Square. Poor pigs.
This is the family shot taken right after the race. No matter what position one is in, it’s so inspiring to hear the cheers and see the smiling faces of your friends and family at the finish line.
Somehow I ended up placing third overall female. I won a lamp, an AVL pint glass, and a gift certificate to a local outdoor store. I was definitely excited about this, as were the boys.
Overall, I really enjoyed this race. I love that it was in downtown Asheville and that it became a family affair. If you’re relatively local to Asheville, maybe I’ll see you at next year’s ARC 5K!
Time: 27:07
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Congrats on placing 3rd – that is awesome. I still have yet to sign up for my first 5K, but it’s on my to-do list this year.
Cassie Tucker says
Congrats, that must have been so awesome! I’m loving the pic of your boys on the pigs and of that hand washing station π
Terin Garrett says
Congrats! I would probably die if I ran, haha! I like that your family was able to be involved though! π
Ashley M says
What an awesome run and I loved that the entire family was involved.
Kecia says
Nice time on your 5K! I have the Color Me Rad 5K coming up in a couple weeks. I need to get down to the area where it will be to check the route. I hope it’s not too hilly!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
You’ve got quite the fan club! I’ve got to get my post-partum butt in gear..I’m doing the run at disney during the social media moms conference and I haven’t run since, oh, last year’s conference!
brett says
wow, congrats on 3rd place! i’m not sure I would be able to run those hills! we have MAJOR hills around here, walking our block is about 2000 calories of exercise (2 1/2 miles)
Krissy Higgins (@Krissy_r) says
Awesome! I absolutely love 5k’s, and it’s so great to bring your children along. There’s something about coming together for a good cause that gives you that extra boost to go!
Jessica says
I love how you have your family there to support and cheer you on. Congratulations on placing. That’s a wonderful accomplishment.
Tracey Tabone says
Congrats, nice time on that 5K!
Jenn says
I have never been one for running so I don’t do races. But I love cheering my friends on when they do them!
aimee fauci says
Oh goodness gracious.. I’ve never done a K race of any sort. No motivation.. wish I had motivation.. but looking at those hills I may have just died! WE have hills outside our home.. like BIG hills and I walked them for a week and thought about death.. it was tough! Good job.
gaynycdad says
I believe it is all about showing up, which you did! Congrats!
Mitch
PS It is great for the kids to see you do this as well!
sippycupmom says
What an amazing cause to run for! Way to go!
Liz (@blueviolet) says
What do you mean somehow you ended up placing third? You earned that spot!!! AWESOME!
Jaime says
Way to go on finishing third! How did I not even hear about this race?? (I’m running a 4-miler this weekend. Pretty excited about it!)
Rob says
Congrats on your third place finish. I have run a few 5k’s and hope to go a few more this year. Maybe even a half marathon.
Sarah says
So cool. Glad you had the chance to run this. 5ks are the best thing ever – just enough running to get your heart pumping but not as tiring as a half π Congrats!
April @ My Real Food Family says
Congratulations on your race! I’m not a big fan of hills and fortunately live in a flat area.
Pauline Cabrera says
I like the fact that your family is so supportive! Itβs a real rare occasion for a family to come together and participate in a marathon. Congratulation on placing 3rd place! That is a really big achievement. π
Chrysa Duran (@ThriftyJinxy) says
Fun! I used to run a lot of 5Ks and it was a blast. You’re right about the activities surrounding the event – those are a really big part of it!
Mommy2Jam says
Congrats on your run.I wish I could get into running – Never been my thing however it keeps you in great shape. This is motivation thanks for sharing
Jenni Polly Eaves says
Congrats!!! I’ve always said if you see me running, it’s because something scary is after me. Honestly though, I’ve always wanted to run. When I’m working out and trying to get in shape, running is my goal. It’s never too late, right?!
Toni says
Way to go! Sounds like it was a perfect day. I am hoping to work my way up to a run like that.
Virginia Higgins says
Congrats on placing third. Looks like everyone had fun!
Dina Demarest (@dinade) says
That is amazing. I walk almost 4 miles a day but my knees just can’t handle running! I’m impressed.
Krystal says
Congrats on the time! What a fun activity to bring the family to.
Theresa says
Congrats on placing 3rd! You won some great swag, it sounds like!
Amy Desrosiers says
Your posts make me want to be a runner! I hope to get to this point someday!
Piera Jolly says
Congrats on finishing 3rd! I am hoping to run a 5k this year – it will be my first
Eliz@MirthandMotivation says
Good for you and your accomplishments as a runner, Plus you’ve used the effort for good
Catherine L. says
Congratulations on coming in third! There is nothing like family cheering you on.
Amanda Love says
The kids sure looked like they had a lot of fun while waiting for you to finish. Congrats on the placement as well. I would have been last or close to it. π