19th Annual Kiwanis Biltmore 15k/5k Classic

Runners mark your calendars! The Kiwanis Club of Asheville presents the 19th Annual Kiwanis Biltmore 15k/5k Classic Sunday, May 15th, 2016 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 Antler Hill Village, 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 Antler Hill Village. The first half of the course has two challenging hills, while the second half is downhill-to-flat. The proximate 5K course is a flat, out-and-back course starting at the Village 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– A cap of 1,100 participants has been set for the Biltmore/Kiwanis races. The races have a history of selling slots out quickly, so act fast to secure spots. There is NO race day registration. 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. For registration information visit: http://biltmorekiwanisclassicrace.com/

For an opportunity to help a good cause at a beautiful destination, plan to join us at the 19th Annual Biltmore Kiwanis Classic races in May 2016!​