ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Racers, walkers and fun runners alike have plenty of races to choose from in Asheville and Western North Carolina this month. From craft brew relays to egg hunt 5Ks, read about the quirks, themes and distances of them all in our April race calendar.
April race calendar
Saturday, April 4
Egg-Cellent 5K – 9-11 a.m., 86 Elk Crossing Ln., Cherokee
The Egg-Cellent 5K is a spring run with a fun addition: along the course, runners can collect color-coded eggs containing candy, small prizes and other surprises. Runners may only collect one egg per color. All Egg-Cellent 5K proceeds will go to fund prom for juniors at Cherokee High School.
Lake James 7 Miler & 5K – 9 a.m., Fonta Flora Whippoorwill Farm, Nebo
A seven mile race and a 5K will be held at Fonta Flora’s Whippoorwill Farm in Lake James State Park. At the finish line, runners will receive a finisher medal, race shirt and a Fonta Flora beer. A donation will go to the Lake James Environmental Association.
Operation DRAGONS DANCE – 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Art Loeb Trailhead, Pisgah National Forest
Green Beret Fitness has organized a marathon-distance challenge in the Pisgah National Forest. Racers will take on a 20-pound weight and 6,000 feet of elevation gain as they trek through Pisgah.
Saturday, April 11
Catamount Climb Half Marathon & 5K – 8 a.m., Western Carolina University, Cullowhee
The 2026 Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K will be held on WCU campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and along the banks of the Tuckasegee River. Racers will receive a race shirt, coupons and finisher medals. All proceeds go to support student professional development and academic scholarships.
Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay – 5 a.m., 2 Rocket Dr., Asheville
The Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay spans 72 miles from Asheville, N.C., to Greenville, South Carolina. The race will consist of three to six runners per team, splitting 12 three to nine mile legs among themselves. Racers will finish at Hampton Station in Greenville for a celebration including music, food and craft beer. The theme for the relay is “Saturday morning cartoons.”
Saturday, April 18
Mills River Brewing Company will host their own 5K and fun run. The 5k starts at 10 a.m., with the fun run to follow at 10:45 a.m.
Friday, April 24 to Saturday, April 25
Smoky Mountain Relay – Pisgah Ranger Station, Brevard
The Smoky Mountain Relay will take six, nine or 12-person teams through the 208 miles between the Pisgah Ranger Station Visitor Center and the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, N.C. The race will be split up into 36 legs total.
Saturday, April 25
The Bud Sales Memorial 5K Rocket Race will take place on the A.C. Reynolds High School campus. Runners will be guided by Boy Scout Troop 4 through the race, which also features prizes, giveaways and free childcare at the Wee Rocket Day Camp. Following the 5K at 10 a.m., kids are encouraged to compete in the Wee Rocket Race at 11 a.m.
Greening Up the Mountains 5K – 9 a.m., Mark Watson Park, 86 Mark Watson Park, Sylva
The Greening Up the Mountains 5K will begin at Mark Watson Park in downtown Sylva, N.C. Shirts will be guaranteed to the first 150 racers to register and proceeds will go to support the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.
Harmon Field Half Marathon and Morris Fun Run – 8 a.m., 117 Harmon Field Road, Tryon
The inaugural Harmon Field Half Marathon and Morris Fun Run will be held in Tryon, N.C. on Harmon Field, which was devastated by Tropical Storm Helene in 2024 and has since been repaired. The 13.1 mile race will run through hunting country in Polk County. The proceeds will support Harmon Field special projects.
3rd Annual She Slays 5K – 8 a.m., Pardee Cancer Center, 805 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville
The She Slays 5K celebrates the strength and resilience of women battling cancer. Proceeds from the race, which begins at Pardee Cancer Center in Hendersonville, N.C., will go to support local women currently fighting cancer. Racers also have the opportunity to honor those in their lives who have struggled with cancer by creating yard signs with the loved one’s name, photo or a ribbon representing their type of cancer. The signs will be displayed during the race along “Memory Mile.”
9th Annual Woodfin 5K – 9 a.m., Woodfin Elementary School, 108 Elk Mountain Road, Woodfin
The 9th annual Woodfin 5K supports Woodfin Elementary, a local elementary school. Since 2014, the event has raised more than $80,000 for classroom support at the school.
2026 Falafel 5K Splash and Dash – 8:30 a.m., Jewish Community Center, 40 Clyde St., Asheville
The 2026 Falafel 5K Splash and Dash offers opportunities to run and swim. Racers can choose between a 200 yard and 800 yard swim before heading into their 5K. All racers will be rewarded with a falafel sandwich from Smokee’s Pizza and an invitation to a private Jewish Community Center pool party. All proceeds will support lifelong learning opportunities and other programs at the JCC.