As busy as 2011 was, 2012 will be even bigger and better with some very cool events added to the schedule. The entire schedule is listed in a section below but here are some of the highlights:
GHE to Manage Tour de Cashiers
We are very proud to announce our association with the Tour de Cashiers, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on May 5, 2012. For those looking for an early season ride with unbelievable scenery, please consider this one. The event offers metric and full century rides centered around the beautiful mountain town of Cashiers, North Carolina. Registration opens January 15 at www.TourdeCashiers.com.
Smaller Race Cap at French Broad Challenge Tri
In order to ensure everyone has a space for their boat and access to the put-in at the Asheville Outdoor Center, the 2012 race cap has been set at 150 participants (including relay teams). Given the growth of the race over the past two years, we could reach this number well ahead of the race so we encourage everybody to register early. If that wasn't enough incentive, everyone pre-registered gets a free beverage at the Mountain Sports Festival.
New Location for Bele Chere 5K
After a five-year stay at McCormick Field, the 33rd Bele Chere 5K, Presented by Southeastern Sport Medicine, moves to the heart of downtown at Pack Square Park. There will be a new course that includes more time inside the festival village and a new Fit Families Fun Run course that is much safer than before. A new course map will be available soon at www.BeleChere5K.com.
A New Triathlon for WNC (Actually Two)
Mainstay, Inc., a non-profit in Henderson County (NC) that is building safe, self-sufficient families through services and shelter is redesigning it annual Mainstay Mountain Medley to be two triathlons on Saturday, September 8 at beautiful Camp Green Cove on Summit Lake. Both races will have a lake swim, on & off road bike and a trail run. The morning race will be geared toward experienced athletes and will have single-track cycling in addition to the unpaved road around Summit Lake. The afternoon race - My First Tri - will be focused on beginners with a shorter swim, bike and run. Each race will be capped at 150 participants so we expect them to sell out quickly once registration is launched in early 2012. Stay tuned for more details at www.GloryHoundEvents.com and www.BlueRidgeMultisports.com.
Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon & 5K
The addition of our expo at the brand new Sherrill Center at UNC Asheville was an unqualified success. Because of the large space we enjoy there, the expo will be held on Friday-only in 2012 with twice as many exhibitors, clinics and demonstrations and entertainment. Many of these details are posted at www.citizen-times.com/race with more to come. Also new for 2012 will be a kids event presented by Earth Fare that will be part of the festivities on Friday at UNCA. Stay tuned for an announcement about that in future ENews, the race website, Facebook and Twitter.
New Look & Date for Power of Pink
The Power of Pink, the Haywood County event that raises money to provide early cancer screenings for underserved women, is changing its date and program for 2012. The race will be moved to Saturday, October 13 and will be part of MedWest Health Care Fall Fight campaign that also includes the Smoky Streak. The race portion will start at 1 pm and avoid the cold of the early morning that the race has experienced in the past. We are looking to change the format from the Pink Relay and separate 4 mile race to one race with a team event that will include women's, men's and mixed teams.
Future News
We will have news very soon about a possible August date for the MTA Lake James Triathlon, the Downhill at Dawn half marathon in June, and the possible addition of an open water swimming event as part of the Sunday schedule at Lake Logan. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@Gloryhound) to be the first to hear breaking news like this.
Lake Junaluska Duathlon Off 2012 Schedule
Due to scheduling issues the Lake Junaluska Duathlon will not be held in 2012. We hope to bring in back during the summer of 2013. Thanks to all who have raced there in the past.
