SEVENTH Annual BILTMORE ESTATE 15K CLASSIC

 

An Extraordinary Race for Runners of all Abilities 
$3,000 purse for tops in Overall and Masters
Medallions for tops in Age Groups

 

PRESENTED BY THE KIWANIS CLUB OF ASHEVILLE

AND MISSION CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

When: Sunday, May 16, 2004 - 7:15 a.m........................Where: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC



Biltmore Estate 15K Classic Sunday, May 16
 

 Biltmore Estate’s seventh annual 15K Classic, a USATF-certified course that winds its way through the roads and exquisite beauty of the Biltmore Estate, will be held this Sunday, May 16, 2004, beginning at 7:15 AM. Not only is the 9.3-mile course a great goal race for fitness buffs – or training change-up for those who are working toward a fall marathon – it is an unrivaled chance for runners to see the Estate at the speed it was intended. Instead of speeding by in a car to the front doors of the House itself, participants can gaze at the scenic grounds at a human pace.

The annual race, coordinated by Asheville’s Kiwanis Club and Mission Healthcare Foundation, raises money for Kiwanis Children’s Charities and Mission Children’s Hospital.

The 15K course is run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Beginning at the winery, the course climbs to the Deerpark Restaurant, then descends and climbs along the main road to the House, where runners loop in front of its massive front doors. Runners then loop through the Walled Garden, pass by the Azalea Garden and the lagoon along the French Broad River. The course finishes by returning to the winery. The first half of the course has two challenging hills, while the second half is downhill to flat.

 

 Burtch Davis and Martha Ray Sartor ran the 7th Annual Biltmore Estate 15K Classic on Sunday, May 16 in Asheville, NC.  Over 350 runners participated.  The race began at 7:15 a.m. EST at the Biltmore Estate winery.  Many considered this course hilly, but I think the appropriate word is “mountainous”.  We climbed gradually for five miles up a mountain to the Biltmore mansion.  After running to the front door of the mansion, the course was mostly downhill.  The last two miles were flat terrain that followed the French Broad River.  This is the most gorgeous course I have ever run.  We ran by waterfalls, gorgeous pink rhododendron, a winding river, and cows grazing in the early morning.   It is worth the trip to experience this low key run sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.  Prize money was given.  Refreshments of Krispy Kreme donuts, PowerAde, bananas, oranges, and water were served.  U.S. Cellular provided gifts for everyone.  Of course, there was a nice race t-shirt.  The registration fee of $40 included a two day pass to the Biltmore Estate (usually $29/person admission fee).  Results will probably be posted on the Asheville Track Club website in the near future.

 

Submitted by Martha Ray Sartor