The Annual Tour d’Apple presented by Hunter Subaru took place in Hendersonville, NC on Monday, Labor Day, September 6, 2021. The ride nearly sold out with 597 registered riders. We had 9 states represented out at the ride and were delighted to see so many returning cyclists and new faces too! The day started with a few sprinkles of rain but quickly the foggy skies lifted and the temperatures were probably the coolest on record for this ride. Things didn’t start heating up until mid-afternoon, making it a very enjoyable tour around the Apple country in Henderson County. Congratulations to each of you that came out and accomplished your goal for the day. Whether it was your first time completing an organized ride or your hundredth, you all continue to amaze and inspire us!
The Four Seasons Rotary Club was able to raise valuable funds for community projects throughout the year from the donations and the entry fees from the ride. Thank you all for donating, showing up to ride and also donating canned goods for the Interfaith Ministries. Special thanks to all the Law Enforcement that attended and helped support the ride this year including the City of Hendersonville, the Buncombe County Sheriffs, VIPs and all the Four Seasons Rotary Club volunteers. Shout out to Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville for all the yummy post ride food. And last but not least, thank you to Hunter Subaru, for continuing to support this community event year after year.
Save the date for Monday, September 5th - Labor Day 2022 for next year’s Tour d’Apple.
PHOTOS
We have some photos already in the gallery on Race Roster. As we get more photos processed, we will add them here to the Race Roster photo Gallery.
HINCAPIE JERSEY AND SHORTS
There’s still time to purchase a Hincapie custom Jersey and/or Shorts! The online store is NOW back open through Sunday, September 12th at midnight. By placing your order please note you will receive the items at the beginning of November.
It’s more important than ever to stay active and on the bike this fall. Join us on Sunday, September 19th for the Asheville Off Road Series presented by Hunter Subaru at Ride Kanuga next to the Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. We have three gravel bike distances to choose from: 12 miles, 25 miles and 42 mile ride. This event is perfect for ALL abilities of riders. The shorter distances are great for beginner and intermediate riders that want to dabble in an organized ‘off-road’ style event. If you love to run and bike, we also have a duathlon (run/bike/run) and a 5 mile trail race… all happening at the same time, on the same day! Something for everyone in your family. This event is one that you don’t want to miss More info here!
As the fog lifted, the Team Challenge 5k, 8k and Mini Moo Mile runners took off to the streets of Hendersonville, NC for the Annual Apple Festival Races presented by Hunter Subaru on Saturday, September 4, 2021. We loved seeing our running community together once again for an in-person race, with a mass start! What an incredible feeling with all the energy and buzz of electricity and nerves at that start line! We saw so many smiles (and some grimaces) for miles along the course! We appreciate each and every one of you for coming out race today. Thank you!
Special thanks to to the City of Hendersonville for allowing the event to take place. And to the Henderson County Chamber for inviting us at idaph events to be part of the event production this year. All the volunteers were incredible and the police and Fire Department that kept our runners safe, were amazing thank you! Shout out to Chick-fil-A in Hendersonville for all the goodies for volunteers and prizes for the winners. And last but not least, thank you to Hunter Subaru, for leading the way with the super cool UTV and all the support along the way, we cannot thank you enough!
CONGRATS to the 8k Winners!
Overall Male Winner: Eddie Posey and Overall Female Winner: Amanda Jones
Not sure if you get a prize? Check out all the prize categories here for the winners. Stop by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce in Hendersonville, after Labor Day to pick up your prizes! Have questions about how to get your prize? Contact Amy with the Henderson County Chamber - amy@hendersoncountychamber.org.
Photos
As we get photos processed, we will add them here to the Race Roster photo Gallery. Follow our @idaphevents IG page to see some photos from today and share yours with us by tagging @idaphevents on your IG feed or story posts for a re-share! #applefestivalraces
Do you love the 8k race distance?
Let’s keep you running and see if you can improve your 8k race time at this next upcoming event! Come out on Saturday, October 9th for the Black Bear Half Marathon presented by Hunter Subaru & Brand New 8k presented by Morris Broadband powered by Optimum. This race is one that you don’t want to miss in Hendersonville, NC along the Oklawaha Greenway! It is mostly flat (ish) and fast! Cash prizes for the 8k race for overall winners and FIVE random 8k participants! More info here!
COMPLETE APPLE FESTIVAL RACE RESULTS ARE LISTED HERE
Questions about results? Contact support@idaph.net
Thank you for joining in on the Pop up 5k - Totally 80’s Run and the Series!
We were psyched to see so many of you getting into the Totally 80’s theme with us at the final Pop up 5k of the year. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! We owe a big thanks to Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher, NC for letting us have these Wednesday night races.
So many of you came out to many of the Pop up 5ks over the last two years and your dedication has been so inspiring. We have truly loved being part of this Wednesday night 5k series with you all. Our hope is that you will continue to keep moving and stay active this fall. It is just that important!
We are part of so many fall races and events happening in our area. There is no shortage of fun waiting for you this fall. Here is our calendar of what is coming up over the next few months. We would love to continue seeing you!!
Part of the series and missed last night?
If you signed up for the summer Pop up 5k series but missed attending last night, your medal can be picked up at Fleet Feet Asheville through mid-September.
The pandemic has brought on a variety of upgrades to races and events. We implemented a ‘Rolling Start Style format’ to events in June 2020, and they have gained in popularity throughout the last year.
Runners enjoy having the flexibility to get to the start line without having to have the pressure of starting in a massive group of people at the same time. Rolling starts allow participants to get to the start line and begin their event anytime during a start wave window. Sometimes this window may be 15 minutes up to an hour or two hours. See your race information for your rolling start wave window of time.
As soon as participants cross the black mat their race time starts. When you cross the finish mat your time stops. This time will be updated online a few minutes after you have finished your race.
Rolling starts allow participants to stay spread out from start to finish at events. This is a huge benefit given social distance regulations and for safety at events. It also allows runners to ‘pick off’ slower runners and pass them throughout the race creating a fun ‘cat and mouse’ race.
Runners and cyclists have both gotten hooked and rave about having this option now at races and events. So no matter your race speed or ability level, rolling start style races are here to stay and we are excited for you to try one with us.
NOTE: DO NOT get close to or CROSS over a start mat before you are ready to start or go back over a finish mat ‘to run or cheer on a friend’ after you are done.
Thank you for joining in on the Pop up 5k - REWIND 5k
The first ever 5k REWIND at the Pop up 5k in the park is in the books. So how was it? Did you run faster with the course in the opposite direction or? We had such a great time with all of you at the 4th race of the Pop up 5k summer series at Bill Moore Community Park in Fletcher, NC. Yay!
Every single time we come out to the Pop up 5k and see you all running towards your own personal goals, we get inspired. There is EVERY SINGLE ability level of runner/jogger/walker that shows up and all ages. We love seeing you all chase your PRs, chase the goal of running a 5k and show up with those big smiles on your faces.
Thanks for continuing to let us be part of this journey of health, wellness and movement that you have committed to in your life. We are witness to the beauty, strength, confidence and determination that these races are bringing out in you all.
Our last 5k of the Summer Series is on Wednesday, August 25th: 80s theme - Everyone’s got a pair of neon shorts or a Def Leppard shirt somewhere in their closet, so put them on display for the final event of the summer! Much like the Luau, a prize will go to our most rad dude or dudette.
Share the event info with your friends about the Pop up 5ks and encourage them to come out and join in the fun.
The 7th Annual Trick or Trail 5k presented by Hunter Subaru returns to DuPont Forest
Runners at the 7th Annual Trick or Trail 5k presented by Hunter Subaru get to once again experience the beauty of DuPont State Forest in a unique nighttime racing format. Participants will strap on headlamps and light up the night as they duke it out in the dusk. The twists and turns of DuPont’s famous trail system will dare them to push forward in this one-of-a-kind, trail race at dark.
The Trick or Trail 5k takes place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 7:15pm at Dupont State Forest. To eliminate congestion on the course, we are limiting this year’s race to 150 participants. We expect this highly-anticipated and one of our most popular fall events to sell out prior to race day. “We are thrilled to be able to host this race again at Dupont State Forest. It is a local favorite, and the trails and 5k loop in the forest are ideal for this night-time style event for our community of runners. The route is easy to navigate in the dark and is on non-technical wide service roads and double track trails, making it a perfect race for all abilities of runners, joggers and walkers.” said Race Director, Daphne Kirkwood. Participants will light up the trail with their own flashlight or headlamp, and are required to participate. The course is marked impeccably with signs and course markings and volunteers will be along the way, so runners can easily find their way.
Gasp-worthy Swag
All pre-registered Trick or Trail 5k participants receive a pair of our participant favorites, custom-designed, Defeet running socks, glow swag and a loaded Hunter Subaru goody bag. Run your way through the dark and receive a custom-designed, color changing cup filled with yummy candy at the finish line! At the post race party a bonfire with yummy s’mores, hot soup and other fall favorite snacks, with complimentary massages by Yoga and Massage and injury screenings and adjustments by PT Solutions await the finishers.
Halloween Theme Announced!
Each year the race has a fun theme, which is a great chance for kids, youth and kids-at-heart to have their own fun at a Halloween themed event and break in costumes early! “We all grew up watching the classic Disney movies, so this year it’s time to embrace your favorite Classic Disney character and get dressed in Disney style,” said Kirkwood. Costumes are highly encouraged, and awesome prizes will be given out for the best ones that tie into this year’s theme.
Running for a great cause
Friends of Dupont Forest has been named as the 2021 non-profit partner for this event. Donations are accepted during online registration. The mission of the Friends of Dupont align with idaph events core values of preservation and conservation of our WNC land. “We believe DuPont Forest should be protected forever. Join us and help keep the water clean, the wildlife safe and the trails awesome.”
Registration is Now Open. For more info or to sign up visit HERE.
Running for a great cause