FROSTBITE RACES - 10K, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Presented by Hunter Subaru
An Exhilarating Winter Tradition that Elevates Personal Wellness
February 15, 2026
For over 32 years, the Frostbite Races have motivated runners and walkers to stay active throughout the colder winter months. Participants brave the chilly temperatures to compete in a series of races, including a challenging 10K, a scenic 5K, or 1-mile fun run. Flurry the Penguin is always encouraging runners and walkers with high fives. The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo add to the excitement with local vendors, wellness services, live music, and kid’s activities. The Frostbite Races have become a beloved tradition in Fletcher, NC, bringing the community together for a day of fitness and fun.
Permit pending government approvals | Race date & course subject to change
why you'll love this race:
- 10K participants receive a free long sleeve, Dri-fit race shirt, available in men's and women's sizes, until January 19 ($30 after deadline)
- 5K & 1-Mile participants receive a free short sleeve, Bella Canvas Frostbite shirt until January 19 ($25 after deadline)
- The first 550 5k/10k participants and the first 90 1-Mile participants to register will receive a commemorative finisher medal after the race! (designs vary)
- Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo after the race
- Best dressed penguin contest with prizes
- Awards for overall and age group winners
- There will be cash prizes for the overall top three male and female winners of the 10k!
- Professionally chip timed event with well-marked course
The Course
All three courses begin and end at the Lelia Patterson Center in Fletcher, North Carolina. Both the 10k and 5k routes provide scenic views of Hutch Mountain and the surrounding area. The terrain is hilly with moderate inclines throughout. The 10K has a net elevation gain of 464 feet while the 5K has a gain if 257 feet. The one-mile fun run is completely flat and very easy for little runners. There will be two water stations on the 10k course and one on the 5k course. Because some roads will be open to traffic, we require that all children 12 and under be accompanied by a registered adult at all times.
Join us for the Frostbite Races and compete in the Run Club Showdown for a chance to win $1,000 for your crew!
How to Participate:
Gather at least 10 participants
Sign up online + add your run club name during registration
The club with the most participants takes home $1,000!
Remember: Every participant that adds your club's name during registration counts towards your club's total! Questions? Email support@idaph.net.
Post Race Festivities
The Family Fun Day and Wellness Expo at the Lelia Patterson Center returns this year! It will be held indoors in the gym on race day, from 1:00pm - 4:30pm. Participants will love the array of local vendors providing wellness products and services like stretching, massage and physical therapy. There are snacks to satisfy your post-race cravings and kids will love the family games and fun activities. Don’t forget to stop by the merchandise area and shop for all your favorites including Run Asheville and Run Hendo gear.
OUR PRESENTING PARTNER
This event would not be possible without the generous support of Hunter Subaru. Since 1940, the Hunter Automotive Group has been a locally owned and operated business in Western North Carolina. It is their mission to improve the quality of life for their employees, customers, and the surrounding community. We are grateful for their participation and admire the uplifting attitude they bring to our event.
Our Community Partners
All signature iDaph events partner with local organizations to help advance their mission. Supporting these causes strengthens our community bonds by addressing the unique challenges and needs within our area. It ensures that resources are allocated where they can have the most direct and tangible impact, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents.
It is the mission, duty and purpose of iDream Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities for Western North Carolina youth and adults who are unable to pay for sporting event fees, coaching, travel expenses and/or equipment to train for and/or participate in our WNC sporting events. This tax-exempt non-profit provides needs-based scholarships. The amounts to be gifted are determined on a case-by-case basis through a criteria-selection process.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
Spend the Weekend
An Authentic Mountain Destination
If you're not from here, you're going to love visiting here. Experience the thrill of running or cycling amidst the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina, where the rugged mountains and pristine landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. We invite you to make our event your ultimate destination race. Our Visitor’s Guide features lodging options, airport info, and the inside scoop on what to see and do while you’re here.
