Some events come together quickly. Others take years of dreaming, planning, pivoting, and patience.

The new Railway Races in Hendersonville, NC definitely fall into the second category.

Back in 2022 — maybe even earlier — we started envisioning what a community race on the future Ecusta Trail corridor through Hendersonville could look like. At the time, excitement was building around the future paved greenway that would eventually become one of the most exciting outdoor additions to our community.

Like many large projects, timelines shifted along the way. Initial expectations for the trail opening moved from 2024 into 2025, and even after sections officially opened, organized events on the trail itself were delayed until 2026.

But throughout all of those changes, one thing stayed the same: we knew we wanted to create an event that celebrated movement, community, and this incredible new space connecting our region.

And now — it’s finally time.

Welcome to the Railway Races presented by Aetna.

The name is a nod to the rich railroad history that helped shape Hendersonville and the corridor that this beautiful greenway now follows. It honors the past while also looking toward the future of outdoor recreation and community connection in Western North Carolina.

Originally, our vision included a 10-mile race alongside a 5K and one-mile event. However, recent North Carolina Department of Transportation construction projects impacting sections of the trail near White Pine and Daniel Drive created challenges for safely producing the longer-distance race this year. After working through multiple options and proposed detours, it became clear that simplifying the event for Year One was the best path forward.

So for 2026, the event will feature:

• A 5K Run & Walk
• A One-Mile Run & Walk

Both events will start and finish at the Downtown Hendersonville Welcome Center, creating an exciting and welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of downtown.

This event will be professionally timed and competitive for those chasing goals and finish times — but just as importantly, it’s designed to be approachable and inclusive for walkers, families, beginners, and participants of all abilities. Whether you run, jog, walk, push a stroller, or simply want to celebrate this incredible addition to our community, we want you there.

Sometimes events evolve differently than originally imagined. And honestly? That’s part of building something meaningful.

We see this first year of the Railway Races as the beginning of something bigger. As more sections of the trail become fully available and construction projects wrap up, we look forward to expanding the event with additional distances and new experiences in future years.

For now, we’re simply excited to gather together, move together, and celebrate this moment for Hendersonville.

We hope you’ll join us at the starting line. LEARN MORE