The Ascent at Mountain Air 5K
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The Ascent at Mountain Air 5K
The Ascent at Mountain Air is an uphill road race of 5K held on September 19, 2026. The course climbs 1,800 feet on paved roads from the community’s main gate near Burnsville to the private airstrip at the top, finishing at 4,600 feet elevation with views of surrounding mountains and forests. This edition marks the event’s tenth anniversary.
Online registration opens May 1 and closes September 17, with walk-up registration and packet pickup at the Mountain Air Visitor Center on race day. Entry fees are Early (May 1–June 30) $25, Regular (July 1–August 31) $30, and Late (September 1–race day) $35. Transfers may be completed via Race Roster by the end of online registration on September 17.
The race is bib timed and runners should have their bib visible at the finish. A bag drop at the start will be available and bags will be moved to the finish for retrieval. Shuttles provide spectator access to the finish; parking is available in three areas near the Visitor Center. Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed. Spectators may bring small lawn chairs or blankets.
Awards will be presented near the finish to the top ten male and female finishers; awards are not mailed. A $150 cash bonus will be awarded to the male and/or female who breaks course records in the Open, Masters (40–49), and Grand Masters (50 and over) divisions. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Air Community Fund. Each runner receives a 10th anniversary race shirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
