The Ascent at Mountain Air 5K
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The Ascent at Mountain Air 5K
The Ascent at Mountain Air is a road 5K that gains 1,800 feet through the private gated community of Mountain Air, North Carolina. The course runs from the community’s main gate near Burnsville up paved roads to the private airstrip at about 4,600 feet elevation. The organizer provides a course map and a video of the course.
The event is set for September 19, 2026, and online registration opens May 1 and closes September 17, with walk-up registration available on race day. Entry fees are tiered: early registration through June 30 is $25, regular registration July 1 through August 31 is $30, and late registration from September 1 through race day is $35. Packet pickup and late registration are offered at the Mountain Air Visitor Center on race day. Shuttles transport spectators and non-runners to the finish area before the race and return participants and guests after the event.
Timing is bib-based with finish-line chip timing; runners should have their bibs visible at the finish. Awards near the finish include commemorative awards for the top ten male and female finishers and a $150 cash bonus for anyone who breaks course records in the Open, Masters (40-49), or Grand Masters (50 and over) divisions. All proceeds benefit the Mountain Air Community Fund. A bag drop is provided at the start, a 10th anniversary race shirt is included, and leashed dogs are welcome. Mountain Air is located off Highway 19E in Burnsville, about 45 minutes from Asheville and about one hour from Johnson City. Mountain Air enforces a no refund policy; transfers are allowed through Race Roster until the end of online registration on September 17. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
