Asheville Shamrock Run 5k and 10k – March 12, 2011 – Asheville, NC

The Shamrock race features a 5k and 10k but the focus of my commentary is the beast I know: the Shamrock 10k.

This is one of (if not the) toughest 10k road races in Western North Carolina. But the course is thoroughly enjoyable providing a scenic circular loop tour of North Asheville residential neighborhoods.  It’s also a very well-organized race. After starting at Asheville Catholic School, the first two miles serve as a warm-up. With the exception of a few short hills, it’s mostly flat to downhill with a long stretch on Kimberly Avenue (which becomes Edwin). Edwin ends at Charlotte Street where the course crosses over Charlotte Street and onto Cherokee.

Sorry folks. The fun and games are over. Now it becomes what I’ve always considered to be a miniature version of the Sunset Stampede with a long uphill stretch along Cherokee and onto Sunset. After about two miles or so of that (HELLO!), the course heads back down North Griffing and through the Rose Garden and eventually finds its way back to Asheville Catholic School.

Come on out and don’t forget your costume. I won first prize for my costume last year, but it was a hot costume in which to run. Register before March 1 when the price increases!

LINKS

5k Course Map
10k Course Map
Online Registration (RunSignup)
Website
Registration Form
Shamrock Run Facebook Page
Shamrock Run on Twitter