Snowy spring weather welcomes Black Mountain Greenway Challenge

Annual 5K and 10K fundraiser returns with new look

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 9, 2022

Until 2020, many of the ever-growing number of runners in Western North Carolina gathered every April for more than a decade to celebrate the arrival of spring on the local trails in the Black Mountain Greenway Challenge 5K & 10K. 

On April 9, as the annual race supporting the town’s network of interconnected trails returned to its in-person format for the first time in two years, scores of dedicated athletes were there to experience the new course. 

The Greenway Challenge was launched in 2008, roughly coinciding with the opening of the former Pisgah Brewing Co. tap room on Eastside Drive, which hosted the event through 2019. The race, which raises money and awareness for the greenways, was canceled in 2020 and shifted to a virtual format last year. 

While its longtime host moved to U.S. 70 while continuing to operate its outdoor tap room and popular music venue, the 14th Greenway Challenge represented a new era near the center of town. 

Nearly 130 runners descended upon Black Mountain Avenue for the return of the fundraiser, which is hosted by the Black Mountain Greenways & Trails Committee and the town’s Recreation and Parks Department. The re-emergence of the spring tradition was greeted by snow and ice that fell sporadically, and sometimes heavily, throughout the event.

Runners picked up packets at presenting sponsor, WNC Outdoor Collective, where they returned, following the race, for the presentation of awards in the courtyard. The Collective was among at least 18 businesses to sponsor the 2022 Greenway Challenge, which will support the completion of the second phase of the recently constructed Cragmont Park walking path. The trail, once finished, will connect Lake Tomahawk, through Cragmont Park, to sidewalks along U.S. 70.

The 5K and 10K followed identical courses along Terry Estate Drive and Vance Avenue, connecting to The Oaks Trail, a popular paved path within the larger greenway system. Runners traveled west to Veterans Park, completing laps around the north and south sides, before returning to the starting line following the same route. Participants in the 10K completed the course twice.

Arthur Drexler, of Asheville, finished first among all runners in the 10K, with a time of 38:40.8. He was followed by former Owen cross country runner and Swannanoa native, Matthew Allen, who posted a 39:54.9 mark. Andrew Snow rounded out the top three, finishing in 42:22.7.

Whitney Whitt, of Black Mountain, took first among female runners with a time of 46:35.1, followed by another local resident, Catherine Menendez, who crossed the finish line in 48:51.1. Katherine Kobza, of Carmen, Indiana, grabbed third place with her time of 40:22.7.

Four Black Mountain residents, including Town Council Member Doug Hay, finished the 10K in the top 10.

Shelby Gurley, of Marion, finished the 5K in 20:23, capturing first place in the race. Her husband, Wesley, who pushed a stroller throughout the race, followed 19 seconds later as the top male finisher. Mark Looney, of Black Mountain, rounded out the top three in the 5K, with a time of 21:17.2. Crag Mulhinch, of Asheville, completed the race in 22:58.7.

To see photos of the 2022 Black Mountain Greenway Challenge 5K & 10K, view the gallery at the top of the page.