Sports

Record number of runners laced up for Apple Festival Races

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 13, 2025

A record-breaking 654 participants laced up for the 2025 North Carolina Apple Festival Races on Aug. 30, the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce announced.

This year’s races brought together runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with participants choosing from the 8K, 5K, and the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile. Each 8K and 5K finisher received a commemorative medal, while Mini Moo Mile participants celebrated with a sweet “cookie medal” on the crisp race morning.
Alongside presenting sponsor Hunter Subaru and Chick-fil-A, the chamber acknowledged the support of Lassonde Pappas, Optimum, Park National Bank, Asheville Regional Airport, proactIV Hydration & Wellness, Pepsi, Lamar Advertising, Greenlight Ink Screen-printing, Billingsley Concepts, First bank and Paul Davis Restoration.
“As one of the oldest known foot races in our county, these races are more than just the competition,” said Randy Hunter of the Hunter Corp. “They’re a celebration of the health and wellness of our community as a whole and the unique spirit of Henderson County. We’re grateful to our sponsors, volunteers and participants who made this year such a success.”
A new feature this year was the Health & Wellness Race Hub, where local businesses shared resources to encourage participants to think about health as more than just miles logged. Vendors included Baabal’s Ice Cream, Blue Ridge Sports & Medical Massage, Chick-fil-A, Ecusta Market + Café, Foot Rx with Altra Running, Girls on the Run, Hendersonville Family Dental, Hunter Subaru, Kenmure Country Club, Let It Be Flower Truck, Optimum, proactIV Hydration & Wellness, Stepp’s Orchards, Storm Physical Therapy, Strong Hand Fitness, and the Hendersonville Family YMCA.

Special recognition went to BorgWarner, whose spirited team of 20, known as the BorgWarner Roadrunners, showcased the power of teamwork and community involvement.
Top finishers were:

• 8K Overall: 1st – Corbin Green (Pennsylvania); 2nd – Kyle Bergemann (Asheville); 3rd – Garrett Murgatroyd (Illinois)
• 5K Overall: 1st – Lathom Louco (Arden); 2nd – Alexander Reed(Asheville); 3rd – Allan Kelly (Arden)