Posted: September 7, 2006

Athletics: Upcoming Asheville Race Training Programs

The Black Mountain Marathon has become one of the most popular trail races in Western North Carolina. It has been featured in national running publications and attracts elite competitors from all over the country. It is schedule to take place on February 24th, 2007. As stated on the official website (www.blackmountainmarathon.com) , "The Marathon runners start side-by-side with the Challengers and duplicate their course to the Black Mountain Gap overlook on the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, at an elevation of 5,340' and with an extraordinary view of Mount Mitchell as a backdrop, Marathoners will turn and retrace their course to the Start/Finish area in Black Mountain. This will be an extremely demanding course run over rugged mountain terrain under potentially life-threatening weather conditions." This year, Jay Curwen, Black Mountain Marathon and Challenge Race Director, has endorsed Asheville Race Training to train local runners for this event. The Black Mountain Marathon (BMM) Training is sponsored by Black Dome Mountain Sports. The group will be coached by nationally recognized ultra-runner and 2003 BMM winner, Mark Lundblad. Previous program speakers have included 100k USA Teammate and 2006 World 100k Silver medalist, Anne Lundblad. The first day of training will be Sat., Nov. 11th 2006 in Asheville at Weaver Park, off of Merrimon (near picnic shelter) at 9am. Meetings are (9am) Saturdays at various (TBA) local trails .Last meeting: Feb. 17th. Pre-registration: Make two checks: $100 to Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce (race registration and reservation fee) and $200 to Asheville Race Training. Send payment to PO Box 17535,Asheville NC 28816. Postmark no later than Oct. 20th . "Day of" sign up: add $50. Pre-requisite: ˝ marathon distance at least 9:30/mi. pace and some trail experience. Other local programs include the 8 Week Beginners Running Program, sponsored by Jus Running 1st day: Thurs., Sept. 28th, at Carrier Park at 6pm (off of Amboy Rd., at Concession stand outside of race track). After first meeting, group will meet on Thursdays, 6:30pm at Carrier. Last meeting is Nov. 16th. Runners/walkers will prepare for a Thanksgiving 5k. Pre-registration: Mail $60 check to Jonathan Poston at PO Box 17535,Asheville NC 28816. Postmark no later than Sept. 12th. "Day of" sign up, add $25. Trainer: Andrea Lencse. FOR ALL GROUPS: Talks will be given on strength training, suggested weekly mileage, energy needs, correct running form etc. Minimum sign up 15, Max. 25. Meetings are rain or shine. No refunds after registration.Contact: Asheville Race Training Owner, Jonathan Poston at ashevilleracetraining@gmail.com or at 828.768.6262. From: Jonathan Poston PO Box 17535 Asheville NC 28816 828-768-6262 sunsetstampede@gmail.com

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