Race to the Taps is a series in the Asheville area of road races that start and end at various breweries. My husband ran the race two years ago and didn’t have the best experience, but he signed up to run the races in 2017, in hopes that they’re better organized. The first race of the year was this past weekend at Bold Rock Cidery in Mills River, and I agreed to run this one with him. Looking at the courses, this may have been the flattest one of the four races.
This year, each race is 5 miles (not 5k as many people thought at first glance!) The four races will take place at Bold Rock, New Belgium, the Wedge and Oskar Blues. Bold Rock and Oskar Blues are both described as flat to rolling hills. So, of course I may take a shot at Oskar Blues (I actually ran a 4-mile race there several years ago and loved it!)
So, complaints in the past have been poor organization and that the beer at the end was very small in quantity. Also, lines. Lots of lines waiting for water (and beer.)
All that to say, Bold Rock did not disappoint! They did delay the start briefly (because of lines at the restrooms), but it wasn’t terrible. The music at the start was fun, there were plenty of sponsors to check out of you wanted, and we picked up our bibs Saturday morning with so much ease. (I also used the bathroom without having to wait in line, so I think people may have just put that task off a little too long.)
The course really was flat to rolling hills. Western North Carolina is NOT a flat place, so it’s tough to find a flat course. It was pretty and scenic.
There were two water stops along the way, plenty of volunteers to support the runners, and it was just a fun run all around.
When we finished, we were handed water immediately and the beer lines weren’t that bad. (I don’t drink beer. I did get one for my husband though.) We stuck around for the awards, and then headed out.
My only complaint was the course was about a quarter mile long. I could tell early in the race that it was measuring a little longer than the signs were showing, but all in all, it could have been worse.
If you’re local and considering Race to the Taps, I recommend it this year! (Also, if you like beer AND you’re a runner, it’s not a bad race.) We saved money by not getting the t-shirts, and I loved that option.
If you’re a runner, have you raced recently?
Leave a Reply