Upcoming Asheville Marathons - Retiring in Health Conscious Cities
HEALTH CONSCIOUS CITIES IN THE SOUTH
When it comes to seeking out health conscious cities at retirement, Asheville is the place to put on the top of your list of the best places to live in North Carolina. Asheville has two upcoming running events to raise residents and visitors heartbeat. Tie up the “shoe laces” and explore some of the most exhilarating scenery in the country.
Retirees who have already chosen the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain community can participate in the upcoming 3rd Annual Asheville Marathon at the Biltmore Estate on Sunday, March 15. Offering both a full and half marathon option, this exciting running course takes place in one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Surrounded by a lagoon and breathtaking vineyards, the race course will travel through a hardwood forest, meadows and scenic manicured gardens as runners prod over paved, dirt and gravel trail roads surrounded by untamed foliage and uninterrupted terrain.
This preserved environment that surrounds The Biltmore House is full of undeniable beauty and provides participants with an “unforgettable” journey back in time. The full marathon travels over 26.2 miles and the race begins at 7:30am. Marathoners will get to explore the east and west sides and Half-marathoners take in the east side of Biltmore Estate. Half Marathoners get to experience running on the Biltmore Estate, but in a manageable distance.
Participating in this event automatically puts you in the history books as part of the 3rd annual elite boutique event at Biltmore Estate. Every participant will receive either a women’s specific or a men’s custom designed race t-shirt, a “goodie bag”, and a finisher’s award. Race entry also includes access to the Biltmore grounds.
Baby Boomers exploring gated communities in Asheville for retirement can plan ahead for the second marathon event to be held on June 6, 2015. This offers the opportunity to not only “improve health” but also to sample some of the unique breweries, bars and clubs that Asheville has to offer. With the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a scenic backdrop for the event, the 13.1 Asheville Half Marathon and 10K begins and ends in Pack Square with a route that travels through the streets of Ashville and along the French Broad River. Entertainment will be provided by the Music Initiative throughout the course and this “happening” running event will also feature local artists at every mile marker throughout the course. After enjoying the exhilaration of this challenging, yet scenic race, folks can enjoy all the fantastic food and drink options available in this little “piece of paradise”.
Considering the ideal season for the race, runners and walkers will thrive on the challenge of running the hills and valleys of Asheville. With a goal of promoting health and wellness in the community, the Asheville Half Marathon offers world-class competition and will be capped at 3,000 participants for the 2015 event. Because of the limited size of the race, registrants are advised to sign up early. The race starts at 7am and runners are asked to be at the event at 6:30am. The event will feature a “Finish Festival” in Pack Square Park from 7:30am to noon with live entertainment, food and refreshments.
Everyone knows that running is a great way to get into shape and it also works every muscle in the body during the process. Running is incredibly effective at making people healthier in a number of ways. While it may not be everybody's favorite form of exercise, knowing the benefits of running may motivate folks to participate in these fun and healthy events. In addition to improving overall health, running is a great way to raise “good cholesterol” levels and increase lung function in addition to boosting the immune system.
For women, it has been associated with reducing the risk of breast cancer, minimizing strokes and is recommended to help in the early stages of diabetes and preventing osteoporosis. By keeping arteries healthy and strengthening the heart muscle, runners can help reduce the chance of heart attacks and lose weight while enjoying the fabulous outdoor activity these races have to offer. Running is the second most effective exercise in terms of calories burned per minute, following only after cross country skiing. Running has also proven to boost confidence and self-esteem as well as providing a sense of empowerment that will make folks happier and healthier as they approach those retirement years. It also minimizes depression and energizes the spirit.
After the race, exercisers can find a myriad of activities for pleasure in this captivating Blue Ridge Mountain region. Having reigned as the champion “Beer City USA” each year from 2009 to 2012, Asheville is the home to dozens of micro breweries, first class restaurants and is culturally enriching as a notable artisan community and has been listed as one of the “Top 25 Small Cities for Art” in American Style magazine. Self Magazine also rated it as the “Happiest City for Women” in 2002 and Frommer’s rated Ashville as one of the “Top Seven Places to Live in the U.S.” in 2007. Good Morning America also noted the city as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in America” in 2011. It’s no wonder it is considered one of the best places to live in North Carolina and the perfect choice when seeking a retirement location.
Whether you're shopping for a “rustic mountain home” or a hideaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are plenty of options available for a splendid and healthy retirement in Asheville.
If you're exploring Asheville for the first time, ask for our free Asheville relocation information to learn more about the area.
