2023 Asheville Bike Fest Announce Presenting Sponsors and Schedule date for Grand Fondo Asheville
2023 Asheville Bike Fest Announce Presenting Sponsors
The SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series and Asheville on Bikes are proud to announce Cane Creek as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2nd Annual Asheville Bike Fest. The two-day event will take place at Rabbit Rabbit on July 15-16, with Gran Fondo Asheville scheduled for Sunday, July 16
Following the success of the 2022 Asheville Bike Fest, renowned cycling component manufacturer Cane Creek Cycling Components, has signed on as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2023 event. Downtown venue Rabbit Rabbit will once again host the 2-day cycling festival that showcases local outdoor companies and national cycling brands and features family-friendly activities for all ages. The Asheville Bike Fest benefits local non-profit Asheville on Bikes, and will feature an extensive outdoor expo, with food trucks, local beer, cycling clinics, a children’s bike park, cargo bike expo, urban rides, and a cycling-centric film festival.
Riders participating in Sunday’s Gran Fondo, will be able to pick up their packets at Rabbit Rabbit on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
“Gran Fondo Asheville is the premier road cycling event of the summer in Asheville, North Carolina, and Asheville Bike Fest is an opportunity for Cane Creek to give back to the community that supports us and so many great Western North Carolina outdoor sports companies,” said Brent Graves, Cane Creek’s CEO.
On Sunday, July 16, cyclists will depart from Rabbit Rabbit at 8:00 am to ride their choice of 100-, 60-, or 30-mile routes that take them into the hills, valleys, and mountains north and west of Asheville. The unique ‘timed segment’ competition format of SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series events largely eliminates the need for road closures and allows cyclists of varying abilities to regroup, ride together, and stop to take in the scenery.
About Cane Creek
Cane Creek Cycling Components is a manufacturer of premium cycling products headquartered in Fletcher, NC. The company was founded in 1975 as the North American headquarters of Japanese brake manufacturer Dia-Compe. In 1996 the company was renamed Cane Creek Cycling Components and was subsequently purchased by its employees. Over the years, Cane Creek has introduced several groundbreaking products – including the original AheadSet threadless headset and the revolutionary Double Barrel Shock.
About Asheville on Bikes
Asheville on Bikes (AoB) is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to cultivate the culture of urban and commuter riding through advocacy, education and celebration. AoB believes that cycling has a direct impact on the health of our community.
About Gran Fondo National Series
Founded in 2012 by event director Reuben Kline, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of gran fondo cycling events in the United States. Gran Fondo National Series was the first series to implement timed-segment racing into US gran fondo events and has crowned Gran Fondo National Champions and Gran Fondo National Series Champions since 2012. Since 2020, Gran Fondo National Series has been the organizer of the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships.
Asheville Championship Announces “Going Pro in Sports” Program with Local Schools in Conjunction with 2022 Bracket Unveil
Asheville Championship Announces “Going Pro in Sports” Program with Local Schools in Conjunction with 2022 Bracket Unveil
Buncombe, Haywood County and Asheville City School students to get involved with early season college basketball tournament
WHO: Representatives from Buncombe County Schools, Asheville City Schools and Haywood County Schools join the Asheville Sports Commission, KemperLesnik (Tournament operators), Tournament Chair Coach Dave Odom, and sponsors from Champion Credit Union.
WHAT: Organizers of the second annual Asheville Championship men’s college basketball tournament, scheduled for Nov. 11 and 13 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center-Asheville, will unveil the 2022 bracket at the “Going Pro in Sports” Program announcement on Aug. 11.
The inaugural “Going Pro in Sports” initiative is a joint-effort between the Asheville Championship and three local county schools that will help enhance curriculum, deliver practical training in the sports profession and open new potential career opportunities for the students of the Asheville community.
In addition to announcing details around the program, Coach Dave Odom, who serves as the official Chair of the Asheville Championship, will be on-hand to speak to the 2022 Asheville Championship Tournament and participating teams. The former National Coach of the Year and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year at Wake Forest has overseen tournament relations for the Maui Jim Maui Invitational since 2009, and the Asheville Championship since its inception in 2021.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022
Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville (Hemingway's Rooftop)
15 Page Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Press conference to begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. ET
Heavy appetizers will be served
Interviews available with:
· Coach Dave Odom, Tournament Chair and former men’s basketball coach at East Carolina, Wake Forest, and South Carolina
· Taylor Baldwin, Buncombe County School District
· Jake Robinson, President/CEO, Champion Credit Union
· Chris Smith, Asheville Sports Commission
· Nelson Taylor, KemperLesnik
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ashley Walker, KemperLesnik
Phone: 206-240-3899
Email: ashley.walker@kemperlesnik.com
Explore Asheville Signs on as Official Tourism Partner of the US Open for 2022
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kathi Petersen
(828) 318-8960
kpetersen@exploreasheville.com
Chris Widmaier, USTA
(914) 696-7284
Explore Asheville Signs on as Official Tourism Partner of the US Open for 2022
(Asheville, NC - August 2, 2022) - Explore Asheville and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that Explore Asheville is the official tourism partner for the US Open in 2022.
“Explore Asheville is proud to elevate our relationship with the USTA and Asheville’s reputation as a creative, vibrant community for leisure travel, business groups and sports events,” said Victoria Isley, president and CEO for Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.
Earlier this year, the Billie Jean King Cup matches between the United States and Ukraine inspired residents, visitors and television viewers alike; generated $8 million for local businesses throughout Asheville and created opportunities for community engagement. The event also helped drive more than $225,000 in donations for Ukraine relief via the Tennis Plays for Peace initiative, helping the worldwide tennis community surpass $1 million raised for Ukraine.
Isley added, “Asheville is only the second city in history to host three Billie Jean King Cup matches – and we plan to draw more brand-aligned events to benefit the Asheville community.”
Now, this partnership with the US Open will shine a spotlight on Asheville through on-court signage in Arthur Ashe Stadium, videoboards at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and marketing messages on usopen.org and US Open Radio.
One evening session during the US Open Main Draw (August 29 – September 11, 2022) will be designated “Asheville Night” and include additional promotion for this premier mountain destination.
“This new level of partnership between the USTA and Explore Asheville is an embodiment of the two organizations’ shared values,” said Deanne Pownall, Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships, USTA. “Not only has Asheville been a home for the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team three times in the last five years, the continued growth in local tennis participation has proven that Asheville truly embraces tennis and all its benefits.”
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The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking seven summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 120 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
About Explore Asheville: Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) enhance the economic vitality of Buncombe County through tourism. Their strategic priorities align with broader community priorities and are organized around four pillars: Deliver Balanced Recovery & Sustainable Growth, Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel, Engage & Invite more Diverse Audiences, and Promote & Support Asheville’s Creative Spirit. For more information, visit exploreasheville.com.
Asheville Marathon & Half Returns to the RAD
Asheville’s Only Marathon | Run Downtown AVL to RAD
July 2022 - The nationally recognized Asheville Marathon & Half returns to the RAD Saturday, March 18, 2023! The 11th Annual races are point-to-point, beginning in the heart of Downtown Asheville, NC in Pack Square and finishing in the historic River Arts District at the Wedge at Foundation.
The Asheville Marathon and Half events are 'boutique style' events with limited entries available, and are run on USATF certified and sanctioned courses. The marathon distance remains a Boston Qualifier, allowing runners that qualify to attend and participate in the world-renowned Boston Marathon. Asheville is not only a beautiful destination to visit, but has also become a place to enjoy the outdoors and have a ‘runcation.’ What better way to see the city than exploring it during a race?
About the Course
Both races run through the best parts of the City of Asheville with race pacers leading the way. These fast, net elevation loss courses are a dream come true for runners in search of a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The majority of the miles are downhill on city streets from downtown, to ‘flat’, running through the River Arts District, along the French Broad River on the greenway and through three beautiful, shady, city parks.
“I loved the course! I have never run through downtown Asheville before! The River Arts District is so cool, the greenway run along the River was spectacular! The weather was perfect! The spectators along the course gave such boosts of energy to all the runners along the way! Music along the course was such a fun surprise and the after race party can not be beat!! This was such a fun race and I would do this course again and again!!”, says Deanne Smith Avery, 2022 participant.
Endurance runners will have an opportunity to ‘break in’ the brand new section of the newly completed greenway section of the French Broad River Greenway on Riverside Drive and Lyman Street. Runners are on mostly paved surfaces throughout the entire event with a few dirt sections within the French Broad River Park. The Conditional Approval Permit for the 2023 Asheville Marathon and Half event has been approved by the City of Asheville.
Race Recognition and Awards
In 2019, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore Estate was Recognized as the Best Half Marathon in North Carolina by RaceRaves! In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun. We were also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner's World Magazine.
In 2017, the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. In addition, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to also be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.
Charity Partners
As part of our ongoing effort to give back to our local community, each year we select a local charity partner to benefit from the race. If your nonprofit is interested in learning more about event partnerships, please contact events@idaph.net.
Exciting Race Highlights
Runners begin their race weekend Friday, March 17th at the free and open to the public - Health and Wellness Expo at the Doubletree Hotel in Biltmore Village, the official race hotel. Biltmore Farms hotels (Doubletree Hotel and Hampton Inn) roll out the red carpet for the race participants in every way by offering late checkout for runners, breakfast snacks to take on the go on race morning, free shuttle trip to and from the race, and of course Doubletree’s warm chocolate-chip cookies.
Participants will pick up their race number, goody bag and complimentary race swag items at the expo, including technical, dri-fit men’s and women’s Brooks running shirts, exclusive buffs and goody bags. Local and regional expo vendors will attend and offer freebies and speciality items to purchase.
Along the scenic greenway course runners will enjoy entertainment along the way to keep them revved up (think live music, buskers, cheer zones and festive water stations).
At the finish line runners will enjoy a post-race party including live music, a free beer (21 and up) at the Wedge at Foundation, complimentary water and snacks, yummy food at 12 Bones Barbecue, food trucks and coffee and drinks from Summit Coffee. Finishers will also receive their beautiful commemorative finisher medal. Prizes and awards are locally-made and crafted from pottery and glass. Local small businesses, artists, crafters and restaurants involved in the race help make the event items special and memorable for runners near and far.
This race is part of the Appalachian Trilogy!
Complete three out of the four iDaph Events half marathons in 2023 and get a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Appalachian Trilogy medal. The four events include the Asheville Marathon and Half, March 18, 2023, the Jump Off Rock Half Marathon, May 13, 2023, the RAD Half Marathon, June 11, 2023 and the Black Bear Half Marathon, October 8, 2023.
Connect with the Race
We encourage everyone in the community to help commemorate this annual running experience, by coming out to cheer on the runners, volunteer and/or participate in the races on Saturday, March 18th, 2023. Does your business want to be involved with the race? Contact us at events@idaph.net.
More info about the event can be found here: Asheville Marathon website, call - 828-684-0812 ext. 0, or email support@idaph.net.
Trot then Turkey on Thanksgiving Day!
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
iDaph Events
Daphne Kirkwood, Race Director/Owner
(828) 684-0812 x1
TROT then TURKEY on Thanksgiving Day!
July 13, 2022 - The 4th Annual South Asheville Turkey Trot presented by Hunter Subaru returns to Biltmore Park Town Square in Asheville, NC on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th, 2022. Don’t miss out on this fun, festive and USATF certified 5k course that winds through beautiful Biltmore Park Town Square and the surrounding neighborhood in South Asheville. Gather the entire family to TROT then TURKEY your way through Thanksgiving Day! The popular annual holiday tradition is always enjoyed by all ages and ability levels, run, walk or trot!
Featured Non-Profit Partners
We are honored to support Sheep Dog Impact Assistance and iDream Athletes Foundation at this year’s event. Sheep Dog will use the funds from the race for various program needs, including purchasing and providing care packages for First Responders on Christmas Eve plus providing Christmas meals and gifts for Veteran and First Responder kids and families. In addition, funds will be allocated to send veterans and first responders that are struggling with PTSD to a dedicated program for additional support and resources.
iDream Athletes Foundation is a tax-exempt non-profit that provides needs-based scholarships for youth and adults of WNC who are unable to pay for sporting event fees, coaching, travel expenses, or equipment to train for and/or participate in events.
Exciting Race Highlights
Explore the Biltmore Park neighborhood on this beautiful, fall scenic 5k route. Along with a comfy TROT then TURKEY free race shirt, a Hunter Subaru goody bag and an awesome finisher medal that sparkles AND spins, the overall male & female winners will also win a turkey from Luella’s BBQ! Don’t just run the Turkey Trot - take the turkey home, too! Overall and age group award winners also receive a pint glass from Thirsty Monk.
In it for fun and not to win? The race also features a “Best Dressed Turkey” Contest each year! The five ‘best dressed’ in turkey themed costumes and attire, receive a special turkey themed prize.
NEW for 2022 - Holiday Hustle
This race is part of the new Holiday Hustle series! Participants who join in for the South Asheville Turkey Trot, the Ugly Sweater Run (December 3rd) and the New Year’s Resolution Run (January 1st, 2023) will get a super cool extra medal on New Year’s Day! Everyone knows runners love the bling! More info.
For race info and to sign up for the South Asheville Turkey Trot presented by Hunter Subaru, please visit southashevilleturkeytrot.com. Additional info? Contact support@idaph.net.
High Resolution Photos Available upon request.
PDF attached.
END RELEASE
Gran Fondo Asheville Keeps National Championship Cycling in North Carolina for Second Year
Gran Fondo Asheville Keeps National Championship Cycling in North Carolina for Second Year
1000 cyclists expected for July 17 event
(Gettysburg, PA – June 29, 2021) On Sunday, July 17, 2022, the Gran Fondo National Series will hold the annual Gran Fondo Asheville, p/b Applewood Manor cycling event, which includes the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship competition. The event reached its sold-out capacity of 1,000 cyclists in 2021 and the 2022 edition is on track to sell out. New this year, the road cycling event will include the 2-day Asheville Bike Fest, p/b Cane Creek at Rabbit Rabbit on July 16-17, showcasing local outdoor companies and national cycling brands and featuring family-friendly activities for all ages.
“Although Gran Fondo Asheville is an annual event, we are proud to bring the National Championship component to Asheville for a second year in a row, and expand the event with the Asheville Bike Fest,” says Series Director Reuben Kline. “We decided to keep the National Championship in Asheville for 2022 because of community support and rider feedback.”
Connections for Community
The Gran Fondo Asheville event has a long history of working with local businesses and partners, along with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. The event starts and finishes at Rabbit Rabbit in downtown Asheville. The event’s presenting sponsor, Applewood Manor, is hosting pre-event group rides and VIP Experiences on the event weekend. The Asheville Bike Fest benefits local non-profit Asheville on Bikes, and will feature Western North Carolina outdoor equipment companies Cane Creek, Industry Nine, and others. Local bike shops are sponsoring aid stations on the course where riders can replenish themselves with food and water.
Proven Community Impact
Gran Fondo Asheville is a proven economic driver for Buncombe and Madison Counties, including the communities of Asheville and Marshall, North Carolina. The Gran Fondo Asheville event has been a tremendous asset to our community each year and we are excited to host the National Championship in Asheville for the second year, said Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission President Demp Bradford. “Last year with the addition of the National Championships, the event impact calculation was close to $1 million and the event had almost 1,000 riders. This event not only impacts Buncombe County but also Madison County and we would like to thank all of the cities and communities who are part of this event.”
Event Details
Cyclists will depart from Rabbit Rabbit between 8:00-8:30am to ride their choice of a 100-, 60-, or 30-mile route (view route maps) that takes them into the hills, valleys, and mountains around northwest of Asheville. The unique ‘timed segment’ competition format of SUAREZ Gran Fondo National Series events largely eliminates the need for road closures. Roads that comprise the cycling routes will remain open to car traffic and both cyclist and drivers are asked to exhibit grace and patience as they share the roads for the day.
Volunteer positions are still available. Groups or individuals who want to help riders have a great experience at Gran Fondo Asheville can volunteer in a variety of areas, including course marshal, registration, and aid stations. Volunteers will receive a complementary entry to another Series event (or the 2023 Gran Fondo Asheville), an event t-shirt, and lunch. Information on volunteering.
About Gran Fondo National Series (granfondonationalseries.com)
Founded in 2012 by event director Reuben Kline, the Gran Fondo National Series is the largest and most competitive series of gran fondo cycling events in the United States. Gran Fondo National Series was the first series to implement timed-segment racing into US gran fondo events and is the organizer of the official USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championship event as well as a season-long Series Points competition.
CHRIS SMITH NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 29, 2022
ASHEVILLE (NC)- CHRIS SMITH NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION
Asheville (NC)- The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has named Chris Smith as the Interim Executive Director effective July 1 through March 2023. Smith has an extensive history with the Sports Commission and served on the original task force in 2008 that led to the establishment of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. In 2014, Smith was selected to serve on the Board of Directors and served as Vice Chairman (2017) and Chairman from 2018 until December 2021. As Chairman, Smith was a member of the Local Organizing Committees for each of the three Billie Jean King Cup Ties and the Asheville Championship and was asked to serve an extended term during the pandemic.
“As a board member and the Chairman for the past four years, Chris has worked extensively with the leadership team on the recruitment of events and the day-to-day operation of the Sports Commission,” said Board Chairman Stephen Zubrod. “Chris’ familiarity with the operations of the organization but also his tremendous relationships in our community made him a natural to lead the sports commission during this transition. As we talked with our event partners with the Southern Conference and Asheville Championship, it was clear that organizational knowledge and stability were paramount to the success of these upcoming events and others like the Skyview Golf Tournament. As we began this process, the name that continued to rise to the top in our community was Chris Smith.”
Chris Smith added, “I am passionate about the success of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and very honored to be serving in this position. I look forward to working with our partners from Explore Asheville to continue building a resume of sports events that fit our community and brand. The support of Explore Asheville, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County and UNC Asheville has allowed the sports commission to grow and succeed over the past 14 years and I look forward to working with each of them to continue to mold the future of the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission.”
A native of Hendersonville, Smith played baseball and graduated from Hendersonville High and UNC Asheville. Smith worked for 24 seasons with the Asheville Tourists as the Assistant General Manager for 17 seasons and the Senior Sales Manager for 7 years. Prior to working for the Tourists full-time, he served as the official scorer while also working as a beat writer for the Asheville Citizen-Times. Before joining the Tourists, Smith was a Baseball Coach and Sports Information Director at Mars Hill College.
Smith is very involved in the community and currently sits on the Buncombe County Schools Foundation Board of Directors and serves on its Classroom Grants, Scholarship and Strategic Planning Committees. Chris served on Junior Achievement of Western North Carolina's Board for 13 years, where he was twice elected as the Board Chair and was named Western North Carolina's Top Business Liaison. Additionally, Smith served on the boards of The Asheville Children’s Fund, Make-A-Wish Foundation Advisory Council, Junior League Advisory Board, and Project ASSIST Tobacco Prevention Coalition. Smith frequently serves as a guest host and is known for his “hot tips” on the Wise Guys sports radio show.
For his efforts in the local school systems and helping various charities throughout Western North Carolina, Smith was featured as a WLOS-TV Person of the Week. In his first season with the team, Chris filled the role of Media Relations Director, and following the 2000 season, he received the South Atlantic League's inaugural Media Relations Director of the Year award.
Chris resides in Fletcher with his wife Mandy. He has four children, Pali (21), Zach (19) and Presley (7) and a step-daughter Taylor (15).
Contact Information-
Stephen Zubrod, Chairman of the Board- 402-630-1616; stephenzubrod@gmail.com
Chris Smith, Interim Executive Director- 828-280-6458; chris@ashevillesports.org
Bradford to Leave the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission in conjunction with the Greensboro Sports Foundation announced that Demp Bradford, President/Executive Director will be leaving Asheville at the end of the month to become Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of the Greensboro Sports Foundation.
Demp Bradford with Billie Jean King at the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup in April.
“This is a bittersweet moment because “WE” have accomplished so much in the last 6 years in Asheville but I am excited about the opportunities to be part of a new vision in Greensboro and be closer to my family. I use the word “WE” because it has been a team effort with all of our accomplishments in Asheville from our staff, board, venues and our tremendous volunteers. Without each one of you, WE could not have made events successful and had them return to Asheville. I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart,” said Bradford. “I also want to thank our sports events planners and owners for choosing Asheville and in most cases coming back to Asheville for additional events.”
Bradford arrived in Asheville on June 30, 2016 and immediately faced the prospect of the Southern Conference Tournament leaving because of HB2 but brought state and local community leaders together along with LGBTQ leaders to put together a plan to host the tournament safely and keep the tournament in Asheville. In 2021, the Southern Conference announced an extension to keep the tournament in Asheville through 2026.
“Demp and his team have been laser focused on every detail involved in recruiting major events to Asheville and then making them a success. He is great at building his team and allowing them to see his vision and empowering them to want to make events successful. People do not realize the detail, time and negotiations that went into recruiting the Maui Invitational to relocate to Asheville and creating a successful “bubble”. The commission was hitting its stride as we went into Covid-19 and we were able to find profile events during the pandemic and come out even stronger. Demp has put us in great position moving forward in Asheville and we wish him the best in his future endeavors, and we look forward to continued growth of the Sports Commission in Asheville and this region” said ABRSC Board Chairman Stephen Zubrod. “Our board and volunteers are committed to continue this growth and we are excited about the future.”
“I cannot thank our board enough for believing in me and giving our team the proper resources to succeed. The growth that I have had here professionally and personally have allowed me an opportunity that I did not anticipate. Asheville and Buncombe County have embraced me and I will be forever grateful.” said Bradford
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission Resume Since 2016
Hosted the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament and received an extension through 2026
Hosted three Billie Jean King Cup (previously known as the Fed Cup) ties in 2018, 2019, and 2022 becoming one of only two US cities to host this event
Put together and executed the plan to have the 2020 Maui Invitational relocate to Asheville
Worked with KemperLesnik to establish the Asheville Championship, a pre-season college basketball tournament held annually in November starting in 2020
Formed the Ingles Great Smoky Mountain Grapple wrestling tournament which has grown from 12 to over 36 teams expected in 2022
Hosted the Haute Route cycling event in 2018 and 2019 and the USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships in 2021 and 2022
Spartan Race 2015-2019
Contact Information-
Demp Bradford, President – Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission 336-312-2745; demp@ashevillesportscommission.com
Stephen Zubrod, Board Chairman, Asheville Buncombe Regional Championship 402-630-1616; stephenzubrod@gmail.com
Billie Jean King to Attend USA and Ukraine Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying Event in Asheville, N.C.
Billie Jean King in Asheville in 2019
Billie Jean King to Attend USA and Ukraine
Billie Jean King Cup Qualifying Event in Asheville, N.C.
King and Partner Ilana Kloss to Donate $50,000 for Ukraine Relief
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., April 7, 2022 – The USTA today announced that Billie Jean King will attend the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas Qualifying tie featuring the U.S. and Ukraine April 15-16 in Asheville, N.C., and King and her partner, Ilana Kloss, will donate $50,000 to the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.
King will take part in the opening ceremony before the first day of matches on Friday, April 15. Play is set to begin at 1 p.m. at Harrah's Cherokee Center -- Asheville, and will feature each country's top two nominated players in singles matches. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
King and Kloss' donation is the latest fundraising commitment tied to this event. The USTA previously announced it will be donating 10 percent of its ticket revenue from the tie to the Fund, while local sponsors Harrah's Cherokee Resorts, Ingles Markets and New Belgium Brewing Company will also make donations. Fans are encouraged to donate viaTennisPlaysForPeace.com.
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2022 Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay
Contact: Zack Hall,CEO
Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay
Phone 864.720.8420
zack@villetovillerelay.com
Press Release
Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay
One of the Largest One-Day Relays in the US is back for its fifth year.
Greenville,SC–April 2022 –On April9th, teams of runners from across the country will start a 72-mile odyssey from Asheville, NC, towards a finish roughly 12 hours later in Greenville, South Carolina. The Ville to Ville Craft Brew Relay is in its fifth year and is one of the most popular one-day relays in the nation.
The 2022 event is back to its full capacity of 350 teams with runners coming from 33 states and over 70% of the participants traveling more than 150 miles to participate.
This unique relay is designed to celebrate the region’s outstanding craft beer tradition and its majestic natural beauty. "We are extremely grateful to be back to our full capacity this year," states race director, Zack Hall, “and to be able to showcase Western North Carolina and the Upstate.”
Teams of three to six runners will divide 12 legs ranging from three to nine miles along the course. Every team will utilize a support vehicle along the 72- mile course, transporting runners from one designated transition area to the next. The first leg will run from East Asheville to the popular Mountains to Sea Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway before turning south. Stops along the course include Fletcher, Hendersonville, East Flat Rock and Travelers Rest, SC as runner’s race towards a festive finish line celebration in Greenville, SC at Hampton Station. In total, almost 2,100 runners will participant in 2022.
With a commitment to benefiting local charities, The Ville to Ville Craft Relay delivers more than just a fun time for its participants. This year’s charity partners are Prisma Childrens Cancer Center, The Autism Society of NC, GirlUp GVL, Hendersonville Woman’s Club, Izzie’s Pond, Elements of Hope, Outward Bound, Make-A-Wish, Youthbase, and Speak for Animals.
Similar relay races exist across the nation; however, very few have a focus on craft beer – or have such a demand for a spot on the starting line. The fact that the 2022 race sold out in less than three days is a testament to its popularity. "We continue to be thrilled by the overwhelming response and are proud to provide a healthy, fun event, as well as positively impact so many great charitable organizations in our community,” said Hall.
Although the race is sold out, registration for the 2023 Craft Brew Relay will open April 10th. More information about the relay can be found at www.villetovillerelay.com.