Mountain Air and Glory Hound Events are excited to announce the 8th Ascent on Mountain Air 5K on the evening of Saturday, September 7, 2024.  This 5K road race climbs 1,800 feet, from the community's main gate near Burnsville to the private air strip on the top.  At 4,600 feet elevation, this is the most spectacular finish line in Western North Carolina. 

Race Time: 5:00 PM

This 5K is not for the faint of heart or spirit.  The course is 1800' of unrelenting climbing on paved roads from start to finish.  The payoff is at the finish with unrivaled views of mountains and forests in the heart of the fall color season.

The Fun Run/Walk takes place entirely on the runway and begins at 5:15 PM while the 5K is going on.

Cash Bonus for Course Records:  We will award $150 cash to the male and/or female who breaks the course record for the Open, Masters (40-49), and Grand Masters (50&Over) divisions.  

All ages are eligible to break the Open course record; those 40-49 are eligible to break the Open and Masters course records; and those 50 & over are eligible to break the Open and Grand Masters course records.

Course Records

Open Male: Luke Paulson - 26:24 (2022); Open Female: Anne Wheatley - 28:48 (2018)

Masters Male: Stuart Moran - 27:57 (2017); Masters Female: Jennifer Fisher - 30:29 (2023)

Grand Masters Male: Brad Dellinger - 29:22 (2020); Grand Masters Female: Martha Olsen - 38:31 (2021)