June 1, 2024
Flying Squirrel Ten Miler
Join us on June 1, 2024 for the Flying Squirrel Ten Miler
Experience the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Flying Squirrel Ten Miler, Asheville’s premier 10 Mile road race. Enjoy the ease and convenience of a road race with the spectacular views and seclusion of a mountain race. The race starts and finishes just blocks from downtown Asheville and then promptly takes runners on the winding roads of Town Mountain. Participants will enjoy shaded mountain roads typically only used by locals, such as the beautiful Sunset Drive and Patton Mountain Road. One thing about The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is sure: you’ve got to “earn” those views. The Blue Ridge mountains are hilly and so is the Flying Squirrel Ten Miler.
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January 1, 2024 – Registration Opens
Early Packet Pickup
Friday, May 31, 2024
3:00pm-6pm - Jus’ Running | 523 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC
June 1, 20246:30-7:45am – Same Day Packet Pick-Up (at Orange St – Start area)
8:00am – START (in front of NC DOT building on Orange Street)
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Celebrating the third annual edition and brought to you by the same race organizers that bring you the Asheville Turkey Trot (now in its 20+ year) and the Shut-In Ridge Trail Run (now in its 40+ year), The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler is committed to providing the absolute BEST experience for each and every participant!
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A few roads near the Start and Finish will be completely closed to traffic, though all other roads will be open to traffic. Because of this runners should be aware of oncoming vehicles. There will be course marshals on the course to direct traffic and will do the best to make sure that participants stay safe and that vehicles do no interfere with race participants. The course will be well marked as well.
This is a very hilly 10 mile “lollipop” course (see the MapMyRun link at bottom). The first and last ~.75 miles is fairly flat. The remainder of the course is hilly. Think of the course as one big hill – the first half is uphill and the second half is downhill. Most of the hills are fairly gradual, though there are a few short steep sections. The course is 85% paved, with miles ~5 through 6.5 on gravel (Patton Mountain Road).
COURSE ELEVATION
The course features five miles of gradual uphill and five miles of gradual downhill with a bit of flat at the beginning and end. Runners will gain over 1,400′ and lose over 1,400′ throughout the 10 mile long course. Check out our Course Description for a course map, elevation profile, and turn-by-turn instructions.
Start: 2,162′ above sea level
Finish: 2,162′ above sea level
Max: 3,063′ above sea level
Gain: 1,476′
Distance: 10 mi
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2024 Registrants are guaranteed the following:
Custom Flying Squirrel Ten Miler Shirt
Custom Finishers Metal
Legit Post Race Food and Hi-Wire Brewing Beer
Coupons/Giveaways from our sponsors
Custom Race Bib
Professionally Timed Chip Time
Spectacular Views of Asheville (weather permitting)
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Once you catch your breath you’ll have the chance to enjoy post-race refreshments including Hi-Wire Brewing beer, hang out with race-day vendors, or visit the local businesses located just 1 block away.
There are several great places to grab a late breakfast or early lunch within a short walk of the Finish Zone including Liberty Coffee (fresh and healthy seasonal plates and full coffee bar), City Bakery (classic Asheville bakery and cafe serving up sandwiches and soups), and Pulp + Sprout (juice bar and vegan cafe).
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2024 FSTM COURSE
2024 FSTM COURSE
CHECK OUT THE FLYING SQUIRREL TEN MILER COURSE HERE ON MAPMYRUN:
Race Beneficiaries
Special Tarahumara guests will be traveling to Asheville from the Copper Canyons of Mexico and will be participating in our 2024 race
New for 2024, we welcome the addition of a second beneficiary to the race: the Copper Canyon Alliance. (we will continue to raise funds for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conversancy as well). The Copper Canyon Alliance is a federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit working with Rarámuri (Tarahumara) communities to secure clean water and sustainable agriculture in their ancestral canyonlands of Mexico.
For 15 years, the Copper Canyon Alliance has been partnering with Rarámuri communities in the Copper Canyons of Mexico. They provide clean water infrastructure, native seed banks, and sustainable agriculture to Rarámuri schools and communities. A prolonged drought has devastated northern Mexico, and many Tarahumara subsistence farmers have lost their crops. Funds raised for the Copper Canyon Alliance will go directly to the Tarahumara communities suffering from drought and food shortages. 100% of these funds go directly to the communities in need.
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) permanently protects and stewards our region’s most beloved natural areas. Since 1974, over 80,000 acres of unique plant and animal habitat, clean water sources, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation have been permanently protected in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. SAHC is committed to creating and supporting equitable, healthy and thriving communities for everyone in our region.
We value our local Western North Carolina community and are committed to giving back. A portion of our race proceeds go towards our charity partner for that year. For the inaugural Flying Squirrel Ten Miler we are proud to be supporting a Western North Carolina based non-profit who is helping to conserve the endangered Carolina Flying Squirrel. The Carolina Flying Squirrel is a subspecies of the Northern Flying Squirrel and requires high elevation habitat to thrive. Read more about the Carolina Flying Squirrel here: https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/mammals/carolina-northern-flying-squirrel/
Wildlife
Asheville is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, including white squirrels, black bears, and fox. Yes, there are white squirrels that live on the course that sometimes make an appearance. A portion of race proceeds to go towards conserving the endangered Carolina Flying Squirrel.
Aid Stations
Our Aid Stations (a minimum of three spaced on the course) are fully stocked with all the basics, plus some extra goodies. Cross the finish line and you will be greeted by spectators and a bunch of other runners.
Volunteers
Not running the Ten Miler but want to be involved? Or maybe your spouse is running? We will need volunteers and would really appreciate your help. Signup to volunteer on the RunSignUp page or CLICK HERE. *Have a team, club, band, religious group, business, or some other group? We love GROUPS of volunteers. Contact us directly if you think you may be able to assemble a group of helpers.*
THANK YOU, 2024 SPONSORS!
