Chamber Challenge 5K Race Report

May 24

By Jus' Running Race Team member Kevin Fitzgerald

After a year hiatus due to COVID19 the Chamber Challenge 5K returned to Asheville on Friday May 14, with a few modifications. This year’s event, like most races being conducted as we emerge from the pandemic, featured a rolling start with runners being assigned a start window. This kind of racing is akin to running a time trial, even more so if you are running by yourself which eliminates the usual chasing or being chased feel of the typical road race. The weather this year was significantly cooler than 2019, with the temps in the low to mid 60’s for the 4 to 5:30pm start window, which was a significant relief considering the challenging (ie hilly) course that the race is run on.

Leading the way for the Jus’ Running Racing Team this year was Devin Deholl and Luke Paulson, who ran together and battled to a one - two overall finish in 16:40 and 16:43 respectively. That was a 30 and 45 second improvement over their times in 2019 where they once again finished 1 - 2 overall. Kevin FitzGerald placed 5th overall in 20:11, a 49 second improvement from 2019.

Rachel Veale cruised to 10th overall and 2nd overall female in 21:45 closely followed by Lindsay Hensley (11th and 3rd OA female) in 21:46. Erstwhile ultra runner Jay Curwen warmed up with a 21st place finish in 23:52 and Lincoln Crosse placed 3rd in the 60-69 age group in 25:34. Kurt Wilson and Cristyn Wilson both made the top 50 placing 49th and 50th in 26:11 and 26:12, respectively.