10K races near Swannanoa

The Papertown Trail Races begin at 9:00 AM at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton, North Carolina. Participants can choose between 10K and 14K trail routes. Every mile is on unpaved trail, ensuring a true dirt-underfoot race. The course begins at 2,369 feet and ascends to a high point of 3,017 feet, presenting a distinct mountain-park challenge on maintained paths. This is the race's second year, organized by Glory Hound Events, which is returning to Canton for another trail event. With no prize money and modest entry fees, the day is structured as a community trail event for regular runners.

The Asheville Hot Chocolate Races begin and end at Isaac Dickson Elementary School in Asheville, North Carolina, with all races starting in the morning. The event offers adults and older children a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, while younger children can participate in the Kids 1K Hill Climb or the 100-yard Marshmallow Dash. This event benefits the Isaac Dickson Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and has been a fixture in Western North Carolina’s winter running calendar since 2008. The course starts downhill, follows the French Broad River greenway through Asheville’s River Arts District for much of its length, and leads runners uphill to the finish. The series began with a 10K and a kids hill climb, later expanding into a more comprehensive family event with shorter children's races and longer adult distances. Participants completing the 5K, 10K, and half marathon receive shirts, custom bibs, and medals; children receive shirts, bibs, and ribbons. All participants receive hot chocolate from French Broad Chocolates, and the top adult finishers are awarded handmade commemorative mugs.

The 6th annual Vance County race inspires fitness journeys. The Keep Pressing Award offers $1500.00 to the team with the most participants, supporting local families experiencing house fires and grief counseling. Make a difference with AIMHigh-Keep Pressing.