Hunter Subaru Apple Festival Races Celebrate 50 Years with Record-Breaking Participation
The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, together with presenting sponsor Hunter Subaru and community partners, is proud to announce a record-breaking year for the 2026 Apple Festival Races, with 745 registered participants lacing up for the event.
“Reaching our 50th year is an incredible milestone,” said Bob Williford, President of the Henderson County Chamber. “Seeing a new record of participants join us this year was a fitting way to celebrate five decades of community spirit and tradition.”
This year’s races brought together runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with participants choosing from the 8K, 5K, and the Chick-fil-A Mini Moo Mile. Each 8K and 5K finisher received a commemorative medal, while Mini Moo Mile participants celebrated with a sweet “cookie medal” on the crisp race morning.
Alongside Hunter Subaru and Chick-fil-A, the Chamber is grateful for the support of sponsors Cummins, Lassonde Pappas, Mountain Credit Union, Asheville Regional Airport, GFL Environmental, Kudzu Project Podcast, Lucey Agency, Optimum, Park National Bank, Foot Rx (with Altra Running), proactIV Hydration & Wellness, Pepsi, Lamar Advertising, Greenlight Ink Screen-printing, Billingsley Concepts, First Bank, Stepp’s and the YMCA.
The Chamber also extends its appreciation to Kick It Events, whose race timing services helped ensure a smooth and successful experience for participants from start to finish. Also big thanks to the dozens of volunteers, civic organizations, public safety personnel, and community partners whose support helped make the 50th anniversary event possible.
Returning for 2026 was the popular Health & Wellness Race Hub, where local businesses shared resources to encourage participants to think about health more than just miles logged. Vendors included Anchor & Age OT, Blue Ridge Sports & Medical Massage, Chick-fil-A, , Hunter Subaru, Let It Be Flower Truck, Optimum, proactIV Hydration & Wellness, Stepp’s Orchards, Storm Physical Therapy, and the Hendersonville Family YMCA.
Foot Rx, in partnership with Altra Running, awarded six certificates for complimentary pairs of Altra Running shoes to the male and female Masters winners in both races as well as the Middle of the Pack participants.
Top finishers were recognized for their outstanding performances:
8K Overall Male Winners: 1st – Corbin Green (Pennsylvania); 2nd – Mitchell Norris (Asheville, NC); 3rd – Mitch Mull (Swannanoa, NC)
8K Overall Female Winners: 1st – Amron Rice (Hendersonville, NC); 2nd – Ashley Petty (Mills River, NC); 3rd – Sara Walker (Hendersonville, NC)
8K Masters: Female – Michelle Reinhardt (Taylors, SC); Male – Ray Gill (Brevard, NC)
5K Overall Male Winners: 1st – Joel Barnett (Greenville, SC); 2nd – Miguel Geronimo (Hendersonville, NC); 3rd – Joseph Barnett (Greenville, SC)
5K Overall Female Winners: 1st – Zoe Capps (Hendersonville, NC); 2nd – Jo Melnyk (Asheville, NC); 3rd – Julie Tracy (Hendersonville, NC)
5K Masters: Female – Judith Spivey (Greenville, SC); Male – Jordan Berkebile
The success of this year's event reflects the impact of a race that has become part of Henderson County's story. For 50 years, the Apple Festival Races have brought together community members, visitors, businesses, volunteers, and athletes in celebration of health, wellness, and local tradition. With record participation in this milestone year, organizers are grateful to everyone who helped make the golden anniversary celebration one to remember.
*Photography provided by Larry Driver, Camera Club of Hendersonville