Asheville Blue Ridge Runner: Foot Rx Blackjack 5k, Fletcher Park

Deck of cards played at the Mirage Casino, Las Vegas

A little bit of Vegas here at home. Similar to the "Poker Run" we've participated in when we lived in Las Vegas, The Foot Rx Blackjack 5k is a race where you do not have to be the fastest runner to win, you just need the best hand...

So here's how it works. The entry fee is $10. However many entries they have, determines the jackpot. You are given one card at registration than another card half way through the run. The object is to hit 21, so you can request one more card at the finish if you need another to try to have a total of 21. Number cards are worth their face value, Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10, Aces can be used as 1 or 11. The winner takes the jackpot in the form of a Foot Rx Gift Certificate. If there are multiple winners, the jackpot is split. So you see, you can run or walk at any pace you choose and still have a chance to come home a winner!

Fletcher Park is a fantastic place to run, and is one of the few places around here that is completely flat. The course was a combination of grass, dirt, and mulch trails and has a short section where you could run on the road if you wanted to get off the trail for a little bit. The course was very well marked with red flags, so there was never any guess work as to where we needed to go. Aaron and his crew have a great way of making runners, of all abilities, feel welcome to their events. This was a fun event that we thorougly enjoyed. Even the pre-race course instructions were fun, which concluded with the following, ".....and if you run off course, have a good run, and come back when you think you should be finished!"

After the run we stopped at Dave Workman's "Fletcher Village Bakery" where we treated ourselves to a delicious bagel sandwich. While waiting for our order we bumped into a couple of other ultra runners, Thad Johnson and Kellie who were also stopping by for a tasty bakery treat. We had nice conversations and a delicious meal.

The next Foot Rx Blackjack 5k will be held on Feb. 2nd. Race day registration (only) 8 AM. Race starts at 9 AM. We had such a fun time, we are already planning to show up for the next one and hope to see you there as well! One note of caution, make sure anyone you talk to is up to speed on their blackjack terminology before you say "hit me".

Race results can be found here

Oh, by the way, neither of us got 21...