
From the Organizer
The Let Your Light Shine 5K is a fundraising walk or run and for the first time will be held on a Saturday morning. It will be timed by Finish Well Timing. This will be Western Carolina Rescue Ministries' 8th annual 5k race to raise funds and spread awareness of the ministry’s community impact. This event will take place on Saturday August 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Asheville’s Carrier Park, and all proceeds from this event will directly benefit WCRM.
As we embark on another year of service and outreach, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. This year, we want to include you in playing an even greater role in our ministry. We will be pursuing funding for the need of life transformation across all our programs.
This event is one of the Ministry’s most significant opportunities to raise funds in support of our community and these funds will be directly used to break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in our region. For the past 46 years, WCRM has been serving the homeless community of Asheville providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to people in crisis. We care for our clients with dignity, providing help, hope, and opportunity for our ministry participants to reengage in society. Whether it’s a hot meal, a warm shelter, or recovery from addiction, our compassion shines on everyone we meet.
Packet Pick Up under the Pavilion starts at 7:30 am
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
85°
Typical Low
65°
Chance of Rain
41%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Asheville, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
94,369
as of 2023
Elevation
2,217 ft
Nearest Airport
AVL
Asheville Regional Airport · 11 mi
Major Hub
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 83 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Let Your Light Shine 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Biltmore Forest 5k/10k
Less than a mile away
Asheville Craft Beer Half Marathon & 10K/5K
Less than a mile away
Blue Ridge Relay
Less than a mile away
Mental Health Matters 5k Walk/Run for Awareness
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let Your Light Shine 5K
Aug 8, 2026