The UJIMA 5K: Run for Goombay is a running race on September 12, 2026 in Asheville, NC, with an entry fee of $25.
From the Organizer
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 7:00 a.m.
Start & Finish: Corner of Eagle & Market Streets, Asheville, NC
Join us for the inaugural Ujima 5K – Run for Goombay, a community race celebrating health, wellness, and the rich history of Asheville's Historic East End. As part of the YMI Cultural Center's Ujima Health & Wellness Initiative and the annual Goombay Festival, this 5K invites runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to come together in the spirit of Ujima—the Kwanzaa principle of Collective Work and Responsibility.
The scenic course begins and ends at the corner of Eagle and Market Streets, taking participants through the heart of the East End, one of Asheville's most historic African American communities. Whether you're chasing a personal best, walking with friends and family, or simply supporting a great cause, every step helps promote healthier communities while celebrating culture and heritage.
Can't make it to Asheville? Join us as a Virtual Runner! Complete your 5K from anywhere in the world during race weekend—your neighborhood, local park, treadmill, or favorite trail—and celebrate Goombay from your own hometown.
Registration is just $25, making this an affordable opportunity to support the YMI Cultural Center's health and wellness programming while becoming part of one of Asheville's signature cultural celebrations.
Come run. Come walk. Come celebrate.
Race Details
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: Eagle & Market Streets, Asheville, NC
Registration: $25 (In-Person or Virtual)
Hosted by: YMI Cultural Center as part of the 2026 Goombay Festival
Together, let's build healthier communities—one step at a time.
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
80°
Typical Low
59°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Asheville.
Host City
Population
94,369
as of 2023
City 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 The UJIMA 5K: Run for Goombay, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
15
Days to train
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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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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The UJIMA 5K: Run for Goombay
Sep 12, 2026