JCC Falafel 5K and Splash+Dash 2026

About the Event

The JCC Falafel 5K and Splash+Dash 2026 is a vibrant community fundraiser benefiting the Asheville Jewish Community Center (JCC). Scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, the event is hosted at the JCC campus on Clyde Street in Asheville, North Carolina. This multisport gathering combines traditional road racing with aquatics, offering participants a unique "Splash+Dash" format alongside a standard 5K and a dedicated youth run. Proceeds from the event are directed toward the JCC’s various social programs and lifelong learning initiatives.

Race Category	Distance / Format	Start Time	Status
Splash+Dash (Long)	800yd Swim + 5K Run	07:00 AM EDT	Now Registering
Splash+Dash (Short)	200yd Swim + 5K Run	07:00 AM EDT	Now Registering
Kids 1k Run	1 km (Ages 3-9)	08:00 AM EDT	Now Registering
Falafel 5K	5 km Run/Walk	08:30 AM EDT	Now Registering

Race Logistics and Participant Perks

The "Splash+Dash" transitions are uniquely structured to be untimed, allowing swimmers a moment to change clothes before heading to the pavilion for the 5K "Dash." The 5K course features a single aid station located just after the first mile mark. Beyond the competition, every participant receives a complimentary falafel sandwich from Smokee’s Pizza and an invitation to a private pool party at the AJCC Aquatics Center immediately following the race. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual 5K option is available, allowing runners to log their times remotely. Awards are presented to the top three overall men and women, along with specialized categories for stroller runners and dog/human teams.

Regional and Demographic Context

Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina and the county seat of Buncombe County. According to 2023 U.S. Census estimates, Asheville has a population of approximately 93,700 residents. The city’s demographic landscape is roughly 78.5% White, 10.8% Black or African American, and 6.7% Hispanic or Latino. Asheville also hosts a small but growing Asian community (1.9%) and an Indigenous population (0.4%). The city is well-known for its vibrant Jewish community, which has been an integral part of the regional culture for over a century, with the Asheville JCC serving as a central hub for social and educational gatherings.

Culture and Community Atmosphere

The Falafel 5K is a signature event in Asheville’s spring calendar, reflecting the city’s reputation for quirkiness, food culture, and outdoor activity. The presence of the Runaway Café on-site at 6:45 AM highlights the local emphasis on artisanal coffee and bakery culture. The event successfully blends the competitive nature of a timed race with the festive atmosphere of a community picnic, anchored by the iconic pool party and post-race awards. By integrating athletic challenges with cultural elements like the falafel lunch, the Asheville JCC fosters an inclusive environment where fitness and heritage intersect under the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Races Offered

5K Run Entry

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Multisports, Running

timer

10:00

sell

$33.20

Kids 1k run

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1km

terrain

Type — Multisports, Running

timer

10:00

sell

$11.90

Splash+Dash Long Course Swim

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Multisports, Running

timer

10:00

sell

$49.18

Splash+Dash Short Course Swim

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Multisports, Running

timer

10:00

sell

$49.18

Virtual 5k Entry

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Multisports, Running

timer

10:00

sell

$33.20

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Asheville.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 7.2° / 20.0°

wb_sunny 4.7° / 17.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 10.5 /

water_drop 70.5%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 7.2° / 20.0°

wb_sunny 4.7° / 17.3°

air 10.5 km/h

water_drop 70.5%

About Asheville

Learn more about the host city, Asheville.

The city of Asheville is a liberal, artsy community nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains in Western North Carolina. A popular tourist destination, this "Paris of the South," has one of the most impressive, comprehensive collections of Art Deco architecture in the United States. In 2011 Asheville was picked as one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in America” by Good Morning America.