How Did We Get Started in Race Directing?
Or, more appropriately, get started in race directing by finding a need and filling it!
Welcome to the very first entry of the Kick It Event Management Blog! We know we’re a bit late to the blogging scene, but we’re thrilled to start this journey of sharing the ins and outs of event management with you. Through this blog, you’ll hear from various members of our team, giving you a chance to get to know us better.
In this inaugural post, you’ll hear from me, Leslie, the owner and main point person for all things Kick It Events. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2024, I wanted to share the story behind our journey, which actually began long before we officially launched in 2014. Our race directing history dates back to 2006.
Tim and I moved to Asheville from the New York City area in 2005. As active runners and members of the New York Road Runner Club, we naturally sought out the running community here. Tim quickly joined the (now defunct) Asheville Track Club. At his first meeting, he discovered that the Thomas Wolfe 8k, the oldest race in the city, was struggling and almost didn’t happen the previous year. Without hesitation, he volunteered to be the race director for 2006.
My background as the Director of Production Coordination at an indie record label and Tim’s experience heading a tech start up provided us with the skills needed to manage such an event. Coordinating a race felt similar to coordinating the production of a platinum album for me—same skills, different industry. Even with the addition of our twin babies in May, we both had our five-month-olds strapped to us in Baby Björns at our very first race direction, we were able to produce our very first event.
After successfully directing the Thomas Wolfe 8k in 2006 and 2007, we created the Isaac Dickson Elementary School Hot Chocolate 10k (now the Asheville Hot Chocolate Races) in January 2008. We take immense pride in being part of two of Asheville’s longest-running races. In 2019, we took over ownership of the Thomas Wolfe 8k as the Asheville Track Club disbanded.
We’re passionate about what we do because it allows us to foster a sense of community, promote healthy living, and create memorable experiences. We hope to share more about our journey, insights, and the amazing people we meet along the way.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Stay tuned for more stories and updates from the Kick It Events team!
