Asheville’s Only Marathon | Run Downtown AVL to RAD
July 2022 - The nationally recognized Asheville Marathon & Half returns to the RAD Saturday, March 18, 2023! The 11th Annual races are point-to-point, beginning in the heart of Downtown Asheville, NC in Pack Square and finishing in the historic River Arts District at the Wedge at Foundation.
The Asheville Marathon and Half events are 'boutique style' events with limited entries available, and are run on USATF certified and sanctioned courses. The marathon distance remains a Boston Qualifier, allowing runners that qualify to attend and participate in the world-renowned Boston Marathon. Asheville is not only a beautiful destination to visit, but has also become a place to enjoy the outdoors and have a ‘runcation.’ What better way to see the city than exploring it during a race?
About the Course
Both races run through the best parts of the City of Asheville with race pacers leading the way. These fast, net elevation loss courses are a dream come true for runners in search of a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The majority of the miles are downhill on city streets from downtown, to ‘flat’, running through the River Arts District, along the French Broad River on the greenway and through three beautiful, shady, city parks.
“I loved the course! I have never run through downtown Asheville before! The River Arts District is so cool, the greenway run along the River was spectacular! The weather was perfect! The spectators along the course gave such boosts of energy to all the runners along the way! Music along the course was such a fun surprise and the after race party can not be beat!! This was such a fun race and I would do this course again and again!!”, says Deanne Smith Avery, 2022 participant.
Endurance runners will have an opportunity to ‘break in’ the brand new section of the newly completed greenway section of the French Broad River Greenway on Riverside Drive and Lyman Street. Runners are on mostly paved surfaces throughout the entire event with a few dirt sections within the French Broad River Park. The Conditional Approval Permit for the 2023 Asheville Marathon and Half event has been approved by the City of Asheville.
Race Recognition and Awards
In 2019, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore Estate was Recognized as the Best Half Marathon in North Carolina by RaceRaves! In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun. We were also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner's World Magazine.
In 2017, the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. In addition, the Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to also be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.
Charity Partners
As part of our ongoing effort to give back to our local community, each year we select a local charity partner to benefit from the race. If your nonprofit is interested in learning more about event partnerships, please contact events@idaph.net.
Exciting Race Highlights
Runners begin their race weekend Friday, March 17th at the free and open to the public - Health and Wellness Expo at the Doubletree Hotel in Biltmore Village, the official race hotel. Biltmore Farms hotels (Doubletree Hotel and Hampton Inn) roll out the red carpet for the race participants in every way by offering late checkout for runners, breakfast snacks to take on the go on race morning, free shuttle trip to and from the race, and of course Doubletree’s warm chocolate-chip cookies.
Participants will pick up their race number, goody bag and complimentary race swag items at the expo, including technical, dri-fit men’s and women’s Brooks running shirts, exclusive buffs and goody bags. Local and regional expo vendors will attend and offer freebies and speciality items to purchase.
Along the scenic greenway course runners will enjoy entertainment along the way to keep them revved up (think live music, buskers, cheer zones and festive water stations).
At the finish line runners will enjoy a post-race party including live music, a free beer (21 and up) at the Wedge at Foundation, complimentary water and snacks, yummy food at 12 Bones Barbecue, food trucks and coffee and drinks from Summit Coffee. Finishers will also receive their beautiful commemorative finisher medal. Prizes and awards are locally-made and crafted from pottery and glass. Local small businesses, artists, crafters and restaurants involved in the race help make the event items special and memorable for runners near and far.
This race is part of the Appalachian Trilogy!
Complete three out of the four iDaph Events half marathons in 2023 and get a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind Appalachian Trilogy medal. The four events include the Asheville Marathon and Half, March 18, 2023, the Jump Off Rock Half Marathon, May 13, 2023, the RAD Half Marathon, June 11, 2023 and the Black Bear Half Marathon, October 8, 2023.
Connect with the Race
We encourage everyone in the community to help commemorate this annual running experience, by coming out to cheer on the runners, volunteer and/or participate in the races on Saturday, March 18th, 2023. Does your business want to be involved with the race? Contact us at events@idaph.net.
More info about the event can be found here: Asheville Marathon website, call - 828-684-0812 ext. 0, or email support@idaph.net.