Jan 6, 2021: This morning, while in the final stages of preparing for registration to open tonight at midnight, we received word that the Asheville Marathon and Half will not receive the necessary final approvals to take place at the Biltmore Estate on March 20th, 2021. This morning’s news came as a complete shock, and we genuinely empathize with the disappointment of everyone who has already dedicated hard work and planning in preparation for the half this year. Believe us; we feel that exact pain ourselves. Since receiving the news, we have opened conversations with the City of Asheville to determine a possible new location for the event on the same date.
Due to safety guidelines, we have decided to make this event a half marathon ONLY. The Marathon and Challenge events will not take place in the 2021 March event.
Please stay tuned for more progress, announcements, and excitement in the weeks to come.
***
The Asheville Marathon & Half is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
To enhance our runners experience in America’s Largest Backyard, the full and half marathon are boutique style races and have a limited number of 1,525 participants on each day.
While other marathons and halves present you with monotonous scenes of asphalt, steel, and glass, the marathon course around Biltmore provide depth and diversification: from the marvels of gardening and architecture that is the Estate itself, to lesser tamed, more challenging stretches that lie at the end of the race, along the rustic banks of the French Broad River. Enjoy this boutique race with all its historic surroundings, and fantastic amenities, including Shuttle Transportation, Race Expo, VIP Packages, and Partner Hotels for a unique race experience.
Half Marathon runners experience the first 10 miles running along the same course with the full marathoners; enjoying all the European Gardens, the exquisite views of the Biltmore House, the manicured grounds and everything that is the civilized side of the Estate.
With the European-style formal gardens left in your wake, Full Marathon participants will move into a much different passageway, encompassed by untamed foliage and less civilized terrain. The wild side of Biltmore: Where few eyes have seen… where few feet have trod… a different kind of Biltmore experience awaits.
LESS
Amazing Course
Bring layers... was cold waiting for 2 hours for the race to start, with no real waiting area... we all hung out in the foyer to the wine place and … MORE
Bring layers… was cold waiting for 2 hours for the race to start, with no real waiting area… we all hung out in the foyer to the wine place and the coffee place, that were not open. After the start there are more hills than expected and both paved and gravel roads.
Nice course
The course was nice- fairly flat except the start. As a slower runner, felt a little rushed to make the cut offs even though I have always completed a half … MORE
The course was nice- fairly flat except the start. As a slower runner, felt a little rushed to make the cut offs even though I have always completed a half within the time limit…just spoiled the atmosphere and enjoying the scenery.
Unique, Picturesque, a tad Challenging
This course features some fantastic scenery with rolling hills, stone bridges over streams, sculpted woodlands, and the fabulous Biltmore House and Gardens. The first 8 miles are some of the … MORE
This course features some fantastic scenery with rolling hills, stone bridges over streams, sculpted woodlands, and the fabulous Biltmore House and Gardens. The first 8 miles are some of the best views I’ve seen in a Half Marathon and more than worth the experience. There are 2 inclines that will cause you to work for your award. In the last 5 miles there are some stretches of out and back on dirt paths with stones that can be a little narrow with two-way runner traffic. The race support is great with ample water stops that include a variety of snacks (oranges, bananas, gels, Gatorade, water, and more) with helpful volunteers. The medal is a cross-section of a wooden branch with external bark and the race insignia. It was accompanied by a Pilsner glass. Overall, the location is well worth the time although I could have done without the out and back stretches. I would have personally preferred some additional paved stretches, although I’m sure that logicsics with day guests can be a challenge. More importantly, I would run this race again.
Two DIstinct Halves - Historic Location
The marathon has some great scenery, a fantastic run past the front of Biltmore House, and great race support. The first half is through the extremely picturesque grounds of Biltmore … MORE
The marathon has some great scenery, a fantastic run past the front of Biltmore House, and great race support. The first half is through the extremely picturesque grounds of Biltmore Estate with rolling hills and wonderfully wooded areas. The loop in front of the house is unique among all races and quite memorable. There are two steepish inclines in the first half, but there are also some rewarding downhills. The second half is on the west side of the estate which is generally inaccessible to visitors without embarking on certain paid tours. This second half of the marathon is primarily dirt and stone roads which combined with some hills makes it challenging. The scenery is more farmland, but still picturesque. A few spots are out and back stretches, so the paths are narrow with runner traffic going in both directions. If you don’t like stones on dirt roads, then you might consider going with the Half with is primarily paved.
Amazing marathon and beautiful scenery
Even though there was a snow storm the night before the race everything was handled beautifully and it has become one of my favorite races. It is hilly, but nothing … MORE
Even though there was a snow storm the night before the race everything was handled beautifully and it has become one of my favorite races. It is hilly, but nothing living in Cincinnati hadn’t prepared me for. My only gripe is the pacers. I wanted to run with the 4:30 group and they ran around a 4:20 ?
Amazing view, great scenery
The medal was amazingly beautiful, a crafted piece of wood, definitely a unique medal. The only problem is that spectators had to pay to enter Biltmore to watch their family … MORE
The medal was amazingly beautiful, a crafted piece of wood, definitely a unique medal. The only problem is that spectators had to pay to enter Biltmore to watch their family members run. I heard a few husbands stating that they were not willing to pay >$20 per person just to enter Biltmore, which is understandable, to watch their wives run.
Great race!
Well-organized with sufficient restrooms. Beautiful grounds at a gorgeous location, there were some hills but bearable. Plenty of food at the end. Great swag items. Totally recommended! MORE
Well-organized with sufficient restrooms. Beautiful grounds at a gorgeous location, there were some hills but bearable. Plenty of food at the end. Great swag items. Totally recommended!