Held in downtown Asheville this year. We signed up for the Biltmore location, but kept our registration. We flew in from Houston. The Good: 1) Started on time 2) PPU … MORE
Held in downtown Asheville this year. We signed up for the Biltmore location, but kept our registration. We flew in from Houston.
The Good: 1) Started on time 2) PPU well organized 3) Shuttles operated efficiently 4) Power gels widely available on course
The Bad: 1)Out of water at the 5-6 mile stop–major no no for any event–they resorted to serving cola 2) Limited traffic control for 1st 2 miles out of downtown–were running against moving cars 1/2 a mile into the race 3) 10 porta potties at start for 1,500 people 3) Brooks shirts were fitted–should have been noted at time of registration–did not have my size at finish line at end of race 4) Post race food consisted of water, granola, bars, and 1 beer (the line of which was 10 minutes long all afternoon). Unless held at the Biltmore I can’t imagine this run as a destination event again. 5) 72 degrees when we finished….but no one has control of that variable.
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A view from the back of the pack
Held in downtown Asheville this year. We signed up for the Biltmore location, but kept our registration. We flew in from Houston. The Good: 1) Started on time 2) PPU … MORE
Held in downtown Asheville this year. We signed up for the Biltmore location, but kept our registration. We flew in from Houston.
The Good: 1) Started on time 2) PPU well organized 3) Shuttles operated efficiently 4) Power gels widely available on course
The Bad: 1)Out of water at the 5-6 mile stop–major no no for any event–they resorted to serving cola 2) Limited traffic control for 1st 2 miles out of downtown–were running against moving cars 1/2 a mile into the race 3) 10 porta potties at start for 1,500 people 3) Brooks shirts were fitted–should have been noted at time of registration–did not have my size at finish line at end of race 4) Post race food consisted of water, granola, bars, and 1 beer (the line of which was 10 minutes long all afternoon). Unless held at the Biltmore I can’t imagine this run as a destination event again. 5) 72 degrees when we finished….but no one has control of that variable.
Beautiful, but Hilly Biltmore Estates
I liked this race, but the rest of my group (12 people) didn't. Part of it was on gravel and it was hilly. The weather was chilly too, but I … MORE
I liked this race, but the rest of my group (12 people) didn’t. Part of it was on gravel and it was hilly. The weather was chilly too, but I still enjoyed running through the Biltmore grounds and up to the estate. The t-shirt was a nice short sleeve technical shirt.
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 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.
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!