Overall I thought the organization was good. There were not enough porta-potties at the start. I was there an hour before the start time, and still had to choose between … MORE
Overall I thought the organization was good.
There were not enough porta-potties at the start. I was there an hour before the start time, and still had to choose between peeing and warming up (I chose peeing).
Course starts downtown and first 2 miles are downhill to the river. Remaining 11 miles are flat along the river, so you bank some time early and hang on for a PR, like I did.
On this day it was insanely windy. Most benefits of the downhill were probably negated by the wind. But I run along this course a lot, and that amount of wind was far from normal. Just springtime randomness in the weather. It was also very cold, which could go either way in March.
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Good PR option in WNC
Overall I thought the organization was good. There were not enough porta-potties at the start. I was there an hour before the start time, and still had to choose between … MORE
Overall I thought the organization was good.
There were not enough porta-potties at the start. I was there an hour before the start time, and still had to choose between peeing and warming up (I chose peeing).
Course starts downtown and first 2 miles are downhill to the river. Remaining 11 miles are flat along the river, so you bank some time early and hang on for a PR, like I did.
On this day it was insanely windy. Most benefits of the downhill were probably negated by the wind. But I run along this course a lot, and that amount of wind was far from normal. Just springtime randomness in the weather. It was also very cold, which could go either way in March.
Flat but disappointing- could be great
Pros: Expo was small but easy to get in and get my bib. I needed throw away gloves and a race belt and they had both so I was happy. … MORE
Pros:
Expo was small but easy to get in and get my bib. I needed throw away gloves and a race belt and they had both so I was happy.
The volunteers and police were wonderful. Everyone was supportive and pleasant. Music was promised and I did not expect it with the cold but there was a DJ earlier on and one live pair of musicians who were
Aid stations were lively, fun and had a good selection.
The buses were extremely easy to get to the start and back to the hotel. No wait at all.
The course was pretty much flat as advertised.
I thought the post race area was fun and had plenty of places to sit.
Cons:
Out of anyone’s control- the weather was unseasonably cold. The headwind on one side of the river was gnarly- knowing we had to run it again later was very difficult mentally.
The trails. The trails that everyone ran (packed dirt) were okay. Still difficult as there were tree routs and holes which is hard at 22+ miles. But they were still reasonable.
The trails that only the marathoners ran were upsetting to many. 2-2.5 miles and more technical than I have seen in any road race. I saw one ugly fall and heard of another. I did not fall but my ankle was sore after the race from ‘nearly’ falling a few times.
The marathon runners ran the out and back on the trail (miles 9-11ish) and then entered the bike trail at the same spot but behind most the half marathon runners. There was not enough room to pass without a great deal of weaving.
Bathrooms. There are not enough port-a-potties for the number of runners- especially at the beginning. The lines were huge and there was not enough time to wait before the race start.
Cool city and I think I would run the half but not the marathon again unless changes are made.
Scenery was decent along the River.
Scenery along the River was decent but most of race was on a bike trail making passing skier runners hard to do, especially on back half as you share with … MORE
Scenery along the River was decent but most of race was on a bike trail making passing skier runners hard to do, especially on back half as you share with turnaround runners. Not much inside city limits. Not my favorite race but I did PR
Scenic Marathon
This was a very pretty course along the French Broad River Greenway. I really enjoyed the course. It was point to point, but had two loops on the greenway. I … MORE
This was a very pretty course along the French Broad River Greenway. I really enjoyed the course. It was point to point, but had two loops on the greenway. I really liked the greenway portion. There was lots of course support and it also allowed me to see my family several times. The one negative would be that for the Full Marathon course we had an added 2 mile section that went beyond the half course on the first loop. That section was trail with a lot of roots and rocks and it was almost single track at some points. Thankfully it was not very long, and not muddy, but this was my least favorite section. The race medal is absolutely gorgeous and the volunteers were wonderful. Overall, I would recommend this race.
disappointing for such a cool city
Asheville is such a unique city - I was really disappointed in this race. The organization was great with plenty of pre-race emails and easy packet pickup. I stayed at … MORE
Asheville is such a unique city – I was really disappointed in this race. The organization was great with plenty of pre-race emails and easy packet pickup. I stayed at the host hotel which was nice, convenient and reasonably priced. The expo was very sad – nothing much to look at or purchase. We were shuttled from the host hotel to the starting point. It was unseasonably cold and there was no place to get out of the weather and it was still pitch dark before the race. The race started (without the National Anthem) and immediately went downhill. The majority of the race is doubling around this scruffy park along the river. The finish was at an old industrial parking lot. It was such a sad and dirty location for a finish. Asheville is such a quaint city – I was sad not to see more of it. And for the record – the course was nowhere near the Biltmore mansion. I could find no after snacks or party but maybe that’s because I finished so late. There was also little to no parking for spectators. Although the course was disappointing – the medal and shirt were great! I would not do this race again.
OK race, repetitive on the second half
The race was a blast for the first 14 miles, but then the second half is a different story. You basically need to do the whole run again which is … MORE
The race was a blast for the first 14 miles, but then the second half is a different story. You basically need to do the whole run again which is very exhausting and repetitive. Wish there was more downtown Asheville vs doing repeats through a trailer park.
Watch out for mile 8-10, VERY tough as its through the woods and multiple runners were twisting their ankles.
The afterparty was fun in the arts district
Wanted to like this race…
I was so excited for this race but it was not the best, unfortunately. Pros: Packet pickup was smooth Nice swag- buff, tech tee and medal Friendly folks Free shuttle … MORE
I was so excited for this race but it was not the best, unfortunately.
Pros:
Packet pickup was smooth
Nice swag- buff, tech tee and medal
Friendly folks
Free shuttle to start and finish line from the hotel
Cons:
Poor communication- no week of emails from the organizers
Not enough portapotties. The line was insane and led to me starting late
The course was… odd. Lots of doubling back, no mile markers until mile five. Course was extremely narrow so when I got stuck behind the slower paced folks (because of the aforementioned portapotties) so I couldn’t get around them FOR MILES. Then I couldn’t make up time.
All in all it was meh. Don’t recommend unless you’re local. Wish I’d done a different race for NC.
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!