Bethel Half Marathon & 5K

Per race website: “We are no longer putting on this event. Many, many thanks to all of our runners, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters of our many years. Many people were taken care of in our community because YOU took the time to be a part of our race. Happy running and we wish you well! You are appreciated.”
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The Bethel Half Marathon and 5K Run & Walk run through the lovely Bethel Community south of Canton, NC, about a half hour outside of Asheville, NC. The race is held on the second Saturday in October. The fall colors on the trees, the rolling farmlands, the Pigeon River, and the cool weather make this a particularly inviting race event.

The Bethel Half & 5K is hosted by and in support of the Bethel Rural Community Organization (BRCO). Among other wonderful programs, the BRCO supports a community food pantry, benevolence work (such as assistance with heating bills during cold winters), and rural, historic preservation work, and a college scholarship to a deserving Haywood County student.

The Bethel Half Marathon is the oldest half marathon in North Carolina and the third oldest half marathon in the Southeast. The Half Marathon is a USATF Certified Course [ID: NC12099PH]. Both courses are well marked with traffic control at key intersections. Aid Stations are located every 2-2.5 miles with Water/Gatorade only.