Asheville Marathon

In the Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon, held on the grounds at Biltmore Estate, runners will explore 26.2 or 13.1 miles through America’s largest backyard in the 6th Annual event. Asheville Marathoners and Halfers will wind through hardwood forest, crayon-hued meadows, spring bloom-crackling gardens, and freshly cut views of the estate in March 2018. The first HALF Marathon is on Saturday and on Sunday we have a Marathon and another Half Marathon - or challenge yourself and do BOTH DAYS in our all-new BACKYARD TO BACKYARD CHALLENGE (Both Halfs - Saturday and Sunday) or the 3rd Annual Backyard to Vineyard Challenge (both Saturday Half and Sunday Full Marathon)! This is the original Asheville Marathon and only race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

In 2017 the Asheville Marathon was named Top 25 Must-Do American Marathons by Competitor Magazine. The Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore was honored to be selected in the “Best Of” category in the 100 Half Marathons Club.

The Course

Asheville Marathoners will experience a couple of tall hills before mile eight and the remaining journey is a mixture of valley and rolling terrain. Beginning on-road near Antler Hill Village area, runners will climb to the Deerpark Restaurant, sail up and along the main road to the Biltmore House, and loop by, within feet from the massive main entrance doors of the House, to enter the Walled Garden. Runners will then edge along the Azalea Garden and lagoon paralleling the French Broad River, transition onto packed dirt carriage trails, and explore west quarter vistas of the Biltmore House normally off-limits to the public. The final stretch of the Asheville Marathon runs directly through working vineyards to finish back on east side.

Asheville Half Marathoners begin at Antler Hill Village and its many shops and attractions, the first loop will waft exquisite aromas from the kitchens of Deerpark Restaurant into the nostrils of competitors: surely a breath of fresh air to lungs that will no doubt be burning in the miles to come. Next, the course will lead to the site of the world-renowned Biltmore House itself, almost close enough to reach out and touch the doors to the main entrance. Immediately thereafter, the journey will proceed into the Walled Garden. As the House’s splendid architecture gives way to horticultural marvels, the meandering route winds along the Azalea Garden and lagoon.

With the broad-shouldered French Broad coursing within its nearby banks, there will occur a transition to dirt carriage roads. Here full marathon entrants will head towards the “wild west side” of the estate via a newly built bridge while half marathoners, turn around and finish their final three miles on their way up to the finish area at Antler Village.

Running for a Cause

Those participating in the Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon are not only competing for awards, scratching off bucket list items, or having the best day of their lives, but are also supporting local charity partners.

Limited Registration

The Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon is a boutique style event and is limited to only 1,525 runners per day. Register immediately to reserve a spot. The race has sold out early every year. Registration is open at ashevillemarathon.com. Watch for event updates - www.ashevillemarathon.com.

Sponsorship

For information on sponsoring the Asheville Marathon, contact sponsorships@idaph.net.

The Location

Biltmore is America’s largest and most esteemed private residence. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau, perched over 8,000-acres of meticulously-tended gardens, is host to a million visitors a year. To learn more about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.