New Belgium Asheville Marathon and Half
Event Overview & Invitation
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Event: New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half
Location: Downtown Asheville, starting at Pack Square Park (College Street) and concluding at New Belgium Brewing
Celebrate Asheville’s vibrant spirit with this scenic running experience through art-filled streets, historic neighborhoods, riverside paths, and greenways. Perfect for destination runners looking to begin their year with purpose and local beauty. Registration is now open.
Race Options & Certification
Choose between a Marathon (26.2 miles) or Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Both are USATF-certified courses, and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier, attracting serious runners and first-timers alike.
Course Highlights & Support
The route takes runners through tree-lined historic neighborhoods like North Asheville, Montford, and Montford’s Victorian lanes—continuing downtown and into the scenic River Arts District. Along the French Broad River, participants enjoy greenway miles and city energy.
Course support includes AVL Spring Water stations offering water, electrolytes, snacks, gels, and even pickle juice, along with medical tents and portable restrooms.
Time Limits & Accessibility
The marathon features a 6.5-hour time limit, requiring an average pace under 15:00 minutes per mile—to welcome walkers and first-timers. Note: strollers, wheelchairs, and pets are not allowed due to course logistics.
Pre-Race Expo & Logistics
Packet Pickup & Race Expo:
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Friday before the race (full-day: 11 AM–7 PM) at DoubleTree by Hilton in Biltmore Village—an opportunity to grab race bibs, shop vendor booths, and get energized.
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Race morning (emergency packets only): Gordon Garden area, to be used sparingly.
Shuttle Service: Complimentary for participants between hotels and the starting line. Spectators can use shuttle service for a fee.
Parking: Public garages are accessible near Pack Square; finish-line parking at New Belgium Brewing is limited—taking shuttles is recommended.
Post-Race Party & Community Spirit
Celebrate your finish with an epic post-race party at New Belgium Brewing featuring cold beer, live music, food trucks, and good vibes. It’s a festive way to connect, recover, and revel in accomplishment.
What’s Included & Why Attend
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Race Gear: Register early for a 2026 performance shirt; all finishers receive a custom medal.
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Free Photos: Download high-quality photos of your run—for free.
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Experience Asheville: Rated among the top “Run Races You Can Turn into a Vacation,” this event combines running with culture, food, and artistry.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | March 21, 2026 |
| Distances | Marathon & Half Marathon (USATF-certified) |
| Start/Finish | Pack Square Park → New Belgium Brewing |
| Support | Water/electrolytes/snacks, medical tents, restrooms |
| Expo & Packet Pickup | Friday: Hilton Biltmore Village; Race Day emergency only |
| Post-Race Party | Live music, cold beer, food trucks |
| Additional Perks | Race shirt, finisher medal, free race photos, Boston qualifier |
Why You Should Sign Up
This race is more than miles—it’s about experiencing Asheville’s energy, recovery, and resilience through the joy of running. Whether you’re seeking a Boston-qualifying performance, a memorable morning run, or a vibrant community event, the Asheville Marathon & Half delivers with thoughtful logistics, scenic routes, and post-race celebration.
Join runners from across the region to make memories and celebrate community—register through the official site to secure your place in Asheville’s most iconic race of the year: Asheville Marathon & Half
