Asheville Marathon
Every spring, runners from across the country come to Asheville for one of the most scenic road races in the Southeast. The course winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains, past the Biltmore Estate grounds, and through the tree-lined streets of downtown before finishing on Pack Square.
The full marathon covers 26.2 miles of rolling terrain with a few honest climbs. There's also a half marathon and a relay option if you're bringing a group. Thousands of spectators line the route, and the post-race festival on the square runs well into the afternoon.
Race Details
The start line is at the U.S. Cellular Center on Haywood Street. Corrals open at 6:30 a.m. and the gun goes off at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Bag check, gear storage, and a warm-up area are all on-site. Aid stations are spaced every two miles along the course.
Getting Here
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is about 15 miles from downtown. Most runners drive in and park in the decks on Rankin Avenue or Lexington Avenue, both within a short walk of the start. If you're staying nearby, many hotels offer a race-weekend shuttle.
Where to Stay
Race weekend fills up fast. Book your accommodation early — downtown Asheville and the River Arts District put you closest to the action, with easy access to packet pickup at the Civic Center the day before.