New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half
The Lowdown
The New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half traces its roots to the early 2010s and has grown into one of the Southeast’s most beloved spring road races. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, the event emphasizes community, craft-beer culture, and outdoor recreation that define Asheville. Over the years it has attracted both competitive runners seeking Boston-qualifying times and recreational participants looking to experience the region’s scenery and lively race-day vibe. The course showcases the very best of Asheville and its surroundings: a mix of historic downtown streets, scenic stretches along the French Broad River, and rolling, tree-lined roads that evoke the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Runners pass notable landmarks and neighborhoods, enjoy live music and local support along the route, and typically finish in a park-style setting with festival amenities, craft-beer options and food from local vendors. The event is run on a USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying course and is organized to be spectator-friendly and welcoming to all paces, with a strong volunteer presence and an energetic, community-focused atmosphere.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Race posts largest-ever field, 2026 spots sell out rapidly
Nov 3, 2025Organizers announced that total race entries for the 2026 weekend reached a record 5,200 participants across marathon, half, and relay divisions, with the marathon allocation selling out within 36 hours of opening registration. The sellout marks the largest combined field in the event's history and prompted organizers to expand aid-station staffing and post-race logistics planning.
Course route adjusted to reduce steep descent on Pisgah section
Feb 15, 2023Race directors implemented a permanent course change for the 2023 edition that rerouted approximately 1.2 miles of the marathon to avoid a steep, technical downhill on the Pisgah Avenue segment. The revised route retained USATF certification and reduced cumulative elevation loss on that portion, improving safety and access for larger fields.
U.S. distance standout Emma Bates announced for 2026 women's elite field
Dec 5, 2025Organizers confirmed that Emma Bates, multiple-time U.S. national champion and established marathoner, will headline the 2026 women's elite field in Asheville on 2026-03-21. Bates' entry is expected to boost competitive depth and spectator interest; organizers also noted an expanded elite prize purse to attract additional top domestic athletes.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Pack Square Park
Central downtown start/finish area with historic monuments and civic gathering space
Asheville Art Museum
Modern and regional art museum on the downtown route showcasing local culture
Grove Arcade
Historic, ornate indoor marketplace and architectural landmark the course passes by in downtown Asheville
French Broad River / River Arts District
Scenic riverfront section lined with artists' studios, murals, and converted industrial spaces
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
Quiet native-plant gardens near the UNC Asheville campus providing a green stretch on the course
Carrier Park
Popular riverside park with wide trails and views of the French Broad River used during middle miles
Biltmore Village
Historic village at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate featuring shops, churches, and Tudor-style architecture
Asheville, NC, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older to register for the marathon
- Must be 12 years or older to register for the half marathon
- All participants must sign the online waiver and release of liability prior to race day
- Race bibs are non-transferable and must be worn visibly on the front for the duration of the event
- Participants must start in their assigned corral/wave and follow race official instructions
- Marathon cutoff time: 7 hours (participants falling behind the pace may be moved to course vehicles)
- Half marathon cutoff time: 4 hours
- Medical clearance is recommended for participants with pre-existing medical conditions; first aid and medical support are on course
- No bicycles, scooters, skateboards, or motorized vehicles allowed on course; strollers and pets are prohibited in the marathon unless explicitly allowed by race organizers
- Wheelchair and handcycle competitors must register in the appropriate division and contact organizers in advance
- Participants must obey all traffic laws and marshal directions; failure to follow rules can result in disqualification
- Photo ID
- Signed race waiver/medical release
- Emergency contact information
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Virtual Race
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers are permitted until 30 days before race day for a $25 transfer fee
Deferrals to the next year's race are allowed if requested at least 30 days before race day for a $25 deferral fee
If the race is canceled by organizers for safety or force majeure, registrants will be offered either a deferral to the next year or a 50% credit toward a future Asheville Marathon event
Race-day bib changes and transfers are not permitted
The course is a point-to-point route featuring rolling hills and scenic Blue Ridge views with stretches through historic Biltmore Village and the River Arts District.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is typically a New Belgium post-race beer garden celebrating finishers.
Aid stations are located roughly every 1.5–2.5 miles offering water, electrolyte drink, and occasional gels, and medical support is available at multiple points on the course.
Race weekend includes a race expo with packet pickup and vendors, a kids’ run, and pre-race community events; parking near the start is limited so organizers recommend using shuttles or arriving early.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.