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New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half

March 20, 2027 · 7:30 AMAsheville, NC, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

48°F

36–61°F · Feels cool

Total elevation gain

1,640ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +279 ft

Participants

3,200

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

5/ 10

Good crowd energy

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. The 2027 edition marks the race's 15th anniversary. 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.

Jun 23, 2026: 2027 date confirmed: March 20, 2027; registration opens July 2026
The official site and Race Roster listing confirm the 2027 New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half is scheduled for March 20, 2027, with a 7:30 AM start. Registration opens July 16–17, 2026. The 2027 edition marks the race's 15th anniversary. Packet pickup is Friday, March 19 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown.

2026 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Pack Square Park – Central downtown start/finish area with historic monuments and civic gathering space
02Asheville Art Museum – Modern and regional art museum on the downtown route showcasing local culture
03Grove Arcade – Historic, ornate indoor marketplace and architectural landmark the course passes by in downtown Asheville
04French Broad River / River Arts District – Scenic riverfront section lined with artists' studios, murals, and converted industrial spaces
05Botanical Gardens at Asheville – Quiet native-plant gardens near the UNC Asheville campus providing a green stretch on the course
06Carrier Park – Popular riverside park with wide trails and views of the French Broad River used during middle miles
07Biltmore Village – Historic village at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate featuring shops, churches, and Tudor-style architecture
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Virtual Race
Eligibility: 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
Required Documents: Photo ID
Signed race waiver/medical release
Emergency contact information
Cancellation & Refund Policy: 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

01: 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.
02: Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and there is typically a New Belgium post-race beer garden celebrating finishers.
03: 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.
04: 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.
05: Free dri-fit event shirt and complimentary shuttle ticket included with all in-person registrations.

Questions about the Asheville Marathon 2027

When is the Asheville Marathon 2027?

Saturday, March 20, 2027.

Where is the Asheville Marathon?

Asheville, NC, United States.

What time does the Asheville Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:30 AM, local time.

What is the Asheville Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the Asheville Marathon 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Jul 16, 2026: Registration Opens. Ways in: Online Registration; Virtual Race.

How much does the Asheville Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon Registration: $114.88. Half Marathon Registration: $104.13. Virtual Marathon: $93.38. Virtual Half Marathon: $82.63.

When and where is packet pickup for the Asheville Marathon?

Mar 19, 2027: Packet pickup at Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, 11am–7pm.

What is the Asheville Marathon elevation gain?

500 m (1,640 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +85 m (279 ft). Moderate rolling hills.

What is the Asheville Marathon course like?

It passes Pack Square Park, Asheville Art Museum and Grove Arcade. Course map

What is the weather like at the Asheville Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 2–16 °C (36–61 °F). Feels cool.

How many runners does the Asheville Marathon have?

3,200 participants. Medium-sized race.

Is the Asheville Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer1640ft gain, 48°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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