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Asheville Marathon & Half 2020
Asheville Marathon voted top 10 BEST Weekend Experience in America by BibRave 100
This is the Asheville Marathon’s SECOND year on The BibRave 100 – with runners praising the beautiful backdrop of the Biltmore Estate, the Race Expo, the surrounding Asheville activities and beautiful race course as some of the features that make this weekend event one of the top best weekend experiences in America. Be a part of history by running through this historic property built by the Vanderbilts in the late 1800s, and see exclusive parts of the estate that are not usually open to the public. The aid station volunteers are ready to party, and were a notable highlight in this year’s nominations (). There’s a mix of road and trail, so those who enjoy soft surfaces will enjoy mixing it up!
Thank you BibRave 100! (READ MORE)
Asheville Half Marathon rated best half marathon in North Carolina
The results are in! The Asheville Half Marathon has been recognized by RaceRaves as the top half marathon in North Carolina.
RaceRaves, the leading online race finder and reviews community for runners of all levels, has announced the winners of its “Runners Choice: Best Half Marathons in the U.S.” poll.
The top race in each state was crowned based on votes from thousands of runners across the country, along with reviews and ratings on RaceRaves.com.
Common themes among the winning events include exceptional production and on-course support, strong community involvement, and a course that showcases the beauty and attractions of the local region.
About the Asheville Half Marathon: Situated on nearly 7,000 acres of private land in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore Estate is the perfect venue for a “unique, picturesque” half marathon. Run entirely on Estate grounds, the mostly paved and moderately hilly course guides runners past manicured gardens, through hardwood forests and along the French Broad River culminating with a visit to Biltmore House, the centerpiece of Biltmore Estate and, with four acres of floor space and 250 rooms, the largest privately owned home in the United States.
Asheville is a course so nice, you’ll want to run it twice — and you can with the Backyard to Backyard Challenge, in which runners complete the half marathon course on both Saturday and Sunday to earn bragging rights and exclusive swag.
Asheville Marathon & Half 2019
2019 marks lucky number seven for the Asheville Marathon & Half, the only race of its kind at Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
Runners get to explore the west side of the Estate, unique terrain experienced only in this marathon.
In 2018, the Asheville Marathon was named by Outside Online as one of the Top 9 vacation-worthy marathons and The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run by MapMyRun.
It was also listed as one of the 70 American Road Races every runner should finish by Runner’s World Magazine.
The marathon course around Biltmore provide depth and diversification: from the marvels of gardening and architecture that is the Estate itself, to lesser tamed, more challenging stretches that lie at the end of the race, along the rustic banks of the French Broad River.
70 American Road Races Every Runner Should Finish
Based on rankings from BibRave, these are the events you need to run.
For most runners, finishing a race is a fundamental part of why we love the sport. It gives us a goal, a medal, a community, and often, a free beer. But deciding which race to sign up for is tricky—there are literally thousands of them. Which is why for the second straight year, the race review website BibRave has tapped into its network of influencers to rank the best road races in the country. Pulled from the BibRave 100, here are 70—from the marathon down to the 5k—iconic events every runner should aim to finish.
Where is it: Asheville, North Carolina
When is it: March 17, 2019
Take a jaunt around the famous Biltmore Estate, and stop for a picture as many do, during the Asheville race. You run through various landscapes including, but not limited to, forests, meadows, gardens, vineyards, along rivers, and surrounded by mountains. “I travel 600 miles every year to run this marathon but it feels like running a hometown race,” said one BibRave reviewer. “Great scenery, a great combination of hills and flats, and several different terrains for all to enjoy.”
BibRave 100: Top 20 Marathon
This is the Asheville Marathon’s first year on The BibRave 100 – with runners praising the beautiful backdrop of the Biltmore Estate. Be a part of history by running through this historic property built by the Vanderbilts in the late 1800s, and see exclusive parts of the state that are not usually open to the public. The aid station volunteers are ready to party, and were a notable highlight in this year’s nominations (). There’s a mix of road and trail, so those who enjoy soft surfaces will enjoy mixing it up!
Welcome to The BibRave 100, Asheville Marathon! (READ MORE)
9 Vacation-Worthy Marathons by Outside Online
Asheville Marathon
Asheville, North Carolina, just might be the Southeast’s coolest mountain town. You’ve got the mountains, the craft breweries, and a funky little town with plenty to see and do. The March marathon affords a unique racecourse located entirely within the famous Biltmore estate. Runners experience a mixture of paved and dirt roads and, with a cap of 1,525 entrants, it’s just the right size for a PR. (Read More)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2018
The Top Ten Best Spring/Summer Marathons to Run
By Marc Lindsay
If you’re looking to sign up for a spring or summer marathon, these 10 races, located across the U.S., should do the trick. From bucket-list races like the Boston Marathon to small, secluded destination events like the Steamboat Marathon in Colorado or the super scenic Big Sur Marathon, the 2018 race calendar has something for everyone.
1. ASHEVILLE MARATHON
March 18, 2018 | Asheville, North Carolina
One of the most scenic races in the U.S., this marathon takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Biltmore Estate, which was built by George Washington Vanderbilt II in the 19th century and is known for being America’s largest backyard. What makes this race interesting is the diverse terrain you’ll face along the rustic banks of the French Broad River, ranging from groomed gardens to untamed trails. (SEE MORE)
Source: MapMyRun Blog
Fat Girl Running, Nat Geo Adventurer of Year to run at Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore
By Karen Chavez
Mirna Valerio started her long-distance, trail-running notoriety with the questionably titled blog, Fat Girl Running.
At 5-foot-7 and weighing 250 pounds, but accomplishing athletic feats a tiny fraction of the world’s population can claim, her blog is an anthem to those who love to run outdoors but don’t fit the stereotypical marathoner image of being skinny and white.
Valerio’s blog said “in your face” to all the Internet trolls and haters, capturing national media attention for her unrelenting push for positive body image. (SEE MORE)
Source: Asheville Citizen Times
Asheville Marathon & Half 2017
Berkeley grad, volunteer track coach wins first at Asheville Marathon
By Lindsay Street
More than five minutes elapsed before anyone could claim second place after Daniel Grant of Moncks Corner trotted through the finish line of the 26.2-mile race.
At a pace of six minutes and 42 seconds per mile, Grant finished the Asheville, N.C., marathon in two hours, 55 minutes and 59.2 seconds — qualifying for his dream to run the Boston Marathon and finishing his second ever marathon.
The fifth annual Asheville Marathon featured a picturesque run through the snowy hills of the Biltmore Estate. (SEE MORE)
Source: Berkeley Independent
Asheville Marathon & Half 2017
Asheville Marathon at Biltmore gets a new race – January 31, 2017
Karen Chavez – Citizen Times
The gamble of running a long-distance race in a blizzard or a steamy warm day is the new thrill.
The Asheville Marathon and Half at the Biltmore Estate, now in its fifth year, March 11 and 12, has added another half marathon to the weekend-long run-fest.
The Saturday, March 11 Half Marathon is now sold out, and the demand was so high from runners across the country, race director Daphne Kirkwood added another 13.1-mile half-marathon on Sunday, March 12, along with the full, 26.2-mile marathon. Runners can race on Saturday, Sunday or both days. (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2016
Asheville Marathon 2016 – Video featured on The Weather Channel
Asheville Marathon & Half Weekend – March 15, 2016
This weekend was the culmination of almost a year of planning. A weekend packed full for sure. As an Asheville Marathon Ambassador, there was much more to this event than just training with my feet, but helping prep for this event and playing a teeny tiny role in helping it go smoothly. Daphne, who runs the IDaphe events, has an amazing setup and assistants… this experience has shown me how much planning it takes to make an event like this go off so well. (SEE MORE)
Carolina Moment: Blind marathon runner recalls tragedy after moment of triumph- March 15, 2016
WLOS — HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — So much of how we see the world, depends on where we’ve been.
“We all have obstacles,” Mike Merino of Hendersonville said. “There’s always ways through it, just learn to accept your situation as it is.”
At Lake Osceola, Merino is mostly alone with his thoughts as he prepares for the Asheville Marathon.
“Kind of quiet, secluded,” he said. “Got a lot of people walking their dogs.”
“My mind just kind of wanders,” he said about running. “Or if there’s things I’m angry about, it helps me let it go.” (SEE MORE)
Blind Marathoner qualifies for Boston Marathon in Biltmore Race- March 15, 2016
BY JENNIFER SAYLOR
Doherty, Mazur win Asheville Half at Biltmore – March 14, 2016
It seems every year, the Asheville Marathon and Biltmore Estate is fighting Mother Nature in one extreme battle or another.
From spitting snow and sub-freezing temps in its inaugural year, in its inaugural year, 2013, to the Saturday, March 12 race with temps hovering near an 80-degree mark, the race has always had its challenges with unpredictable March weather.
But that’s just part of the fun of running! (SEE MORE)
Rotary Member Runs for Boys & Girls Club – March 14, 2016
Rotary Club of Pisgah Forest member Jim Cruickshank ran Saturday in the Asheville Marathon & Half at the Biltmore Estate as a fundraising effort to support The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County.
Cruickshank is also demonstrating Rotary Has Heart, an initiative that promotes community service projects that reflect Rotary International’s Six Areas of Focus (basic education and literacy, economic and community development, disease prevention and treatment, peace and conflict prevention/resolution, water and sanitation, maternal and child health). (SEE MORE)
Traiser, Peters win Asheville Marathon at Biltmore – March 14, 2016
Miles Traiser, 25, of Bismarck, North Dakota, came a long way for a wet run.
But it was worth the trip for Traiser, who was the overall winner of the 2016 Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate on Sunday, March 13.
The fourth annual race was warm, yet extremely soggy, with downpours throughout the 26.2-mile race that started at 7:30 a.m. and swept across the luscious grounds of the private Biltmore Estate. Runners also had to battle lost sleep after losing an hour to Daylight Saving Time the night before. Double bummer, but what an accomplishment for those who came out in the rainy dark to run 26.2 miles! (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon grows, split across two days – March 13, 2016
WLOS — BILTMORE ESTATE, N.C. — Hundreds of runners took part in the Asheville MarathonSunday morning at Biltmore Estate.
This is the fourth year marathoners have toured the entire Biltmore grounds.
The race drew attention from across the country, with more than 2,000 runners gathering to participate.
Because so many runners signed up, race organizers spread the half and full marathons over two days. (SEE MORE)
Blind Runner to make history at Asheville Marathon – March 10, 2016
WLOS — ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A veteran marathon runner from Hendersonville will make history this weekend at the Asheville Marathon.
Mike Merino will be the first visually-impaired runner at the event. If he finishes in time, he will qualify to run in the Boston Marathon.
Merino ran the Boston Marathon in 2013, and finished the race just five minutes before the first bombs exploded. He told News 13 that his finish time was also five minutes earlier than expected.
For races, he is tethered to a guide to keep him safe. (SEE MORE)
Carolina Moment: Blind marathon runner recalls tragedy after moment of triumph – March 7, 2016
WLOS — HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — So much of how we see the world, depends on where we’ve been.
“We all have obstacles,” Mike Merino of Hendersonville said. “There’s always ways through it, just learn to accept your situation as it is.”
At Lake Osceola, Merino is mostly alone with his thoughts as he prepares for the Asheville Marathon.
“Kind of quiet, secluded,” he said. “Got a lot of people walking their dogs.”
“My mind just kind of wanders,” he said about running. “Or if there’s things I’m angry about, it helps me let it go.”
(SEE MORE)
2016 Asheville Marathon to Welcome First Visually-Impaired Participant – February 17, 2016
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is excited to welcome its first visually impaired runner to its 2016 events. Veteran marathoner Mike Merino, of Hendersonville, North Carolina, will be joining 1,400 other participants for the full marathon on Sunday, March 13, 2016, guided by Curtis Nash of Greenville, South Carolina. Why did Merino choose the 2016 Asheville Marathon? “It’s a Boston qualifier, it’s conveniently close, it’s well-timed — a great time for keeping that holiday and winter weight off, and it’s non-urban, something that isn’t found too often in marathons,” he says. (SEE MORE)
Run for charity in sold-out Asheville Half-Marathon – February 16, 2016
ASHEVILLE – The fourth annual Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is still nearly a month away – the half (13.1 miles) is on March 12, and the full (26.2 miles) is on March 13. But time is ticking if you want to be a part of this unique race.
The races, which start at 7:30 a.m., are sponsored by the Asheville Citizen-Times, Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville and Biltmore Farms Hotels, and take place completely on the private, scenic grounds of the Biltmore Estate, including a pass by the grand front doors of the Biltmore House. (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2015
MOMS MAGICAL MILES — March 24th, 2015
Asheville Half Marathon “Has the Asheville Marathon finally come and gone? I was so pleasantly surprised when I was picked to be an ambassador for this race back in what….August? I feel like it’s been forever…” (SEE MORE)
SWIM.RUN.EAT — March 20th, 2015
Asheville Half Marathon “Has the Asheville Marathon finally come and gone? I was so pleasantly surprised when I was picked to be an ambassador for this race back in what….August? I feel like it’s been forever…” (SEE MORE)
NORTHERN KENTUCKY TRIBUNE — March 18th, 2015
Paul Long: Though terrain may not show spring’s effects, March means running season has begun… “As the sun struggled to rise past the clouds and start drying out the flood waters around downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, thousands of runners wearing shorts and T-shirts stood on the streets of the city, awaiting the booming sound of the starting cannon…” (SEE MORE)
RUN THE GREAT WIDE SOMEWHERE — March 17th, 2015
TotR: Asheville Half Marathon Recap “…I wanted to share my race recap of last weekend’s Asheville Half Marathon. It sure was a crazy weekend and I’m still exhausted!…” (SEE MORE)
CITIZEN TIMES — March 15th, 2015
UNC Asheville runner wins Asheville Marathon at Biltmore “Asheville runners love their Biltmore Estate, but the love from Massachusetts runners was clearly shining through as well Sunday. Two Massachusetts-area runners were the overall male and female winners in the third annual Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate. Brian Schouler, 23, who lives in Asheville but is from Massachusetts, was the winner of the 26.2-mile race across the scenic, sprawling estate…” (SEE MORE)
TRI-ING FOR CHINA — March 15th, 2015
Asheville Half Marathon at Biltmore “I’d really been looking forward to this race! Ever since I did the marathon last year I was planning to do the half this year, and being selected as an ambassador only made me more excited about it. My friend Steph was an ambassador too and our friend Kim decided to run the full and our other friend Kristin was going to cheer and volunteer so I knew it would be a fun girls’ weekend…” (SEE MORE)
CITIZEN TIMES — March 11th, 2015
Third time the charm for Asheville Marathon?… “While runners and race organizers are hoping for a rare mid-March day of sunshine, calm winds and nothing falling from the sky, retired Marine Tom Mangan is hoping Mother Nature brings on all her maddening March fury. Mangan, 48, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will be running for the third time in the third annual Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon at Biltmore Estate this Sunday, so far in its young life marked by stunning scenery…” (SEE MORE)
GREENVILLE ONLINE — March 11th, 2015
Greenville runners head to Asheville Marathon… “GREENVILLE – Stephanie Tiwari has heard all the horror stories of mid-March weather at the Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate, but she’s not worried. Tiwari, 33, a Greenville mom of three, said she is coming for the stunning scenery and the challenge…” (SEE MORE)
CITIZEN TIMES — March 10th, 2015
Asheville Marathon at Biltmore 2016 entry opens Saturday… “If you missed your chance to get into the third annual Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon, which is this weekend, Sunday, March 15, then get ready to sign up Saturday for the 2016 event. The third annual race, which takes place entirely on the beautiful Biltmore Estate, has sold out each year since it began…” (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2014
THE GREAT WIDE SOMEWHERE — August 11th, 2014
Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon Discount Code… “…Over the next seven months I’ll be announcing lots of exciting news and events related to the race weekend but we’re kicking it off with an amazing discount code for race registration. First let me tell you why I am excited to run this race and why you should register today…” (SEE MORE)
MOM’S MAGICAL MILES — August 11th, 2014
2015 Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon – Discount Codes!… “…I ran this event last year (the half) and I loved it. It was one of the most beautiful and peaceful runs I have ever done. The course is entirely on the Biltmore Estate – away from the noise of traffic and civilization. The front half is run on the mostly paved paths and trails open to Biltmore guests…” (SEE MORE)
BAKE N’ BURN BOMBSHELL — August 4th, 2014
Would of Been (Friday) Fun News… “This week has been filled with lots of exciting news that I cannot wait to share with all of you!! So let’s dive into my Friday Favorites… 2. Asheville, NC Marathon & Half Marathon – Well, it just keeps getting better. I will also be an ambassador for the Asheville Half Marathon. I found out the good news last night! I’m not from Asheville nor have I ever been there. What I do know is…” (SEE MORE)
TRI-ING FOR CHINA — March 18, 2014
Asheville Marathon (at Biltmore!) “I said after my first marathon (in Paris last year) that I’d never do another. Half marathons are my distance of choice. But then I heard about the Asheville marathon – a race run entirely on the grounds of Biltmore Estate. I love Biltmore…” (SEE MORE)
BALEGA MEDIA — March 17, 2014
Neon Socks at the Asheville Marathon “While other marathons tend to offer runners monotonous scenes of asphalt and high rises, the Asheville Marathon provides much more. Last week, thousands of runners braved the cold and rainy weather to venture through a hardwood forest, winding trails and manicured gardens of the historic Biltmore Estate…” (SEE MORE)
NEWS 13 — March 17, 2014
Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate “Running 26 miles is tough enough, but try doing it in the cold rain. Sunday’s soggy weather made for muddy conditions at the 2nd annual Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate. There was also a half-marathon race this year…” (SEE MORE)
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — March 16, 2014
Morseman, Gillette win Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate “Congrats to the hundred of runners who came back for another punishing year at the second annual Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate this morning! Bryan Morseman, 28, who hails from upstate New York, was the new winner on the modified course…” (SEE MORE)
SOUTH ASHEVILLE LIFE — March, 2014
After the First Year’s Success, Asheville Marathon Returns. “The event, which held its inaugural run in 2013, will be back this year along with a new half-marathon option. With one year already under its belt, the Asheville Marathon is changing things up…” (SEE MORE)
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — March 12, 2014
Adventure of the Week: Asheville Marathon “The Biltmore Troll will guard the bridge over the Bass Pond at Biltmore, directing half-marathon runners not to cross…” (SEE MORE)
CAPITAL AT PLAY — February, 2014
The Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate. “With breathtaking views, meticulously preserved forests, and activities for everyone among the 8,000 acres of property surrounding the Biltmore Estate, it’s clear that ‘America’s Largest Backyard’ is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise…” (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2013
ASHEVILLE MARATHON MADNESS – February 21, 2013
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES— May 30, 2013
Locals get big discount on Asheville Marathon this Saturday only
“Registration opens this Saturday, that’s June 1, for the second annual Asheville Marathon, presented by Hunter Subaru, which will be a couple weeks later this year on March 16, 2014…” (SEE MORE)
TCR STUDENT GOLDEN FLEECE ASHEVILLE — April 19, 2013
Asheville Marathon draws unique crowd: 1,300 runners compete in Inaugural Marathon at Biltmore Estate.
“Thirteen hundred runners raced a total of 26.2 miles in the Inaugural Asheville Marathon on March 3. Organized by Daphne Kirkwood of iDaph Events, the marathon started…” (SEE MORE)
TRAIL RUNNER: ONE DIRTY MAGAZINE — January 29, 2013
Inaugural Asheville Marathon: Historic Biltmore estate hosts new spring marathon
“Western North Carolina boasts a backdrop of verdant forests and an endless mogul of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled in all that splendor rests George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, site of the inaugural Asheville Marathon…” (SEE MORE)
Asheville Marathon & Half 2012
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — December 26, 2012
Asheville Marathon almost full
“ASHEVILLE — The inaugural Hunter Subaru Asheville Marathon on the Biltmore Estate is nearly at it’s capacity of 1.300 runners. The 26.2-mile race, which is now a certified Boston Marathon qualifying race…” (SEE MORE)
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — December 7, 2012
Asheville Marathon certified as Boston qualifier
“According to race director Daphne Kirkwood, the inaugural Hunter Subaru Asheville Marathon course on the Biltmore Estate is now certified as a Boston Marathon Qualifier. The 26.2-mile rice will be March 3, 2013…” (SEE MORE)
DAILY MARATHON NEWS — November 14, 2012
Train, Eat, Sleep, Recover
“Recover is pleased to be part of the Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate as a merchandise partner…” (SEE MORE)
OUTSIDE MAGAZINE, OCT. 2012 — September 5, 2012
The best river towns in America: Asheville, North Carolina
“…And the recreational opportunities are only getting better: in March, the city will debut its new marathon, which runs through the meadows and gardens of the 8,000 acre historic Biltmore Estate…” (SEE MORE)
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — May 31, 2012
New race will take place on the Biltmore Estate in 2013
“ASHEVILLE — If Asheville had not yet secured its spot on the national running map, it has now. With the official announcement Thursday that Biltmore Estate and iDaph Events will host the inaugural Asheville Marathon…” (SEE MORE)
ASHEVILLE CITIZEN-TIMES — May 21, 2012
Girls Gone Outdoors: Biltmore Estate to host new marathon
“The Asheville running scene is truly on a runaway train. Not a week after the Asheville Citizen-Times announced…” (SEE MORE)