Run for charity in sold-out Asheville Half-Marathon
By Karen Chavez
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.
However, the half-marathon sold out in November and the waiting list is closed, said race director Daphne Kirkwood. The race is limited to 2,800 runners, 1,400 in each race.
There are still some spots open for the marathon, but there is another way to get into the half-marathon, she said.
“Each year, Asheville Marathon & Half charity partners have many opportunities to raise needed funds, build awareness of their mission and give back to the local community,” she said. “In 2015, our charity partners raised over $75,000, collectively.”
Runners who still want to get in on the half-marathon action can run by raising money for one of this year’s race’s charity partners, which have just been announced:
- Consider Haiti: The Asheville-based nonprofit comprises local volunteers and professionals from Asheville who have been working for more than 15 years to empower Haitian communities by supporting grassroots efforts to create sustainable nutrition and medical support. Last year, Consider Haiti raised more than $14,000 as a charity partner to the Asheville Marathon & Half. To participate in the half or full, while raising funds for Consider Haiti, contact Jim Siemens at jim@wnclaw.com or visit http://considerhaiti.org.
- Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County: A first-time charity partner this year and the largest youth development organization in Transylvania County, the Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club serves more than 470 school-aged youths each year through its after-school and summer programs. Its mission is to provide a safe place for children to go to and feel welcomed and where they can join together in wholesome recreation and companionship. To participate with this charity, contact Jackie Witherspoon at witherspoonjackie@gmail.com or visit www.bgctransylvania.org.
- Young Life of Asheville/Buncombe County: Another first-time charity partner for this event, Young Life of Asheville/Buncombe County, is dedicated to providing leadership and ministry for adolescents in the community. Young Life staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on what matters to them — fun, adventure, friendship and a sense of significance, and offers them an opportunity to engage in open conversations about God. To participate in the half or full, while raising needed funds for our local Young Life chapter, contact Leslie Sloan atleslielsloan@gmail.com or visithttps://asheville.younglife.org/Pages/marathon.aspx
For those who were on the waiting list and did not get into this year’s race, they will receive a discount code to apply to the 2017 event.
Want to run?
Registration is still open for the Asheville Full Marathon. Entry fee is $155. Register atwww.imathlete.com.
For more information on the Asheville Half and Full Marathon at Biltmore, to register or sign up as a charity runner, or to purchase spectator tickets, visitwww.ashevillemarathon.com.