EVENT GUIDE
PACKET PICKUP
Packet Pickup | Race Expo
Friday, March 14 (11AM to 7PM)
DoubleTree Hotel (Biltmore Village) VIEW MAP
In addition to picking up your packet, the Race Expo is a great opportunity to meet fellow runners, shop merchandise, sample products, and get pumped for race day. The Race Expo is free for participants and is open to the public. For a list of Expo vendors and opportunities click HERE.
The pre-event shipping deadline has passed, but if you had your things shipped, you're welcome to stop by the Race Expo Friday, or the Merchandise Tent after the race and pick up a goody bag!
Packet Pickup | Race morning (Emergencies Only)
Saturday, March 15 (6AM – 7AM)
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Asheville VIEW MAP
- This option is extremely limited and is intended for emergency use only. Please arrive at 6AM to avoid missing the start.
- This location is approximately 3 blocks from the start line. You may park at the hotel to pick up your packet, but do not leave your vehicle there during the race. Please move to a public parking area after you pick up your packet.
- Only race bibs and safety pins are available for this option. You will need to pick up your race shirt and swag after the race.
- IMPORTANT! Since you will not have your race bib yet, you will not be able to ride the pre-event shuttles on race day if you choose this option.
SHUTTLE INFORMATION
Shuttle tickets are complimentary for race participants. You will need to show your race bib to board the shuttle bus. Spectators may also use the shuttle bus but must purchase a ticket prior to the event. Participants can purchase tickets for their spectators through the Race Store, or at the Race Expo.
If you are staying at the Doubletree Biltmore Village or the Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Village, there will be a shuttle to the start line before the race. All other participants must drive to the start line and park. After the race, shuttles will take participants back to the start line or to the hotels noted above.
PARKING
There are several public parking options within blocks of the start line. The College Street Parking Garage is the best option. Alternatively, Pack Square Parking is also nearby. Follow this link to view the City of Asheville parking garages and the live number of spaces available. The shuttle will bring you back downtown after the race.
For spectators driving to the finish line, there will be no parking available at New Belgium Brewing and LIMITED parking in the River Arts District. Please use the following map for public parking within walking distance. We suggest that spectators take the shuttle from Pack Square Park (start area) to the finish at New Belgium. This will alleviate congestion on the roads, the course and provide a better experience for the runners and family/friends.
RACE TIMELINE
Start Line Location
Pack Square Park: 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 VIEW MAP
6AM – 7:15AM
Bag drop: Drop a bag with any personal items at the bag drop vehicle. We will take your bag to the Finisher Tent where you can claim it after the race. Please note that we are not responsible for items left along the course and have no way to guarantee that they will not be taken. If you plan to shed layers, please plan accordingly.
7:30AM
Combined mass start for marathon and half marathon. No early or late starts are permitted.
Finish Line Location
New Belgium Brewing (21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806) VIEW MAP
9AM – 2:30PM
Post-race party at New Belgium Brewing. For a complete list of vendors and amenities, click HERE. Please note that there is no parking available at the post race party. Please refer to the parking map above for the closest options.
10:30AM
Half Marathon Award Ceremony at Post Race Party (View Award Categories)
11:30AM
Marathon Award Ceremony at Post Race Party (View Award Categories)
2:30PM
Last shuttle departs finish area.
COURSE INFORMATION
We recommend utilizing RIDE with GPS on your phone or downloading these maps to your wearable device for the best race day experience.
Curious why GPS devices often record different distances on USATF Certified Courses? Click HERE to learn why!
Looking for a solid playlist to pair with the course? We asked for your recommendations and sprinkled in a few of our favorites to create the Asheville Marathon & Half playlist on Spotify. You can check it out here:
RACE RULES
- Timing Mats will be on the course to ensure runners have completed the entire course.
- All participants are expected to display courteous, professional behavior at all times.
- Runners will run with traffic on roads that do not have sidewalks. If there are sidewalks and bike lanes available, runners should utilize the sidewalks and lanes.
- Please be courteous and considerate to other foot traffic along the route and in downtown Asheville.
- No dogs or strollers are permitted on the course.
- No rollerblades or bicycles are allowed.
AVL Spring Water stations
All AVL Spring Water station locations are included on the interactive course maps above or can be viewed HERE. We offer Avl Spring Water and Gatorade at each station. At select stations along the course there will be a variety of snacks and drink options. Each AVL Spring Water station will have portajons or restrooms nearby. Vote for your favorite station after the race on the survey. The winner will receive $500 for their non-profit or charity of their choice, and the runner-up receives $250!
pace teams
Trying to qualify for Boston or set a PR? The Asheville Marathon & Half is proud to provide the following Pace Teams. Look for the black shirts at the start line and connect with your desired team.
Marathon Pace Teams:
3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15
Half Marathon Pace Teams:
1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45
PHOTOS & Results
Photographers will be capturing runners along the course and at the finish line. We strive to capture as many runner photos as possible. We cannot guarantee that we will get a photo of every runner. If you would like to have photos taken of yourself throughout the race, please ask a friend or family member to take some of you on the course. Photos will be posted HERE the week after the race and will be available to download free of charge.
Race results are posted in real time and can be viewed HERE
Dining Guide
Asheville is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, thriving craft breweries, and rich local culture. Supporting locally owned restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops is more important than ever as the community continues to rebuild and recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. We've curated a list of locally owned Asheville restaurants and cafes for you to explore during your visit! Additionally, we've included breakfast spots and coffee shops that will be open for spectators on race morning.
View our locally owned, guaranteed delicious dining guide HERE
APPALACHIAN TRILOGY
Did you know that by finishing the Asheville Marathon or Half that you have already completed one race in the Appalachian Trilogy? Complete 2 of the remaining 3 iDaph Half Marathons and you’ll conquer this series and earn a commemorative medal!
For more information about the Appalachian Trilogy, click HERE
CHARITY PARTNERS
These non-profit organizations are dedicated to a variety of causes and needs across western North Carolina and will be providing volunteer support before, during, and after the 2025 event in exchange for a variety of fundraising opportunities! These are the people who help drive our race participants to the finish line with a SMILE! Please take a moment to view their missions and decide if you have the desire to support their causes.
Learn more about our charity partners HERE
COMMUNITY FAQ
Learn more about our local impact HERE
SPONSORS
These are real businesses whose generosity and support make this event possible. Please take a moment to thank them on race day and consider supporting their businesses.
