IS IT SAFE AND SECURE TO REGISTER OVER THE INTERNET?
YES! The Asheville Marathon & Half has partnered with imATHLETE who is a leader in online registration. Their website is safe, easy and secure. They guarantee that your personal information will be safe.
I REGISTERED FOR AN ASHEVILLE MARATHON EVENT, AND NOW I AM UNABLE TO RUN. CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK OR TRANSFER TO ANOTHER YEAR?
No. Per our official event rules and guidelines: All entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred toward a future event.
DOES THE EVENT OFFER A HALF MARATHON OPTION?
YES! This exclusive boutique event has a half marathon! Same limited entries of 1500 participants, but now you can choose to run the full or half marathon – or both!
ARE RELAY TEAMS ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ASHEVILLE MARATHON?
No. We do not offer a relay division. Each participant must individually complete the full 26.2 or 13.1 mile distance.
I AM INJURED AND/OR CANNOT RUN THE EVENT (FAMILY COMMITMENT, WORK OBLIGATION, ETC). CAN I GET A REFUND?
No. Per our official event rules and guidelines: All entry fees are non-refundable and cannot be deferred toward a future event.
IF I REGISTERED FOR THE HALF, BUT WANT TO SWITCH TO THE FULL, OR VISA VERSA, CAN I DO THAT?
YES! You can switch anytime between the two races. There is a transfer fee if you do elect to switch either before the race or on race weekend.
IF THE CAPACITY LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED FOR THE HALF CAN I SIGN UP FOR THE FULL MARATHON AND THEN SWITCH TO THE HALF?
YES, you can sign up for the marathon and switch to the half marathon at any time. You would not receive a refund in the price difference between the full and half marathon if you switch and if you register for the marathon after November 20th, 2017 you would have to pay a transfer fee to switch to the 1⁄2 marathon.
IF THE CAPACITY LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED FOR THE FULL MARATHON CAN I SIGN UP FOR THE HALF AND THEN SWITCH TO THE MARATHON?
YES, you would pay a transfer fee to switch races and the difference in price between the 1⁄2 marathon and full marathon entry price whenever you make the switch.
I REGISTERED FOR THE MARATHON PRIOR TO THE REVEAL OF THE HALF, CAN I SWITCH MY ENTRY TO THE 1⁄2 MARATHON WITHOUT PAYING A TRANSFER FEE?
YES, anyone registered for the marathon from when registration opened in the summer of 2013 until November 19th, 2013 may switch to the 1⁄2 marathon without paying any transfer fees.
WILL THE RACE CHARITIES HAVE 1⁄2 MARATHON SPOTS TO SELL WHEN THE RACE SELLS OUT?
YES, MAHEC and Inheritance of Hope both have a marathon and half marathon race entries to the race. Running with one of our charities guarantees your entry in the race when the race has sold out and allows you to run with a purpose!
CAN’T I JUST “GIVE” MY ENTRY TO MY FRIEND IF I CANNOT RUN?
No. Due to USATF rules and regulations, each participant must register themselves and sign their own waiver. Any walker or runner who is participating with another participant’s bib number can be disqualified at the discretion of the race director.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING FOR A PARTICULAR EVENT?
Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their Registration Waiver for all events. We do not recommend that participants under 18 run in the full marathon event, minimum age for marathon is 16 years old.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY ENTRY FEE?
Participating in this event automatically puts you in the history books as you will be part of a historic event at Biltmore Estate! Every participant will receive a women’s specific or men’s running shirt, a goodie bag filled with awesome schwag from our sponsors and a finisher’s award and access to the post race party.
Also, there is water at every Water Station on course, gels and electrolyte drinks are at Water Stations #2-#9 and refreshments at the finish line.
THIS IS MY FIRST RUNNING EVENT. CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO A TRAINING PROGRAM?
Please visit our website under “Training” for several training program options as well as other helpful tools such as training tips and pace charts.
I AM TRAVELING FROM ANOTHER TOWN. CAN YOU DIRECT ME TO YOUR RACE HEADQUARTERS HOTEL AND OTHER HOTELS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE START/FINISH LINE AREA?
Our race headquarters hotel is the DoubleTree Hotel and is approximately .3 miles from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. For the DoubleTree Hotel contact information and a list of other recommended hotels please visit our Hotel page on our website.
DO YOU HAVE AN ELITE RUNNING PROGRAM?
Yes. We have a Marathon Elite Program offering prize money and incentives for the full marathon only. For additional information and how to apply, please visit ‘Elite Athletes’. Elite Programs are for full marathon participants only, for further rules and contact us at events@idaph.net.
HOW DO YOU TIME THE EVENTS?
Bibs will have timing tags.
CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES ON THE COURSE?
YES, if you are not pursuing race prize money. Because USA Track & Field (USATF), the governing body for long distance running in the United States, recently revised their safety rule (#144.3b) banning the use of headphones and other music devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events, the Asheville Marathon may now allow runners in non-championship races to wear headphones on the course. All participants wishing to pursue prize money must still obey USATF rules (#144.3).
ARE STROLLERS OR BABY JOGGERS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
NO. Strollers and baby joggers are prohibited.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED AT THE EVENT?
Dogs are not allowed in the race or on the course. They are allowed to attend with a spectator but they must be leashed at all times and are not permitted in any buildings or restrooms (unless they are a service dog).
IS THERE A WHEELCHAIR AND/OR HANDCRANK DIVISION IN THE RACE?
No, due to the off-road nature of many miles of this event, there is a not a wheelchair division.
WHAT IS THE MARATHON EXPO? DO I HAVE TO GO? DOES IT COST MONEY?
The Asheville Marathon Expo is FREE and open to participants, their friends and family, and the general public. The Expo will be held on Friday, March 16th from 11am-7pm, at Race Headquarters – DoubleTree Hotel. Each registered participant is required to attend to pick up their race bib (includes the timing chip on bib), t-shirt and race bag. Please bring your ID in order to pick up your packet.
Additionally, the Expo is a great place to get great deals on shoes and clothing, meet running legends, sample new products and more. Check back on the website for speaker schedules, vendor info and other information.
CAN SOMEONE ELSE PICK UP MY BIB AND RACE PACKET FOR ME?
YES! Someone other than the registered runner may pick up the race packet at the Expo. BUT – whomever is picking up the bib for the runner must show a copy of the RUNNER’S ID to get their packet for them. A photocopy will suffice, but no packets will be given out without proper ID. On Race Day, participants will be required to show their photo ID and their race bib when entering Biltmore Estate. No ID = No race. This rule is for the safety of all of our runner’s!
CAN I PICK UP MY RACE PACKET ON RACE DAY?
No, there is no packet pickup race day. All packets must be picked up at the Expo.
I WON’T BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE; CAN I STILL PICK UP MY T-SHIRT?
YES! Please stop by the Expo and pick up your bib, t-shirt and goody bag. Please let us know if you are not able to run when you are at the expo so that we won’t be looking for you on race morning.
WHAT IF I LOSE MY BIB? CAN I STILL RACE?
Anyone on the race course without a bib, will be immediately pulled from the course and will get on the sag shuttle. The sag shuttle will follow the last runner until the end of the race 6 1/2 hrs, so any pulled runners could be in the sag wagon for a lengthy amount of time. Runners will not be allowed to cross the finish line without a bib.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO DROP OUT OF THE RACE?
For the safety of our runners and to enhance the experience for our athletes, there will be very minimal vehicular traffic on the event courses during the race. We will have a sag vehicle that will be following the last runner on the course and will pick up runners along the way who are unable to complete the event. Please keep in mind that runners will be required to stay in the sag wagon throughout the duration of the race, until the last runner comes to the finish line.
If a runner would like to walk back to the start/finish area anytime during the race, the suggested drop out point that is most accessible to this area is the bridge.
IS THE 6 1/2 HR TIME LIMIT TO COMPLETE THE MARATHON STRICTLY ENFORCED?
Yes. We will have a sag vehicle that will pick up runners who are unable to complete the event in the 6 1/2 hr time cutoff. You will board the shuttle and your race bib will be marked if you are unable to keep the 6 1/2 hr pace to complete the race. Runners will not be allowed to have a post race finishing awards or prizes if you are picked up in the sag vehicle. However, you may enjoy the post race party and food at the finish area. Please keep in mind that runners will be required to stay in the sag wagon throughout the duration of the race, until the last runner comes to the finish line. (approx 6 1/2 hrs)
Any runner not able to make it to the following time checkpoints along the course in the allotted time, is required to board the SAG shuttle.
Beat the Bridge Time Checkpoints (Marathon) –
WHAT IF I GET AN INJURY ON THE COURSE?
We will have medical staff on bicycles, course monitors and volunteers watching and assisting injured runners. In addition, we have 2 medical triage tents on the course to treat minor injuries, they can be found on our race map. If you are unable to continue the race because of a minor injury, you will board the sag vehicle (when it gets to you) and return to the finish area at the end of the race (approx 6 1/2 hrs after race start). If your injury is substantial and requires immediate medical care you will be transported to the medical tent at the finish line or to the emergency room by ambulance.
WHO ARE THE OTHER SPONSORS OF THE EVENT?
To see the full list of sponsors, please visit the Sponsors section on our website.
WHY IS THEIR A SPECTATOR FEE? WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE? WHAT CAN MY FAMILY DO WHILE WAITING FOR ME TO FINISH?
There is an entrance fee for spectators to get on to Biltmore Estate property, which is privately owned and not open to the general public. Spectator tickets can be purchased at the Race Expo and at the Group Sales office (first building on your left when entering Biltmore) on race day starting at 6am. Spectator Tickets are $20+Tax and include all-day access to the Biltmore Estate grounds only. Tickets can be upgraded to tour the House for $15 on race day (regular daytime tickets are typically $59+ per person). If a participant or spectator would like to upgrade their entrance ticket for a twelve month pass for $65, it can also be done race day. For more info visit our Spectators page.
There will be live music, food, drinks, cheering and more! Spectator viewing is limited during the event to the Start/Finish at Antler Hill Village, which is full of shops, and the Farm Trail area (no cars allowed on the course during the event). Spectators will get to see our race mascot our ‘Bridge Troll’ at the bridge that connects the east and west sides of the estate. To find the best cheering spots, please see our Spectators pages’ ‘Best spots to watch’.
Family and friends are invited to volunteer at the event to see your family member up-close and personal during the event! To learn more visit our Volunteer Info page.
DO BILTMORE PASSHOLDERS HAVE TO BUY A SPECTATOR TICKET?
As long as passholders come in during normal business hours they are not required to have a spectator ticket. If they come in before/after hours then they would have to purchase a spectator ticket because it is considered a ‘special event’ at Biltmore. Regular business hours on race day begin at 9am.
CAN WE USE OUR ENTRANCE TICKET TO GET INTO THE HOUSE ON MONDAY FOR $10 ADDITIONAL FOR 2ND DAY ENTRY, LIKE REGULAR BILTMORE DAY TIME TICKETS?
Yes – they can upgrade the ticket for a next day visit, but you have to do it before you leave the estate on Sunday. It can be done at any guest service station, there is one at the house and one at Antler Hill Village.
CAN A SPECTATOR RIDE THE SHUTTLE FROM ANTLER HILL VILLAGE (START/FINISH) TO THE BILTMORE HOUSE DURING THE RACE SO THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WHILE I AM RACING?
The Biltmore House opens at 9am to the general public. Race spectators can take the shuttles from the start/finish area at Antler Hill Village to tour the house while their family and friends are racing. A shuttle would bring them back to the finish area after they are done at the house and gardens.
ON MY REGISTRATION MY NAME IS MISSPELLED, MY AGE IS WRONG, I HAVE MOVED, ETC.
No problem! Just let us know by emailing us prior to February 15th at events@idaph.net OR you can make the change at the Solutions Booth at the Expo.
I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER, CAN THEY HELP?
YES! We always need an extra set of hands! Please visit our Volunteer Page to learn about the opportunities available for volunteers.
HOW MANY WATER STATIONS ARE THERE ON THE COURSE? WHAT TYPE OF ENERGY DRINK AND GEL ARE AVAILABLE?
We will have plenty of water and aid stations on the course. Check out our course map to see the locations of all of our water stations. Due to the locations we have set up our stations, several of them will be visited 2 to 3x. Bi-Lo will supply fruit at several of the aid stations.
GET TO KNOW YOUR WATER STATIONS:
Water Station 1 – Deerpark – Mile 2 — Water Only
Water Station 2 – Biltmore House – Mile 5 – Hammer Gel and Hammer Heed
Water Station 3 – Bearpin – Mile 7 1/2 and 23 1/2 – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
Water Station 4 – French Broad River – Mile 9, 22 1/2 and 24 1/2 – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
Water Station 5 – Lagoon Trail – Mile 10, 21 1/2 and 25 – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
Water Station 6 – West Side Bridge – Mile 11 (marathon only) – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit and Cookies
Water Station 7 – Alta Vista – Mile 12 1/2 and 13 1/2 (marathon only) – HUMA Gel and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
Water Station 8 – Pine Top – Mile 15 1/2 (marathon only) – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
Water Station 9 – Line House Road/Finish – Mile 18 and 20 (marathon), Mile 11 and 12.5 (half marathon) – Gu and GuBrew, Coke, Fruit & Cookies
WILL THERE BE BEER OR WINE AT THE POST-RACE PARTY?
According to NC Liquor laws, alcohol may not be purchased or served on Sunday until after noon. Sierra Nevada will serve post-race beer at the post race party and the Winery at Biltmore Estate is open from noon-6pm for free wine tasting.
WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE USUALLY LIKE ON RACE DAY IN ASHEVILLE?
Our inaugural event happened to be on the coldest day on record in Asheville in 2013! It is typically mild yet still somewhat unpredictable in March in our WNC area. Be prepared for any and all types of weather conditions.
On March 16th, the average high temperature in Asheville is 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low is 37 degrees. It’s often chilly in the morning, but is expected to warm up throughout the event. Layers are advised for all runners! Runners may drop off extra layers at our aid stations. We will bring these clothing items back to the race finish at the end of the race (approx. 2-3pm), if they are not picked up on race day will donate these items to charity.
WHAT IF IT SNOWS ON RACE DAY?
If there is a blizzard and/or hazardous weather conditions, as with any other marathon or sporting event, the race may be cancelled. The latest the race can be delayed is 8am due daily operations and guest flow traffic at Biltmore Estate. We will make every attempt possible to have this event on race day. If the conditions are life threatening or dangerous and we cancel the event and it will not be re-scheduled and entries are non-refundable. We would not be able to replicate this event on a different date at the estate in 2014.
IS THE ASHEVILLE MARATHON A BOSTON MARATHON QUALIFIER?
The Asheville Marathon is a certified race course and Boston Qualifying event! Certification PENDING and USATF Sanctioned #13-13-034
I DO NOT REMEMBER IF I REGISTERED, CAN I GET ANOTHER CONFIRMATION EMAIL?
Please visit imATHLETE and log in to your account profile. If you have any issues please contact imATHLETE support directly.
WHERE CAN I FIND RACE PHOTOS?
All race photography can be purchased via Paul Jackson Photography.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO GET TO THE START LINE FROM THE ENTRANCE OF THE BILTMORE ESTATE?
This year we have added an additional shuttle option for all of our participants in the marathon. If you are a local runner, from out of town staying with friends or staying at one of our race hotels, we encourage you to take the shuttle to get onto the estate in the morning.
If you drive onto the estate you can expect congested roadways entering the estate on race morning. (There is only one way in for car traffic!) Runners staying at our race headquarters hotel and partner hotels are encouraged to use the transportation provided by the hotel to and from the race. This way you can get dropped off at the race start area (eliminating the need for you to take a shuttle from the parking area at the Estate to the start line). (Please see ‘Hotels’ page for more details).
If you plan to drive your car onto the estate – we encourage runners to come very EARLY (front gates will open at 5am) and to PLAN TO BE ON THE GROUNDS, NO LATER THAN 6 a.m. Race starts ON TIME at 7:30 am! Runners will be parked in various locations on the estate on race morning and some will be shuttled to the start line from parking lots located by the Biltmore House.
Transportation is required on the estate since driving distances are significant. Allow a minimum of 15 minutes transit time from each location; on race day, add 30-45 minutes to driving times. See the Biltmore Estate website for more information.
Travel distances on Biltmore Estate include:
- 3 miles from Group Sales office to Biltmore House
- 2.5 miles from Group Sales office to Inn on Biltmore Estate
- 5 miles from Biltmore House and Gardens to the Winery
- 3 miles from Biltmore House to Deerpark Restaurant
- 2 miles from the Winery to Deerpark Restaurant
WILL RUNNERS HAVE A BAG DROP-OFF AREA AT THE START/FINISH AREA?
Yes, runners will receive a ‘Finisher’ bag at the race expo. Runners MUST use the finisher bags provided to have their bag included in our special special needs tent. Runners will attach their number to this bag and then will drop it off at the start/finish area prior to the race at the ‘Finisher Bag Tent”. This is a nice perk we are glad to offer runners so that runners can have a change of clothes, warmer attire, their phones and money to purchase race merchandise and additional food items at the post race party area. The finisher bags are not dropped along the race course they stay at the finish area. This is especially handy for runners that have used the shuttle service to come into the race.