The Location
In the Asheville Half, held on the grounds at Biltmore Estate, runners will explore 13.1 miles through America’s largest backyard. The Asheville Marathon halfers will wind through hardwood forests, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the estate. Along the way, runners will pass landmarks including Biltmore House and gardens, America’s largest and most esteemed private residence. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau, perched over 8,000-acres of meticulously-tended gardens, is host to a million visitors a year. To learn more about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.
General Info
The half marathon is run entirely on private property on the scenic grounds of the Biltmore Estate. It will cover the east (mostly paved) side of the Estate. During the event, vehicular traffic will be very limited and controlled. Bib chip timing will be used for the event. Pre-race training on location prior to the event is prohibited since the entire course is on the private property of the Biltmore Estate. All participants must be off the course by 3 1/2 hr time restriction.
The privilege of running around the estate on race day is exclusive to race day only. There is no pre-event course preview or running allowed due to the private nature of the estate and the off-limit areas that our event covers during the events.
Visit our RACE DAY TIMELINE To see the whole schedule for the Asheville Marathon and Half at Biltmore Estate!
Course Description
Like sprockets on a cog, runners will travel round and round at dizzying paces as they make their rounds upon the grounds of this enchanted estate. Participants will take in all manner of breathtaking sights and sounds as they complete loop after loop of the estate and its proximity. Beginning at Antler Hill Village and its many shops and attractions, the first loop will waft exquisite aromas from the kitchens of Deerpark Restaurant into the nostrils of competitors: surely a breath of fresh air to lungs that will no doubt be burning in the miles to come. Next, the course will lead to the site of the world-renowned Biltmore House itself, almost close enough to reach out and touch the doors to the main entrance.
Immediately thereafter, the journey will proceed into the Walled Garden. As the House’s splendid architecture gives way to horticultural marvels, the meandering route winds along the Azalea Garden and lagoon.
With the broad-shouldered French Broad coursing within its nearby banks, there will occur a transition to dirt carriage roads. Here full marathon entrants will head towards the “wild west side” of the estate via a newly built bridge while half marathoners, turn around and finish their final three miles on their way up to the finish area at Antler Village.
Depending on the device you are using, the half marathon has approximately 500 feet elevation change and the full marathon has 1,000 feet of elevation change.
After crossing the finish line, halfers will get to partake in all the festivities and delightful shops at the village. Do you have what it takes to tackle “The Beast of the East” and make this early spring regal gala upon Biltmore your crowning achievement?
Water Stations
Our water stations provide a variety of options and choices to support your race experience and personal preference. We offer gels and electrolyte drinks and many stations will have a selection of fruit and cookies. All stations will have water.
Visit our Water Station page for more information on locations and what each station offers. Vote for your favorite volunteer water station after the race, and select a volunteer group to get crowned as Volunteer Water Station of the Year! More information about the Water Station Contest on our Volunteer Info page.
Spectator Tips
Along the French Broad River, near Antler Hill Village, and at the ‘West Side Bridge’ there will be great spots for family and friends to see the runner several different times during the event. This area will be the designated cheering locations and spectator viewing. For more detailed information, visit our Spectators page.
Photography
Although we have professional photographers on the marathon course, runners are encouraged to bring a camera for special photo opportunities. You won’t want to miss the chance to capture this day with your own memorable photographs. See official photos on our Race Photography page.
Asheville Half Marathon Course Map (not to scale)
Race Expo/Bib Pickup
Friday, March 15, 2024 - 11am-7pm
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 115 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
- You have the option to have your shirt + bib mailed to you before the event so you can skip packet pickup! You can purchase this option from the race store for $15 during registration or from the race store up until February 25th at midnight. Packets will be mailed out approximately 1 1/2 - 2 weeks prior to race day.
Half Marathon
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 7:30 am
Location: Downtown Asheville
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Course Type: Point to Point
Stroller friendly? No
Dogs allowed? No
Bag drop? Yes
Weather: Spring in the mountains means anything can happen. Wear layers!
Marathon
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 7:30am
Location: Downtown Asheville
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Course Type: Point to Point
Stroller friendly? No
Dogs allowed? No
Bag drop? Yes
Weather: Spring in the mountains means anything can happen. Wear layers!
Registration Dates
SPECIAL PRICING March 28th 3pm to April 2nd at midnight
SUPER EARLY April 3rd to September 24th at midnight
EARLY September 25th to Nov 5th at midnight
REGULAR November 6th to January 14th, 2024 at midnight
LATE January 15th to February 25th at midnight
RACE READY February 26th - Race Day
Guaranteed Shirt Size Deadline - February 4
Ship Swag Deadline - Feb 25th
Shuttles
Runners can be shuttled to the start line from either DoubleTree Hotel in Biltmore Village or the Hampton Inn. Shuttle tickets are included in your registration fee, but are only for registered runners. Spectators who want to ride the shuttles need to purchase a ticket from the Race Store. Visit the Transportation page for more info.
Travel Info
Fly Into
Asheville Regional Airport — 25-30 minutes
Greenville Spartanburg International Airport — 1 hr. 15 minutes
Charlotte — 2 hours
Lodging
We recommend looking for lodging at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville or stay next door at the Hampton Inn. These two hotels are the most convenient locations to get a race morning shuttle to and from the race. We are also partnered with Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, if you prefer a more private setting, nestled right on the race course!
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Did you register to participate in-person but can't make it on race day? You don't have to miss out! You can transfer your registration to the virtual event at any point before the start of the race. In the virtual event, you'll run anywhere you like, post your results, and have your swag mailed to you after the event.
TRANSFERS: All participants can transfer into the virtual version of their event up until the start of the event. Email support@idaph.net to request the transfer. There will be no refunds for the price difference between events. Transfers during the week of the event will cost $10 (beginning Monday, March 11th). Transfers between participants are prohibited. Participants who run with another runner's bib will be automatically DQd and bandits will be banned from future iDaph events.
REFUNDS: We have a small, but mighty team that is working on all the details to produce this event safely for you and everyone in our community in attendance. We are incurring the expenses for production well before the day of the event, and we will not be able to provide a refund to you should you want to cancel your registration, or if the event itself has to be cancelled due to a change in the status of the pandemic, weather, an act of god, or other unforeseen circumstance.
DEFERRALS: We do not allow deferrals from race to race. If you're unable to make it on race day, you may switch to the virtual option.
CANCELLATION: In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as an emergency, an act of god, not receiving approval of final event permits, or change in pandemic status resulting in the inability to have the in-person event, we reserve the right to cancel the event and automatically convert all in-person registrations to the virtual option. Should this occur, your swag will be mailed to you for free.