By Paul Laviska, a 2016 Asheville Marathon Ambassador
As a runner, what m
akes you decide to run a race? Have you ever thought about it and really nailed down an answer? Is it all about the location? The price? The size of the event? The perks/swag? Medal? Runner reviews?
It may be a total combination of all of the above, but the best way to decide on a race is runner experiences. There are so many “review websites” out there, including Marathon Guide, BibRave, Running in the USA, and so many more both domestic and international sites. You can even find most races now have their own Facebook page, and quotes from previous runners on their websites.
As a two time runner of this brilliant race here in my home state of North Carolina, I wanted to share some quotes, sort of the “what people are saying” about the Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate. I reached out to previous runners of the event on the events Facebook page, and heard some interesting and positive remarks.
Sheri Manley Gewelke – “I love running in the vineyards and all the tranquility of the Biltmore grounds of the Full Marathon….. and the sweet, happy spirits of all of the willing volunteers at the aid stations… and the swag from the race is first class, the monogrammed blanket is such a keepsake.”
Silvia Henry says, “One of my favorite parts of this marathon is taking the left on the bridge crossing over the river onto the west side of the estate. I have run this marathon three times and make it a point every time to slow down and take a second to enjoy it. It’s so peaceful and gorgeous!”
“I love seeing the Biltmore Estate off in the distance and pretending to wave at the Vanderbilt family as they allow me to run on their beautiful private grounds” – Kay Ziemer
To quote a runner who hasn’t yet run this race, Courtney Sobieski Sklenar says, “I’ve never run this race before, or even been to Asheville for that matter. I’m so grateful that my third half marathon ever will be at such a gorgeous location, and that I get to experience this course with people from all around the United States. I can’t wait for March to get here!”
Crystal Rabiipour Shirk says, “I know some people would call me crazy, but that one and a half mile hill at mile three is one of the things I look forward to the most in the race. It’s the challenge of it, and then being rewarded by running right up to the Biltmore House, through the gardens and around the Bass Pond”.
As a previou
s runner of both the Half and Full marathons, I can tell you that there are views galore along the race route. The entire race is run exclusively on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Beauty and history await your arrival at the Asheville Marathon!