Your In-Depth Guide to Asheville Marathon 2024

Ready to lace up those running shoes and take on a unique challenge? The Asheville Marathon and Half, set in the picturesque heart of North Carolina, presents a remarkable opportunity for runners like you.

As a much-anticipated event in Asheville’s calendar, the Asheville Marathon 2024 is way more than just a race. It’s an all-out celebration of stamina, cultural mix, and that amazing, unbreakable bond shared by the global pack of runners!

The route is a scenic journey through the city’s downtown streets, charming neighborhoods, and the lively River Arts District, ultimately merging into the peaceful French Broad Greenway. Intriguingly, both race courses are USATF certified and the marathon route opens a possibility for qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon!

Feeling a tad anxious about the marathon? No worries! The Asheville Marathon 2024 has got you covered with its fantastic Half Marathon. Here’s your golden ticket to experience all the thrills, team spirit, and stunning vistas that this esteemed event promises, but with a tad less mileage to cover. Whether you choose to conquer the grueling full marathon or ride the wave of adrenaline in the half, gear up for an unforgettable adventure!

So, get ready to smash your personal bests while basking in the awe-inspiring views that the city of Asheville proudly showcases. It’s time to abandon the familiarity of your routine trails and have fun.

Follow along as we unfold the exciting details of the Asheville Marathon and Half 2024.

When is the Asheville Marathon 2024?

Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Asheville Marathon 2024 taking place on March 16, 2024. But the excitement begins a day early on March 15, 2024, when the Race Expo kicks off. This event, where you pick up your bib, sets the stage and gears you up for the marathon.

How Can I Register for the Asheville Marathon?

Registration for the Asheville Marathon 2024 is straightforward and convenient. Interested participants can simply visit the official Asheville Marathon page and click on the ‘register’ tab.

Click here to be a part of the Asheville Marathon 2024.

Registering opens up a world of excitement and thrill waiting for you:

• Admission to choose between the half marathon or full marathon
• A unique, unforgettable ’boutique-style’ race experience from beginning to end
• Included Shuttle Ticket for race day, for your convenience (worth $20)
• Free, high-quality images of your race moments
• Professional timing services for accurate results
• Real-time results
• A distinctive Commemorative Medal for all finishers
• A dri-fit, advanced technical race shirt (available until deadline)
• A complimentary beer to celebrate your achievement post-race!
• Free entry to our Pre-Race Expo
• A swag bag brimming with various fun surprises
• USATF Sanctioned Event with USATF Certified Courses
• Eligibility for Boston Marathon Qualification

Race Expo and Bib Pick Up

Date: Friday, March 15, 2024 – 11 am – 7 pm

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton
115 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

The Health & Fitness Expo brings together a selection of over 25 exhibitors who are showcasing their cutting-edge running gear and nutrition insights. The event presents an excellent opportunity to explore official race merchandise, engage with the running community, and pick up race materials. Good news – this event won’t cost you a penny! Invite your squad or your tribe for a fun day out!

Packet Pickup

This happens at the DoubleTree Hotel during the expo hours. It is possible to collect a race packet for another participant who has already registered, provided you bring along a copy of their registration email indicating explicit permission for you.

Under emergency conditions, bib collection will be facilitated at the Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown (309 College St, Asheville, NC 28801) between the hours of 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM on the day of the race. This facility is strictly designed to cater to emergencies. At this time, only your bib and safety pins will be handed over. Any additional items, such as shirts and goody bags, can be collected at the post-race party. Please manage your time effectively to ensure this. Please be aware that once the race commences, shirt sizes can no longer be guaranteed.

Ship Your Swag

If you’re unable to make it to the Health & Fitness Expo for packet collection, don’t fret! You’ll find an alternative option to have your bib number and shirt delivered straight to your doorstep. If this sounds like a convenient choice for you, and you’ve already registered, you can navigate straight to the race store via this link.

Just remember, this service shuts off at midnight on February 25th. We’ll launch all the packets for delivery about two weeks before race day. Don’t forget that if you misplace your race bib on the day of the competition, a $5 fee will be charged at packet pickup for a replacement. For your convenience, we accept both cash and card payments to simplify the process for the runners.

Exhibitor Information

The Health & Fitness Expo is set to be a hive of activity, with an estimated 2000 participants flocking to this vibrant center. This event showcasing Asheville’s marathon also offers you a rare opportunity to elevate your brand visibility among a diverse pool of runners spanning various corners of the world. Moreover, this event serves as a special pedestal for your business, to introduce new product lines and ignite conversations with potential clients. It’s highly recommended to secure your booth spaces at your earliest as the last date for applications closes on February 29th.

Explore the Route for the Asheville Marathon

The Asheville Marathon & Half are distinctive point-to-point races that treat runners to the splendid sights of Asheville. The start line is situated in the bustling Downtown Asheville, right at Pack Square Park. As participants weave their way through city avenues, they are eventually led north to the revered Montford district. The course pivots sharply downhill into the River Arts District, ensuring that the remainder of the journey runs parallel to the French Broad River. This picturesque stretch encompasses a variety of parks and greenways before reaching the finish line at Karen Cragnolin Greenway Park.

• Asheville Marathon Route
• Half Asheville Marathon Route

Where Can I Watch the Race?

If you’re on the lookout for ideal locations to support your friends or family and take in the excitement of the Asheville Marathon 2024, you’ll find an abundance of options available.

Race Start

This is located in Downtown Asheville at the intersection of Spruce & College. Don’t forget to browse our range of coffee recommendations while you wait for the race to commence.

Cheering Spots

At Mile .7 and Mile 5.5, you can walk a block from the start line to the intersection of College and Market. Once you’ve spotted your runner for the second time, proceed to shuttle #2 at the start.

Midway Points

Participants will loop around Carrier Park Mile 18-18.5 (Marathon) and Mile 11-11.5 (Half Marathon), which is in proximity to the finish area.

Marathoners Double Loop

At Mile 22, spectators will catch a glimpse of marathon runners completing a double loop around Carrier Park.

Approaching the Finish Line

Spectators will have another opportunity to cheer for their runners at Mile 26 (Marathon) and Mile 13 (Half Marathon). This spot is a viable alternative when the finish area is congested, situated between Carrier Park & RiverLink Karen Cragnolin Park.

Finish Area

At RiverLink Karen Cragnolin Park, the finish spot is a quarter mile away from Carrier Park. You’ll notice race celebrations across the street, including food trucks and live music at the Wrong Way Cabins!

Parking for the Asheville Marathon 2024

Starting Point

Parking is accessible at various points around Downtown Asheville. Convenient locations are widely available, particularly near the starting point of the race. To make it simpler for you, we have compiled a list of these parking spots:

• College Street Parking – College St, Asheville, NC, USA
• Pack Square Parking – Pack Square, Asheville, NC, USA

For a live update on parking slot availability in city parking garages, consider visiting the Asheville NC city service portal.

Finish Line Parking

Should you be interested in securing parking close to the finish line, take a look at the following options:

• Carrier Park – Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC, USA. This is situated roughly a quarter-mile from the finish line
• French Broad River Park – Riverview Dr, Asheville, NC, USA. However, the parking here is limited.

Participant Shuttles

(included in race package)

Shuttle Timetable

• Shuttle #1 – From Partner Hotels to Downtown

Shuttle Timing: 5:45am-7am
Departure Point: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore (at the back near Vanderbilt Ave; see map)
Drop-off Point: Marathon & Half Marathon commencement line

• Shuttle #2 – Downtown to Finish Area (for spectators)

Shuttle Time: 8:00AM, 8:30AM, 9:00AM
Departure Point: Start Area (see map)
Drop-off Point: Finish Area

• Shuttle #3 – Finish Area back to Initial Destination

Shuttle Operation: Every half hour from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Departure Point: Finish Area (see map)
Drop-off Point: Downtown Asheville and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville

Spectator Shuttles

(need to be purchased online – $20)

The spectator shuttle offers the perfect opportunity to catch multiple glimpses of your participant without the hassle of parking and road closures. Consider it your ticket to a hassle-free race experience!

Book Nearby Hotels for Post-Marathon Relaxation

Once the marathon concludes, your body and mind will probably be craving relaxation and leisurely pleasure. Take this time as a golden chance to pamper yourself at one of Asheville’s top-tier hotels. These sumptuous accommodations provide not only comforting beds for recuperation but also wellness amenities delivering a comprehensive calming experience. From therapeutic spa facilities to nourishing culinary delights, there’s something specially curated to satisfy your post-run needs.

Refuel in Style: Discover Asheville’s Top Dining Restaurants

After gearing down from the thrill of the Asheville Marathon 2024, reward yourself with some gastronomic delights. The city is brimming with a variety of enticing restaurants that invite you to satisfy any cravings you might have. These culinary establishments are the perfect place to refuel and celebrate your marathon achievement. From comforting Southern dishes to innovative plant-based cuisine, you won’t be disappointed by Asheville’s extraordinary gastronomic scene. So, once your marathon journey concludes, make sure you explore these fantastic dining options to wrap up your marathon experience perfectly.

The Grand Bohemian Asheville Restaurant

Revel in the experience by grabbing a spot around a handcrafted, live-edge wood dining table, or discover their select wine room. Enjoy a signature Sazerac under the soft illumination of wooden candelabras and embedded stag heads, or choose to appreciate a bottle of their premier champagne.

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Craving southern hospitality and delectable cuisine? Dive into a truly Appalachian experience at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar where comfort food meets remarkable service.

This renowned dining spot, with numerous locations around Asheville, draws locals and tourists alike, offering a culinary journey that’s the product of two decades of culinary excellence. Relish the regional delicacies originating from the Carolina mountains, such as tempting fried green tomatoes, delicious buttermilk biscuits, and mouthwatering chicken smothered in gravy.

Plant

Say goodbye to dry veggie burgers and run-of-the-mill vegetable dishes at Plant. This award-winning vegan restaurant earned its accolades from Zagat for revitalizing plant-based dining through the innovative use of select ingredients and diverse culinary techniques.

Feed your stamina with an influx of robust nutrients and delicious flavors. Indulge in mouthwatering treats like Crispy Mushroom Mole and Crusted Seitan Marsala. To top off your meal, take delight in a scrumptious dessert, with the cocoa almond-crusted Peanut butter Cheesecake being an absolute must-try.

Conquer Asheville Marathon 2024

Experience the challenge and thrill of the Asheville Marathon 2024! Each stride taken on the scenic course offers a unique opportunity to test your endurance while relishing the stunning landscapes that Asheville is famous for. Every mile you run contributes to a memorable adventure, not just a race.

Whether you’re an elite athlete hunting for your next big win or a first-timer seeking to push your limits, the Asheville Marathon promises an unforgettable test of grit and determination. Come, be a part of this exciting event, lace up your shoes and let the Asheville Marathon 2024 set the pace for your marathon aspirations.