The 2026 New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half takes runners on a scenic tour of Asheville’s most iconic neighborhoods, downtown streets, and riverside greenways. Both races start on College Street in the heart of downtown, quickly moving into the tree-lined streets of historic North Asheville. Runners will climb through classic neighborhoods along Charlotte Street, Griffing Boulevard, and Kimberly Avenue, passing stately homes and glimpses of the Grove Park area before winding into the rolling, Victorian-lined streets of Montford. The downtown stretch offers a lively mix of city energy and history, weaving past Wall Street, Battery Park Avenue, and Pack Square before heading toward the River Arts District.
The half marathon finishes with a fast, flat run through the River Arts District, passing colorful murals and artist studios before a celebratory finish at New Belgium Brewing. The marathon extends that experience, leading runners deeper into the River Arts District and along miles of the French Broad River Greenway. Scenic river views, peaceful stretches of greenway, and the newly restored sections of greenway damaged by Hurricane Helene bring a mix of serenity and adventure to the second half of the course. Runners pass through the Hominy Creek Greenway and return along the French Broad River Greenway West before finishing at New Belgium Brewing.
The half marathon course remains USATF-certified and unchanged from 2025. The marathon will be recertified and sanctioned before race day as a Boston-qualifying event, and will include refreshed sections now reopened after storm repairs, making this year’s race a true celebration of Asheville’s resilience and beauty.
 Half Marathon Certification Number: NC25004DF |
Please note: The course time limit is 2:00 PM for all participants.
We encourage the seasoned and first time marathoners (including walkers) alike to take part. Our course, water stations and finish line are only open for 6.5 hours. This requires a 14:53 per mile pace.
Strollers/Dogs: Due to limited space on the Greenway and because the roads utilized will be open to traffic, strollers and dogs will not be permitted for the safety of all participants.
Sponsors
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Presenting Sponsor
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Annual Sponsors
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Local Awards Partner
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Corporate Sponsor
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Race Partners
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Accommodations Partners
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