Asheville Half Marathon & 10K/5K

One of the greatest destination half marathons in North Carolina!  Asheville is truly an American treasure and a running destination with great shopping and world-class beer, arts, and dining. Runners will want to sample the many unique breweries, bars and clubs that the city has to offer! Asheville is one of America's most picturesque cities with beautiful homes, mountains and attractions bordering the Blue Ridge Parkway! 

The 13th Annual Asheville Half Marathon - 10k - 5K  begins and ends in Pack Square on August 29, 2026. Starting at 7AM, this course covers some of the best parts of Asheville.  It runs through the Brewery District, then tours the Arts District, and then follows the French Broad River as you head up north to Beaver Lake.  After Beaver Lake you will head past the Grove Park Country Club, then towards Weaver Park, and next to UNCA campus.  Runners will then take Broadway Street back to downtown. Participants will LOVE the challenge of running or walking the hills in Asheville. 

Participants love the challenge of racing through the hills of Asheville at the end of August, one of the best times to visit with great weather, amazing views and beautiful fall colors filling the city.  Yes, that's right...there are hills here.  Ha!

The Asheville Half Marathon will be capped at 2500 participants for the 2026 event.  There will be NO RACE DAY Registration so be sure to sign up early!  ALL registration ends August 28, 2026.

If you're a runner, this is the one to run!

Race Start Times:

The Asheville Half Marathon & 10K, starts and finishes at Pack Square 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801

Saturday, August 29, 2026

7:00 AM – HALF MARATHON & 10K

7:05 AM - 5K

8:30 AM - 11:00 AM AWARDS CEREMONY 

Start/Finish:

Runners and walkers start at 7:00 AM at Pack Square.  You will start and finish uphill...ugh!   We ask everyone to be near the Start Line by 6:45 AM.  You must wear your Bib Number to be allowed on the race course.  DO NOT STOP AT FINISH LINE - KEEP MOVING ONTO PACK SQUARE PARK!

Finish Festival will be in Pack Square Park from 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon.  Join us for entertainment, vendors, food, refreshments and fun to be had by all!

BRING YOUR OWN WATER TO THE START.  We will have water bottles for you AFTER the race.

What do I get for participating?

Besides running in one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast;

• Running Tech Shirt (Half Marathoner - 10K/5K)
• Custom Bibs with your name on it (Half Marathoner - 10K/5K) - must sign up before August 1st
• Incredible Finisher Medals (Half Marathoner - 10K/5K)
• Live Music Entertainment

PACKET PICK UP:

Friday, August 28th, 2026; 2:00PM – 7:00PM

Asheville Brewing Company

77 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

For more information on Packet Pick Up, click HERE

WILL CALL PACKET PICK UP (for those who purchased it only)

Race Day - 6:00am-6:45am

*Located at the Red-ish Asheville Half Marathon Tent in the grass at Pack Square Park.

COURSE:

The 13.1 Asheville Half Marathon and 10K begins and ends in Pack Square and runs through the streets of Asheville and along the French Broad River. Participants will LOVE the challenge of running or walking the hills in Asheville.  If you're a runner, this is the one to run!

Half Marathon Course

COURSE

PACERS:

We are currently looking into getting pacers together.  The pace groups will be 1:35, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, and 2:45.  You do not need to sign up for a group, just show up to the start line and look for the pacer signs.  If you are interested in being a Pacer, please email Ginna at ginnaleereid78@gmail.com

TIMING:

We have partnered with SVE Timing Services to time this year’s event using RM Timing Systems. All Half Marathon and 10K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.  If you have questions with results, please email Scott@svetiming.com

T-SHIRTS:

Every participant will be guaranteed a runners tech shirt that signed up before August 1st. You will have a choice between a men’s or women’s cut shirt. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration.
NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!

VIRTUAL RUNNER:

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!  See Details HERE

DIVISIONS:

Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

AWARDS:

We want to support the local businesses for awards. Top 3 Males and Females Overall in all 3 races will receive awards.  Top 1 Male and Females in all divisions for the half, 10K, and 5k will receive awards. Award gift certificates courtesy of Jus' Running and Fleet Feet - Asheville 

Claiming Awards:

Awards will be given and called out during the awards ceremony around 10am.  We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.

NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.

REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS:

Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.  There will be no deferrals.   You will be able to transfer into the Virtual Event up until August 10th, 2026.

TIME LIMITS:

There is a 3:00 hour time limit in the Half Marathon and a 1:45 time limit in the 10K.  In order to comply with the agreement with the City of Asheville, streets comprising the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.  If you feel unsafe or the police have to leave their post for an emergency, you will be allowed to run on the sidewalks to finish.  Use your own judgement and be safe.

DOGS AND STROLLERS:

While we LOVE dogs and LOVE kids, for your safety Dogs and Strollers will NOT be allowed for this event.

MEDICAL/FIRST AID:

Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the ambulance located very close to the finish line. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well. Any life threatening problems should call 911.

WATER STOPS/PORTOS:

Water and portos will be provided throughout the run roughly every 2 miles.

We will provide a water bottle at the finish line AFTER the race. DO NOT get a water bottle before the race or there will not be any available to the rest of the runners.

Portos will be set up in Pack Square Park at the start/finish area.

WEATHER POLICY:

Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather, there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION:

Many hotels are in walking distance and/or offer shuttles to and from downtown Asheville. The beginning of the race is steps from Pack Square.

Downtown Parking Information

POST RACE EXPO:

DO NOT STOP AT FINISH LINE - KEEP MOVING ONTO PACK SQUARE PARK!

Finish Festival will be in Pack Square Park from 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon.  Join us for entertainment, vendors, food (pre-packaged food for sanitary purposes), refreshments and fun to be had by all!

ENTERTAINMENT:

We are excited to have LIVE music at the Start and Finish line to energize the runners and maintain the fun!

 

 

 

RACE COURSES:

The 13.1 Asheville Half Marathon and 10K/5K begins and ends in Pack Square.  This course covers some of the best parts of Asheville.  It runs through the Brewery District, then tours the Arts District, and then follows the French Broad River as you head up north to Beaver Lake.  After Beaver Lake you will head past the Grove Park Country Club, then towards Weaver Park, and next to UNCA campus.  Runners will then take Broadway Street back to downtown. Participants will LOVE the challenge of running or walking the hills in Asheville.  If you're a runner, this is the one to run! 

Asheville Half Marathon Course

MapMyRun Half Marathon Link

RunGo Half Marathon Link

The Asheville 10K course begins and ends in Pack Square.  The course runs through the Brewery District, then tours the Arts District, and then follows the French Broad River towards UNCA.  Once you get to UNCA, you will take Broadway Street back to downtown.

Asheville 10K Course

MapMyRun 10K Link

Asheville 5K Course

MapMyRun Link

Deferral Policy

You may only defer to and from the same event: 2024 Asheville Half Marathon to 2025 Asheville Half Marathon or the 2024 Asheville 10K to the 2025 Asheville 10K. Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances.  You will only be able to defer once and only for the following year. i.e. 2024 can defer to 2025 but not 2026.

The deadline to defer and claim the previous years deferral is July 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm without paying.  From July 15th to August 20th you can defer for a fee.  After that time you will not be able to defer to the following year. All swag items will have been ordered by that time.

Deferral Fees:
Until July 15th:

Half Marathon – $0
10K - $0

July 15th - August 15th

Half Marathon – $20
10K - $10

No deferrals after August 20th.

For instructions on How to Defer, click HERE

If you do not have a RunSignUp account or registered through Race Roster. You’ll have to go to our race website, Click “Find a Participant” , find your name and click on it, and then “Claim” your entry…follow the steps from there.

Event Transfer Policy

Since the Half Marathoners get additional swag that is pre-ordered, you may only switch from the Half Marathon to the 10K.  You will not be able to switch from the 10K or Virtual Runner to the Half Marathon without paying extra.  If you switch from the Half Marathon to the 10K you will not receive a refund for the difference in pricing.  You can always switch from the regular Half Marathon or 10K to a Virtual Runner.

The deadline to transfer is August 20, 2025 at 11:59 pm

For instructions on How To Transfer, Click HERE

Bib Transfer Policy

You can transfer your bib to someone else or gift it to someone else at no fee as well.  Just log into your RunSignUp account to Bib Exchange.

Refund Policy

There are absolutely NO refunds, even in the event of race cancellation – NO exceptions.

 

HILTON GARDEN INN - $229/night

We have a room block reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown for August 23, 2024 through August 25, 2024. Booking your room is simple, just select "Book a Room" to receive your group's preferred rate.  Experience Asheville’s all-new Hilton property located in the heart of historic downtown Asheville, Pack Square, restaurants, vibrant art galleries, and award-winning craft breweries. From the brick and glass exterior to the scenic rooftop bar, our property showcases the uniqueness of Asheville. Explore the amenities offered including a modern fitness center, outdoor pool and 24-hour business center. Our pet-friendly hotel and exceptional service will help you feel right at home.

Reservations may be made thru the hotel website or by calling hotel direct at 828-255-0001

309 College Street Asheville, NC 28801

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please have attendees use the following reservation links to confirm their room at the special pricing (20% discount).  The pricing is only available through these links.

 

THE GOOD THING featuring Kim Jade

Kim Jade Fry, female bassist, lead vocalist and composer for Kim Jade and The Good Thingfunk/rock band, originally out of DC, is a versatile, energetic and soulful woman with a funky, big band that is electrifying. Kim Jade lays down hard-core bass grooves and sings with big ole soul. This band will keep you grooving all day with their tremendous, old school sound, this show includes the super funky Duane Simpson on guitar, Lance Dresser from Oakland, CA, on the drums, and a solid brass horn section with Asheville’s finest Jonathan Lloyd on trombone (and vocals) and Tim Morgan on trumpet.  

Kim’s YouTube Channel:  

www.youtube.com/thegoodthingdc

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kimjademusic/

High quality audio:

www.Soundcloud.com/thegoodthing

 

 

Packet Pick Up Party Information
August 28, 2026
2 PM - 7 PM

We are very excited to showcase Packet Pick Up hosted by Asheville Brewing Company.

 

Asheville Brewing Company

77 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

You may pick up a packet for someone else!

Participants will pick up their bibs, t-shirt, and any other giveaways during packet pick up.  The Asheville Brewing Company will be open to serve food as early as 4pm but please pick up your packet and stay for awhile.

 

PARKING FOR PACKET PICK UP

There is a large parking garage with over 600 spaces at 40 Coxe Avenue. The entry is off of Sears Alley. There are ample metered spaces along Coxe Avenue.

 

 

If you can not pick up your packet at Asheville Brewing and need to get it on race morning, you can purchase "Will Call" for $10 and we will have it for you at the start/finish line.  You must sign up for Will Call by August 20th, 2026.

Purchase Will Call HERE

 

Parking Lots and Parking Garages

The City of Asheville operates four parking garages (click here for real-time space availability); each is open for public parking 24/7, and offers hourly, daily, and monthly parking.

https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/park-in-a-parking-garage/

Metered Parking

Metered parking is found throughout Asheville’s Central Business District of Downtown Asheville. Parking meters are available for short term parking usage, with a two-hour maximum limit.  The rate for all meters is $1.50 per hour.

https://www.ashevillenc.gov/service/park-on-the-street/

AREA PARKING OPTIONS – all in Asheville NC 28801
 
FREE:
 
Morgan Stanley parking lot
500 College St. (intersection Town Mountain Rd. & College)
No towing
 
Executive Park
100-400 College St.
No towing
 
One Oak Plaza
No towing Sat-Sun
 
Buncombe County Public Parking
Marjorie St next to Police Parking Lot
 
FEE:
 
Buncombe County Services Bldg
35 Woodfin St.
 
College Street Parking Deck
164 College St.  (across from event location)
 
11 Sears Alley Parking Lot
Beside Health & Human Services Bldg, 40 Coxe Ave.
(Across from downtown Post Office)
 
Civic Center Garage (behind Pack Library)
68 Rankin Ave.
 
Rankin Ave Garage
68 Rankin Ave.
 
Pack Square Parking Garage (in Wortham Center for Performing Arts)
26 Biltmore
 
Coxe Ave. Garage
52 Coxe Ave.

 

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!

Run virtually from anywhere across the country.

The Asheville Half Marathon & 10K Virtual Running opportunity allows you to participate in the race remotely!

Virtual Running? What’s that?

The virtual running opportunity allows runners to run the event remotely & still receive your Asheville Half Marathon & 10K Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

What do I have to do to earn my finisher medal, bragging rights, awards, etc.?

Sign up as a Virtual Runner via our registration page & go for a run between August 20 and race day August 29 wherever you are located.

Can I run from anywhere in the world?

Virtual runners can run anywhere in the world, however the Virtual Runner registration fee only includes shipping of your Asheville Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib to an address located in the United States.

What’s the deadline to sign up to be a Virtual Runner?

The Virtual Runner registration will close on August 14! Once online registration is closed, you may NOT sign up to run virtually. If for some reason you are registered to be physically present to run the event and are unable to attend due to a last minute conflict or emergency, we will not be able to mail you your race items.

Who can sign up to run virtually?

Anyone is eligible to sign up to be a Virtual Runner. REGISTER HERE

How do I submit my run?

On August 22nd all registrants for the Virtual Runner will receive email instructions on how to submit their run.  If you do not receive instructions for some reason, you can submit your run to info@sisuevents.com from your Garmin or other running App.  Your run must take place between Aug 20th and August 27th

What kind of SWAG do I get for being a Virtual Runner?

You still receive your Asheville Half Marathon Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Custom Bib in the mail AFTER the event.

Can I still receive an Age Group Award if I’ve earned it based on how fast I complete my course (wherever in the world I may be)?

No; Age Group Awards will only be awarded to those who’ve earned them on site at the Asheville Half Marathon.

I’ve signed up to run the Asheville Half Marathon & 10K in person, but something’s come up–can I run virtually instead?

Yes, but you’d have to transfer in to be a Virtual Runner by August 20th.

I’ve signed up to run virtually, but I’ve decided I want to come to the Asheville Half Marathon on race day to enjoy the festivities. Can I?

Yes, but you must complete the run PRIOR TO AUGUST 29 and bring your race bib. There is no refund of difference of registration fee.

**Virtual Runner t-shirts can be picked up at packet pick up locations or on race day or will be mailed after race day. Virtual Runners will join from their location but are not eligible for timing or prizes at the event. Correct t-shirt size and race t-shirt are only guaranteed if registered by August 1st. 

Water and portos will be provided throughout the run roughly every 2 miles.

We will provide a water and Wildly Charged at each aid station.  Water stop #3 (about halfway through the half marathon) will have JamBars as well.

Your awesome Water Stop Hosts:

#1 - FleetFeet Asheville

#2 - Panashe/Compass

#3 - Asheville Personal Training

#4 - Peak Wellness

#5 - Jus' Running

#6 - Grateful Mindset  Properties

 

5K: T-Shirt

10K: T-Shirt

Virtual Runner - 10K: T-Shirt

Half Marathon: T-Shirt

Virtual Runner - Half Marathon: T-Shirt