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.

A first-class running experience in Western North Carolina!
Entry into either the half or marathon
An unforgettable, unique 'boutique-style' race experience from start to finish
Free access to Pre-Race Expo
Complimentary dri-fit event shirt, available in unisex & women's sizes
A unique, custom-designed, commemorative finisher medal
A goody bag
Complimentary shuttle from host hotel (to and from race - $20 value)
Live Music along the course and at the finish
Scenic courses exploring Downtown, the Greenways and the River Arts District in Asheville, NC
Courses fully-marked with route signs and course markings on the road
Interactive course maps to get you prepped for race day
Professionally chip timed race with accurate, live results
Spectator friendly courses
A complimentary beer from New Belgium Brewing to enjoy after those miles!
One-of-a-kind Prizes made locally
Complimentary, high-quality race photos
Skip packet pickup and have your swag shipped! The option to have your race number and shirt shipped before the race is available for purchase during registration.
USATF Sanctioned Event and USATF Certified Courses
Boston Qualifier