If Pheidippides were around today, I’m not sure if I’d want to shake his hand or kick him in the shin. Although the Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens in 490 B.C. to announce a battle victory collapsed dead from the effort, his race lives on as one of the world’s most popular endurance events.

I’ve run a marathon, so I know that feeling of exhaustion. The human body is a remarkable machine, but it’s not a sports car. The day after my marathon, I fell down the stairs when my right thigh simply stopped working.

So thank goodness then for the half marathon, an event that can satisfy just about any endurance athlete and serve as a perfect challenge for the casual runner. Sure, 13.1 miles is a long clip (think Asheville to Swannanoa), but when you break it into digestible chunks—say, four 3.275-mile mini races—it starts to seem manageable. Maybe even fun.

Last year my wife and I ran the Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon. I’m a casual runner, she’s an expert, but we both described the experience as superb. With beautiful views, on- course music, and cheering members of the community members the whole way, it’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best races in the Southeast.

“The reputation of Asheville as an exciting and vibrant city attracts those curious to experience it,” explains race director Greg Duff. “After they’ve been here once, they come back to run again and see something they missed on previous trips.”

The Asheville Half is one of the area’s premier health events. First, the race is presented in partnership with Mission Health System. Proceeds benefit Youths Fit for Life and Energize, YMCA and YWCA programs that help children and their families develop healthier lifestyles.

Second, training for a half marathon is healthy. If you’re looking to kick-start a fitness program or need a reason to start eating better, the Asheville Half is your ticket. In ten weeks of training last year, I shed eight pounds and my cholesterol dropped 12 points. Maybe it was the medicine I was taking, but I credit the lower score to running the Asheville hills.

Another benefit of the half marathon benefit is the chance to bond with a friend or family member. A challenging task is always made easier with a friend, and you’ll appreciate the camaraderie on your early morning training runs. You’ll really appreciate it during the last three miles of the race. (Did I mention the steep climb around mile nine?)

My wife and I had a blast training together last year. We pushed each other to stay motivated, and we literally pushed our young daughter in a stroller on many of our training runs. We’re making the Asheville Half a family affair again this year. We encourage you to grab a friend, spouse, son, daughter, mother, father, aunt, uncle, or coworker and join us!

The 11th Annual Citizen-Times Half Marathon & 5K is September 18. The race cap is 1,500 runners and more than 750 have already signed up. Register online at citizen-times.com. William Tiernan is an author, freelance writer, and web communications consultant.