2025 Asheville Marathon & Half. Photo courtesy of Asheville Marathon
The Asheville Marathon & Half, hosted by iDaph Events and sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, is set for Saturday, March 21, with kick-off events beginning on Friday, March 20. Registration is now open for this Boston Marathon qualifier that will include sections now reopened after Hurricane Helene repairs.
Daphne Kirkwood founded iDaph Events in 2011, and the premier race events company puts on 14 running events, three race series and four partner events including the annual Asheville Marathon & Half, which is run on a USATF (USA Track & Field)-certified course and is the only marathon held in Asheville. The course includes North Asheville, Montford, the River Arts District, Carrier Park, Hominy Creek Park, New Belgium Brewing and the city’s greenways.
2025 Asheville Marathon & Half. Photo courtesy of Asheville Marathon
The Race Expo will be held on March 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton, in Biltmore Village. At 1 p.m. there will also be a pre-race shake-out run at New Belgium. The race happens on March 21, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and wrapping up by 2 p.m., with a post-race celebration at New Belgium that includes live music, coffee and food trucks, beer and awards. On average, the race draws 2,500 participants, and last year a third lived within 60 miles of Asheville, says Amy Silvers, iDaph administrative coordinator.
On Sunday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community is invited to participate in the “Plogging” (picking up litter and jogging) event along the race route. Interested participants can sign up on the Asheville Marathon website.
Throughout its 13 years, the race has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local and regional causes. This year’s Premier Charity Partner for the race is United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County (UWABC).
“Whether investing in programs that support the whole child and their development or investing in systems that support our communities’ recovery after Helene, UWABC is committed to creating a community where everyone belongs and thrives,” says says Erika Goffin, associate director of resource development at UWABC. “As the premier Charity Partner for the iconic Asheville Marathon and Half, we have the incredible opportunity to not only lift up the amazing runners, but to educate and raise funds that will rebuild a stronger Asheville-Buncombe.”
For those considering running this year, Kirkwood has some advice. “For first-time half marathoners or marathoners, the best thing you can do between now and March is start building a consistent running routine—nothing fancy, just steady miles several times a week,” she says. “Focus on gradually increasing your long run, adding a little distance every week, and mixing in strength training to keep your body resilient. It’s also a great time to test out shoes, gear, nutrition and hydration so you know what works for you well before race day. And most importantly, stay patient, trust the process and enjoy watching your endurance grow as the race gets closer.”
Find race events, details and registration information, at AshevilleMarathon.com.
