by Daphne | Mar 1, 2022 | Event News
MARCH 2022
NEWS & UPDATES
We can feel it in the air! Spring is on the way and events are coming back to life with mass starts returning and decreased restrictions for outdoor events and gatherings. We are SOOOOO ready to see everyone come out of hibernation and back into the world of races this spring! So get outside and keep moving, it’s time to set your eyes on a goal this year. Pick one (or more!) events and join in on some fun happenings again…
Up next on the calendar:
- Asheville Marathon and Half – Downtown Asheville, NC on Saturday, March 19, 2022
- Coastal Cyclists Spring Century - Charleston, SC on Saturday, April 16, 2022
- Friends of the WNC Nature Center - Running of the Goats - Asheville, NC – April 24, 2022
- Asheville Chamber Challenge - Asheville, NC on Friday, May 6th
- Jump off Rock Half Marathon & 10k p/b Hunter Subaru - Hendersonville, NC – May 14, 2022
Links and more info about each of these events can be found below.
We hope to see you all soon! |
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KEEP MOVING
HERE’S A GOAL FOR 2022!
Here’s how it works:
- If you register for at least 3 of our 4 half marathons in 2022, you’ll get an awesome extra medal after the last one!
- The deadline to be registered for at least 3 of the races is July 10th at midnight so we have time to order the medals.
- Medals will be given out at the 2022 Black Bear Half Marathon event. If you can’t make it to that event, medals will be available for local pickup at Fleet Feet Asheville or shipped to you for $10.
- There are 200 spots available for the 2022 trilogy.
Here are the 4 eligible events to choose from. As long as you are registered for at least 3 of them by July 10th at midnight, you’ll get your extra medal!
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Asheville Marathon & Half Marathon
Celebrating 10 years!
Downtown, Asheville, NC
Saturday, March 19, 2022
18 DAYS!
USATF course certification pending! Yay!
The Asheville Marathon & Half run through the best parts of the City of Asheville, North Carolina. Including downtown city streets, River Arts District, along the French Broad River, and through the park for this city-style, point-to-point race. These fast races are a dream come true for runners looking to get a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The majority of the miles are downhill from downtown and ‘flat’ running along the river on the greenway and through the city parks. Endurance runners will have an opportunity to ‘break in’ the brand new section of the newly completed greenway section of the French Broad River Greenway on Riverside Drive and Lyman Street. Runners are on mostly paved surfaces throughout the entire event with a few dirt sections within the French Broad River Park.
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Jump off Rock Half Marathon & 10K
p/b Hunter Subaru + Pardee Health Care
Hendersonville, NC
May 14, 2022
We are so excited about the 2nd Annual Jump off Rock Half Marathon and 10k presented by Hunter Subaru and Pardee. Both events are point-to-point, style races. The half marathon begins at Jump off Rock, a national landmark and the Town of Laurel Park’s highest peak, and finishes in the heart of downtown Hendersonville on Main Street. This gently downhill and scenic 13.1-mile course is not only fast, but it also has breathtaking views. The 10k starts at the Hendersonville YMCA and joins in on the half marathon course and runs around Hendersonville’s Osceola Lake. Both races finish in the heart of Downtown Hendersonville on Main Street. The point-to-point races and the scenic course are sure to bring PRs and mountain memories to last a lifetime.
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*INAUGURAL* RAD Half Marathon & 10K
Asheville, NC
Sunday, June 12, 2022
USATF COURSE CERTIFICATION PAPERWORK HAS BEEN SUBMITTED!
The brand new RAD Half Marathon & 10K will run through the best parts of the City of Asheville. Including downtown city streets, River Arts District, along the French Broad River, and through the parks for this city-style, point-to-point race. This fast race is a dream come true for runners looking to get a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The majority of the miles are ‘flat’ running along the river on the greenway and through the city parks. Endurance runners will have an opportunity to ‘break in’ the brand new section of the newly completed greenway section of the French Broad River Greenway on Riverside Drive and Lyman Street. Runners will be on mostly paved surfaces throughout the entirety event with a few dirt sections within the French Broad River Park.
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Hendersonville Triathlon
Patton Park, Hendersonville, NC
Sunday, June 26, 2022
The Third Annual Hendersonville Triathlon presented by Hunter Subaru will take place at Patton Park in Hendersonville, NC! Patton Pool is operated by the YMCA of WNC in Hendersonville and Patton Park is operated by the City of Hendersonville. The triathlon event consists of a 400m pool swim, 12.5-mile bike, and a 5k run! The run will take place on the beautiful, flat, and scenic Oklawaha Greenway. The bike course will be on rolling, rural roads in Henderson County and City limits.
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Asheville Triathlon
Recreation Park, Asheville, NC
Sunday, July 17, 2022
The Asheville Triathlon course is a super event for every level of triathlete, from novice to elites. Novice + Beginner tri-athletes love this race! The pool swim is great for new swimmers & the run is a flat, and easy to navigate. Elite athletes – get ready for a PR! This race is fast and is a huge hit among local elites. The time trial swim start in a 50m pool allows swimmers to spread out. The bike leg is flat the first couple miles, so get down in your aero bars and push it. The middle section has some steep hills just get outta the saddle and roll over ’em! There are several downhill sections that are smokin’ fast! Many elites have PR’d during the 5k run, bring your racing flats!
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Asheville Off Road Series
Ride Kanuga, Hendersonville, NC
Sunday, September 18, 2022
REGISTRATION OPENING ON THURSDAY, MARCH 3rd at 3PM
The AORS (Asheville Off Road Series) consists of two main events: Asheville Duathlon (run/bike/run) and two Gravel Grinder Bike events. Each of these events gives a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts the ability to explore either by foot or by two wheels the Western North Carolina trails, gravel roads and scenic country paved roads. With so many different options, it’s a great event for beginners and intense competitors alike!
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Black Bear Half Marathon
presented by Hunter Subaru
Hendersonville, NC
Sunday, October 9, 2022
The in-person half marathon and 8k both wind through Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville) on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. There is also a Virtual Half Marathon and 8k running option for runners not able to attend the in-person event.
The Black Bear Half presented by Hunter Subaru and 8k both offer a scenic, mostly flat course along the Oklawaha Greenway. The Half Marathon has less than 400 feet of elevation gain and a socially distanced setup, so you won’t want to miss it!
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Trick or Trail 5k
presented by Hunter Subaru
Dupont State Forest, Hendersonville, NC
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Runners at the Annual Trick or Trail 5k presented by Hunter Subaru get to once again experience the beauty of DuPont State Forest in a unique nighttime racing format. The Trick or Trail is a family favorite event with costumes, spooky decorations, and lots of great candy, snacks, and food!
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| UP FOR A CHALLENGE?!
JOIN US FOR THE *NEW* HOLIDAY HUSTLE TRILOGY
Participate in the South Asheville Turkey Trot, Ugly Sweater Run, and New Years Resolution Run 2023, and get an extra medal! We want to keep you motivated to stay active through the holiday season and even better celebrate the best way we know, how, with a run! |
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South Asheville Turkey Trot
presented by Hunter Subaru
Biltmore Park, Asheville, NC
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Thanksgiving is the largest running holiday with families all over the country! Turkey Trots are a great way to start the day. Join us at Biltmore Park Town Square and enjoy some fresh air and exercise before gathering around the table for your Thanksgiving feast! You’ll share miles and smiles with your family and friends as part of this fun, annual tradition.
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Ugly Sweater Run
presented by Hunter Subaru
The Riveter, Mills River, NC
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Run 5K and 10K presented by Hunter Subaru. The race is set for Saturday, December 3rd at the Riveter in Mills River, NC! Ugly Sweaters and holiday cheer are strongly encouraged!
The races include something for everyone! A 5k, and a 10k (double loop)! Everyone gets a cozy, ugly-sweater t-shirt, a Hunter Subaru swag bag, and a finisher Christmas ornament! All levels and abilities are welcome! Run a relaxed pace and take selfies, OR run your heart out and try to get a personal best!
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New Year’s Resolution Run
Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
January 1, 2023
The Annual New Year’s Resolution Run in downtown Asheville will be on January 1, 2023. Plan to kick off 2023 on the right foot and celebrate with what we love to do most: RUN! This event starts at a reasonable 10:00 am and offers a 5K and 10K distance. We welcome families and participants of all ages to come run or crawl their way to completing their first resolution! Bring warm layers of clothes, tie up your running shoes, and get ready to ‘run into’ 2023! |
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2022 Community Partner Events
Spring Century Ride, Charleston, SC - Sunday, April 16, 2022 – Register
Running of the Goats 5K, Asheville, NC - Sunday, April 24, 2022 – Register
Asheville Chamber Challenge — Friday, May 6, 2022 – Register
WNC Flyer, Brevard, NC — Sunday, June 5, 2022 – Register
Strutt your Mutt, Fletcher, NC — Saturday, June 18, 2022 – Register
Apple Festival Races, Hendersonville, NC — Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022
Tour d’Apple, Hendersonville, NC — Monday, September 5, 2022
Jingle Jog, Hendersonville, NC — Saturday, December 17, 2022
Events are in the process of permits and final approvals. Dates and locations are subject to change. Additional new partner events will be added for 2022, stay tuned! |
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by Allison | Mar 20, 2021 | Asheville Marathon and Half, Event News, iDaph Owned Events, In the News
iDaph Asheville Half Marathon
Congrats to all Finishers on your Achievement
It was a beautiful race day and all of you runners did an incredible job on the Special edition Downtown Asheville Course. We are so proud of all you and appreciate your support! Remember to tag us in race photos at @idaphevents and @avlmarathon!
HALF MARATHON OVERALL RESULTS (searchable)
Special Edition Asheville Half Marathon Results by Age Group
Questions? Contact support@idaph.net.
by Allison | Mar 20, 2021
13.1 MILES OF CITY SCENERY
Relocated to Downtown Asheville for 2021
RUN 13.1 x 3
We are thrilled to launch the new 13.1 x 3 series for 2021, the Appalachian Trilogy!
Sign up for the Asheville Half Marathon (March 20), Jump off Rock Half Marathon (May 8) & Black Bear Half Marathon (Oct. 9), and receive a gorgeous gold commemorative, Appalachian Trilogy medal. We will also have some super, cool swag to go along with this new challenge to keep you motivated to train all year long!
The 9th Annual Asheville Marathon and Half typically held at Biltmore Estate, will take place as a Half Marathon only on Saturday, March 20, 2021 in downtown Asheville. The Special Edition, 2021 Asheville Half Marathon is relocated for one year only to downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The Asheville Marathon & Half will plan to return to Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC for the 10th Annual event in 2022. Participants will help bring the economy roaring back with a safe, organized, fun and city-style running event in downtown Asheville, NC.
Due to COVID-19, guidelines are being put in place to provide a safe and socially distanced event for our runners, volunteers, and staff, which is why the Marathon and Challenge events will not take place at the 2021 event. The event is capped at 800 participants and will include wave starts. We expect this event to sell out before race day.
Registration will open on Thursday, January 27th for the 2020 participants and then will open on January 28th to the general public.
Start your 2021 Asheville Half Marathon in downtown Asheville Pack Square and run through the best parts of the city. Including downtown city streets, River Arts District, along the French Broad river and through the park for this city-style, 13.1 race. This fast, half marathon is a dream come true for runners looking to get a personal best in the mountains of Western North Carolina. With only 477 feet of elevation gain and 487 feet of elevation loss, runners will get a short sampling of downtown hills at the beginning and end of the race, but the majority of the miles are ‘flat’ running along the river on the greenway and through the city parks.
Endurance runners will have an opportunity to ‘break in’ the brand new section of the newly completed greenway section of the French Broad River Greenway on Riverside Drive and Lyman Street.This is the first race in downtown Asheville to explore these new greenways during a race.
Runners will be on mostly paved surfaces throughout the entirety event with a few dirt sections within the French Broad River Park.
Race Details:
Course time limit is 12:30pm.
Start Times:
Half Marathon
Rolling wave starts 7:30 am until 9:10 am.
Runners will sign up for a wave start time when registering. We highly encourage runners/walkers that want to enjoy the scenery and take their time during the race to start in the first or second wave to make the time cutoff.
Half Marathon is capped at 800 runners.
Course Type: Half Marathon, majority is paved, the scenic downtown course weaves through downtown into the River Arts District and along the French Broad River and back into downtown Asheville.
Stroller friendly? Yes
Dogs allowed? Yes
Registration Periods & Pricing
Regular: January 27- March 13
Late: March 14 -March 19
Virtual Race
For runners not able to attend in person, the virtual race is a good option to achieve a goal, and run the miles on your own, wherever and whenever you want. All virtual runners will receive a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal.
What is included with your race entry:
• A first-class running experience in the late spring in Western North Carolina!
• An in person, safe and socially-distanced race with rolling, wave starts
• A scenic, (mostly) flat course in Downtown Asheville.
• Course fully-marked with route signs and course markings on the road.
• Course preview video and course maps to get you prepped for race day.
• Chip-timing for accurate results
• Access to our community of runners in our Strava Group.
• Spectator friendly courses
Super-cool swag including:
• Unique Special Edition Finisher Medal
• Super comfy, custom-designed t-shirt
• Asheville Half Marathon Buff
• Goody Bag
Awesome post event food and treats:
• More info coming soon!
“Everything about this race was top-notch. The information sent out, the organization, and the fantastic demeanor of the staff and volunteers all exceeded expectations. The course is tough, but it is a gorgeous run that’ll have your head on a swivel. This is definitely a must-run race!”
– Crystal Roger Owens, Asheville Marathon & Half Participant
by Daphne | Jan 6, 2021 | Asheville Marathon and Half, Event News
This morning, while in the final stages of preparing for registration to open tonight at midnight, we received word that the Asheville Marathon and Half will not receive the necessary final approvals to take place at the Biltmore Estate on March 20th, 2021.
This morning’s news came as a complete shock, and we genuinely empathize with the disappointment of everyone who has already dedicated hard work and planning in preparation for the half this year. Believe us; we feel that exact pain ourselves. Since receiving the news, we have opened conversations with the City of Asheville to determine a possible new location for the event on the same date.
Our small team has worked tirelessly this past year to rethink and reimagine all our events to fit the current state of the world. We’ve put every aspect of the event planning process under the microscope to find ways to implement health and safety measures for our participants, and we can proudly say that that process has led to some of our most successful and innovative events to date. While we have created a recipe for success under the weight of increasing guidelines, the reality of planning events during a pandemic is that the process is unpredictable and challenging. However, we’re willing to take on that challenge because of our passionate commitment to our Asheville Marathon community.
Just as you all need in-person events to look forward to and train for, we need the support of our community of runners so we can continue to bring race experience events to our community. We are truly in this together with you, and this loss is a tough pill to swallow for all of us.
But, there’s no time for us to wallow in self-pity… We’ve got work to do!
While the task of relocating this event is not an easy one, we have successfully gone through that process multiple times this year, and we’re confident that we can do it again. We do foresee this event taking place on the Biltmore Estate again in the future.
We already have a packed calendar of safe, socially-distanced events for 2021, and this new development has only made us hungrier for more. We are dedicating our time to improving our current events and creating new ones to fill the void left behind by this event. Please, stay tuned for more progress, announcements, and excitement in the weeks to come.
As always, you can reach us at support@idaph.net for any questions, comments, or concerns, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.
UPDATE 1/8/2021:
While we are still reeling from the race not being able to happen at the estate for 2021, we are feeling hopeful and are cautiously getting excited. We have some solid plans coming together with the City of Asheville to relocate the Asheville Half Marathon to the downtown area for March 20, 2021. Keep sending all your good juju and vibes that we can still run together at a new spot in March. We are keeping all our fingers and toes crossed!
Keep those hotel rooms booked for now and keep dreaming of running an awesome, in person, safe half marathon in March. Paperwork and maps have been submitted and we should have the info we need later next week in order to keep moving forward with this event at the new location. In the meantime, get outside and keep running!
by Allison | Mar 26, 2020 | Event News, iDaph Owned Events
Only a week before the event was scheduled to take place, the Asheville Marathon and Half at Biltmore Estate was cancelled due to concerns of spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus and the official proclamation by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County and the State of North Carolina prohibiting any organized group of 100+ persons to assemble. The event was set for March 21 and 22, 2020, and we ran a virtual run in its place.
To say we were disappointed we had to cancel is an understatement. We had almost 2,500 runners signed up; it’s our largest and most expensive event of the year, and a major revenue generator for our business. With runners coming from nearly all 50 states, we knew our participants had made many personal sacrifices and trained on average 4-6 months for these endurance events. This was a one-of-a-kind, bucket list weekend experience for so many of them, and we knew they were deeply disappointed that we had to cancel a little over a week before the event.
At first, we were skeptical about having a virtual run in its place - especially with all of the negative feedback we were getting regarding the sudden and unexpected cancellation.
Then, something amazing happened: 415 runners joined our Asheville Marathon and Half Virtual Run. They ran their full marathons, half marathons and challenge distances all on their own or with friends and family, and photos from all over the U.S. were being posted in Strava. We received photos from an almost empty New York City. Snowy trails from Arkansas. Chalk-colored sidewalks from children who cheered on their mom’s and dad’s. Home-made medals.
These runners had been training hard every week for the past several months to run this event in Asheville; they weren’t going to let a virus stop them from achieving their goals.
Tina Addison from Virginia wrote: “Never done a Half one day and then a Full…Definitely a challenge, but that’s what makes you stronger.. Anne made me my medals. Priceless.”
Bruce Nelson from Arkansas wrote: “It sure was a beautiful spring day here in Eagle River, AK for a virtual 1/2 marathon. The trails at Biltmore may have been more inviting but what the heck, adaptability is the key. Thanks to everyone who joined in and we’ll see you on the trails of Asheville when the dust settles.”
This year’s Asheville Marathon and Half was also a fundraiser for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, so for many of our participants this virtual run was a major step in their journey to help find a cure for cancer.
Shirley Mei from New York City, who was running to raise money for cancer through Team in Training, posted: “Not the Backyard To Vineyard Challenge I wanted but I had fun exploring all the New York tourist spots I usually avoid now that the tourists are all gone. After my coach’s warning about weakened immune system after running super long distances and thus would put myself at higher risk for Coronavirus, I made the tough decision it’s wiser I ran the half last weekend and full this weekend instead running both within same weekend. Anyway, most important is I signed up for this race with Team In Training and fundraised for a cure to cancer. The miles are meaningful but the funds raised mean even more. Go Team.”
Finn Rigsbee, a Patton High School senior in Morganton, NC, was all set to join the Asheville Marathon and Half when it was cancelled. Instead of giving up on his goal, however, he ran his 26.2 mile race all on his own — his girlfriend riding her bike behind him the whole way, offering encouragement and support. Click here for the article.
Race Director Daphne Kirkwood, who was diagnosed with lymphoma nearly two years ago, was so inspired by all of the posts, she ran a half marathon on her own - her first one since her cancer diagnosis. She captured most of the run on her iPhone, sharing encouraging words along the way.
“I ran in solidarity today with all the virtual runners participating in the Asheville Marathon,” said Daphne. “Despite the race being cancelled due to COVID19, the energy, love and spirit of the runners is alive and strong! I felt it and 2 miles into my morning run I knew that running a half marathon today, with all of these runners was what I wanted to do.I have been consistent with my running routine since I was diagnosed with lymphoma almost two years ago. But I haven’t run over 9 miles since then. What your mind believes, it can achieve.”
The coronavirus has forced us to come up with creative and out-the-box options for runners, and it has been heartening for our iDaph team to see how people adapt and make the best of these trying times.
“Today I celebrate with all of you, we are all together in this,” Daphne said. “Running will help us through this tough time we are all in. Keep running. Keep hope. Keep believing. Keep loving.”
About Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate
The Asheville Marathon began 8 years ago with only a marathon option, which sold out quickly in its first year, and again the next year. A nationwide interest in half marathons was becoming popular, so for the 3rd year a half marathon option was added. In the 4th year, the event expanded to two days of races and a half marathon on each day. To add a twist in the 5th year the Backyard to Vineyard Challenge was created, where participants race in the Saturday half and Sunday full. The challenge was very popular and for the 6th anniversary, Backyard to Backyard Challenge was added, where participants run both the Saturday half and the Sunday half.
The Asheville Marathon & Half at Biltmore Estate is held on and run entirely on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, where runners will wind through paved and packed dirt roads to see hardwood forest, meadows, gardens, and extraordinary views of the Biltmore House and Estate. This is the original Asheville Marathon and first race of its kind to come to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. You can follow our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
