Third Annual Asheville Marathon will once again be at the Biltmore Estate, Sunday March 15th 2015, beginning at 7:30 am. While it is sold out, with 1,400 participants, there is now a wait list and if you don’t get in this year, your wait list number will guarantee you a spot in the 2016 Asheville Marathon.

The 26.2 mile course will take you through the 8,000 acres of the grounds of the Biltmore Estate – on carriage roads both surfaced and uneven, across rolling hills, along the French Broad River, through the vast gardens designed by landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead, and across the vinyards and farmland of the Estate.  The Asheville Marathon is a certified race course as well as a Boston qualifying race (USATF Sanction #14-13-448 and Certification Code #NC14024DF).  Or, if a shorter race is to your taste, enjoy the Half Marathon at 13.1 miles, for its second year in a row.  In addition, this year the Appalachian Distance Series of races has added the Asheville Marathon to its Southeast series (including Asheville, Knoxville, Townsend, Chatanooga and Oak Ridge).

If you are not running, and want to support and watch as a spectator, be sure and read about all the rules and regulations, as there are some unique and specific procedures for entering the Estate (get an early start) and getting through the gate as the event is not open to the public.  Spectators will need to purchase a day ticket for $20 or be an annual passholder in order to get onto the property.  This will give you access to the grounds only, and you may upgrade your day pass to include the inside of the Estate for an additional $9 ($29 includes entry and tour of the inside of the Biltmore Estate).  Spectator Tickets may be purchased on March 14th at the Race Expo from 9am – 7pm at the Double Tree Hotel, or on Race Day beginning at 6:00 am at the Group Sales Office.  Besides enjoying the beauty of the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and the Winery, there will be plenty to do throughout the morning and early afternoon including cheering on your favorite runner(s), food and drinks, music and more.

Runners and spectators, do be aware that the race start is located at the Winery and Antler Hill Village – six miles from the entrance. Because of distance and heavy traffic that morning, it will take an additional 20 – 25 minutes to get to the race start once inside the gate.  If you prefer not to drive in, for an extra $10 jump on a shuttle bus at the Doubletree Hotel and you can get a ride right to the start line.  Be sure and check schedules.

If you are in need lodging nearby, call Oakland Cottage Bed and Breakfast (reservation line: call 9am to 7pm daily, 828 994-2627, for online booking log on to www.vacationinasheville.com, or email anytime: info@vacationinasheville.com) for a more unique stay, and just one mile from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate.