Saturday, September 23, 2017 • Asheville, NC • Course Map
One of several races planned over the three-day weekend of running events known as the Asheville Running Experience, the course for the ARX Half Marathon is modeled on the former Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon, which had been held here for more than a dozen years, featuring some big hills and gorgeous stretches along greenway trails.
Runners can not only opt for the 13.1 mile distance, but take part of a 1K fun run, 5K road race, 6K trail race, and an Urban Odyssey event.
For the half marathon — which starts along Coxe Avenue in the area of the city known as South Slope — you’ll have 3.5 hours to complete the out-and-back loop course for the race, whose plentiful rolling hills and elevation changes mean it’s not likely you’ll get a new PR here, but will get to take in lots of gorgeous scenery from the tree-lined streets to the mountains all around.
After leaving the starting line on Coxe, runners head north towards downtown. The course continues into North Asheville and through the Grove Park neighborhood. Runners stay north until approximately mile marker 6 and then begin to start making the loop back. Mile 7 is along Bear Creek Lake and offers a relatively flat section as compared to the rest of the course.
As runners proceed into the 9th mile, they will enjoy a big downhill section that will help them pick up some time before conquering the final hills.
The climb begins just before mile marker 9 and the final 4 miles feature 2 large hills which are sure to be challenging this late in the race. Fortunately, the final mile is mostly downhill and runners can sprint to the finish line along Coxe Avenue.
This course features a total of 9 aid stations along the way and plenty of on-course musical entertainment. First 3 overall and masters winners receive awards as well as the first 3 in each age group. All racers crossing the finish line will receive a customized finisher’s medal.
Race Weather & Climate
At more than 2,000 feet above sea level, Asheville is often noticeably cooler than many other nearby southern cities. But early September can still be quite warm during the day, with highs averaging above 70ºF. Rainfall is pretty consistent year-round here, so come prepared for a rain-or-shine morning.
On race day (Sep. 23), the average low is 53ºF and the average high is 74ºF.
Past Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Asheville Running Experience (ARX) Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
7:30 AM
Fees
- $50Â – $85 for the half marathon
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of Asheville’s ARXÂ Half Marathon race, register online at RaceRoster.com here.
Official Race Website
www.ashevillerunningexperience.com
Facebook Conversations
Ever run in the ARX Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
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