Saturday, November 7, 2015 • Murphy, NC • Course Map
Surrounded by the green, tree-covered mountains of western North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest, which spans more than 530,000 acres here in the state’s rugged western corner near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the small city of Murphy plays host to the annual Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon & 5K, which saw just under 100 runners cross the finish line in 2014 in both races combined.
The race takes runners on what is roughly an out-and-back loop course through both this small city in the river valley where the Hiawassee and Valley Rivers converge, and the backroads that roam the hills north of town and feature some of the race’s hilliest stretches.
From the starting line at Konaheta Park near downtown — where the baseball fields lie along the banks of the Valley River — runners head out by turning right onto Connahetta Street and then left onto Hill Street, which begins a stretch that takes them into downtown and across bridges over both rivers.
Passing by the shops, restaurants, banks and local government buildings that line the streets of this town of roughly 1,600 residents, runners make what could be described as a figure-eight route through the city before turning onto Regal Road, where they begin a long straightaway stretch that takes them north from town toward the mountains. The course climbs some between the mile 4 and mile 5 markers, and then continues with rolling hills over the next several miles, all the way north to the turn near Tomotla Baptist Church.
Runners next make the turn to head south along Tomotla Road, passing by the green river valley on their left as they head south back toward the city. The next few miles meander along the roadway, roughly in parallel with the river, as the course heads over to Pleasant Valley Road, and then leads in to the race finish line at the Hiwassee Valley Pool & Wellness Center on Connahetta Street, just a stone’s throw from where the race started at Konaheta Park.
The half marathon is a USA Track & Field certified course, and runners will finish the race in the parking lot of the Hiawassee Wellness Center.
Race Weather & Climate
Nestled near the confluence of the Valley and Hiawassee Rivers in the westernmost corner of North Carolina, roughly 110 miles southwest of Asheville, Murphy typically sees November temperatures that average between 34°F and 61°F, while precipitation amounts average just under 4.6 inches for the month.
On race day (Nov. 7), the average low is 38ºF and the average high is 67ºF.
Past Results
- 2014 Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
8:00 AM
Fees
- $45
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2015 running of the Kickin’ Asphalt Half Marathon & 5K, register online at Active.com here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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