For the fourth straight year, marathoners from near and afar will converge as they arrive upon Biltmore Estate, ready to traverse 26.2 miles of running love in America’s Largest Backyard. Amidst its hardwood forests, lush meadows, and formal gardens, runners find more than extraordinary views of the French Broad and the scenic estate. More often than not, they find out something about themselves, and their inner desire to overcome. Along the way, runners will pass the landmark Biltmore House and its gardens, America’s largest and most esteemed private residence, as they try to also pass up as much of the competition as possible. The Estate and its 250-room French Renaissance chateau, perched over 8,000-acres of meticulously-tended gardens, is host to a million visitors a year, and three unique running events: the Marathon/Half, Asheville Duathlon events, and Kiwanis Classic 15k/5k races. The marathon is but a single member of this powerful triumvirate of endurance contests held upon the estate, affectionately known as the Royal Trifecta Challenge. By participating in a race from each of these three Biltmore event dates, Trifecta challengers concurrently prove their merits in perseverance and dedicated commitment, and their flexibility as an athlete. Serious competitors from all around the state and the globe know that to overcome these tests of Biltmore is to fulfill a greater calling and a higher standard.
When one runs in and around the Biltmore Estate as a participant in the Asheville Marathon and Half, one strives for more than a high place upon the award podium. Far greater still, you are raising yourself to a higher place in life: a vantage point from which you can better reflect upon all the work you have put in, savor all that you have achieved, and plan your assault upon the next challenge yet to come. Join us, and let your steps be heard!
