2025 Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K

As of  Sept. 25, Buncombe County declared a local state of emergency, following Governor Cooper’s state of emergency for North Carolina, as the area prepares for the impacts of Hurricane Helen. The City of Asheville, adhering to best public safety practices, will be diverting resources to storm response. As such, they made the hard decision to cancel permits for events on streets and City-owned property scheduled from Thursday to Sunday. Sadly, this cancellation affects our event as well.

We deeply apologize this event has been cancelled due to the large impact of hurricane Helene on the greater Asheville area, we are very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused

Celebrate autumn, craft beer & running with a half marathon in North Carolina

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO VIRTUAL

The Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5k celebrates the season of hops and malts with a beautiful run along the French Broad River greenway and through the River Arts District in Asheville, North Carolina!  Grab your lederhosen and lace up your running shoes for this great run with picturesque views of the Western North Carolina mountains. Festive costumes encouraged, but not required!

Following the race, runners will toast to their achievement with an Hi-Wire beer for those 21+ in the Hi-Wire Beer Garden in the RAD.

Part of the 2025 Chasing Pints Running Series

Half Marathon Details

The Oktoberfest Half Marathon and 5k, will start and finish the Hi-Wire Beer Garden in the River Arts District neighborhood of Asheville.

The half marathon will begin at 7:30AM. There is a three hour time limit for this Asheville half marathon. Half marathon runners will receive a Hi-Wire beer (21+), race t-shirt, finisher medal, custom race bib, and post race snacks.

Here’s the course description for this Asheville half marathon:

• Mile 1 and 2 is running on road along the French Broad River.
• At Mile 3 runners move onto the Reedy Creek Greenway which skirts the Montford Neighborhood.
• Mile 4 and 5 runners weave through the historic Montford neighborhood.
• Mile 6 run along the Wilma Dykeman Greenway in front of the New Belgium Brewery.
• The remainder of the race is a tour of Asheville’s beautiful greenways that follow the French Broad River.
• The course is majority paved roads with approximately 1/5 mile of dirt path in Carrier Park.

5k Details

The 5k starts at 7:45 a.m. at the Hi-Wire Beer Garden where it also ends. This Asheville 5K is super flat and run mostly on the French Broad River greenway in the River Arts District. Strollers and dogs are allowed, but must start in the back of the group. Walkers are welcome!

View Race Details and Register

VIEW MORE UPCOMING 5K RACES IN NORTH CAROLINA

VIEW MORE UPCOMING HALF MARATHON RACES IN NORTH CAROLINA

VIEW MORE UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

This race is produced by Kick It Events Management, a small family owned business producing outstanding events in Asheville and the surrounding area! Come run with us!