Oktoberfest Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k takes place on October 3, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. Both races start and finish at Hi-Wire Brewing’s River Arts District Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St, Asheville, NC 28801. Both courses are USATF certified. A new course layout was plotted in 2025 after damage to the River Arts District in 2024.
Race details
Distances:
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- 5k
Included with race entry: a finisher medal, a short-sleeved technical T-shirt, a collectible race bib, professional chip timing, and a post-race beverage (Hi-Wire beer - 21+ - or a nonalcoholic option). The event offers costume awards and additional awards targeted at mid-pack finishers.
The event provides a virtual option where race shirts, bibs and finisher medals are mailed the week after the race. Virtual participants are not eligible for age-group or top awards. Group registration discounts apply for groups of five or more registered together.
Policies and support
The event has a no-refund policy; there are no refunds for injury, illness, work conflicts, postponement or cancellation. The listed planned postponement date is October 24, 2026. The Half Marathon course aid has a 3 hour time limit and the 5k course aid has a 1 hour time limit. Sponsors and nonprofit partners include Hi-Wire Brewing and several local charities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
