Official Boston Marathon Qualifying Race
“Thank you for giving us a taste of Ashe County. From the post-race bluegrass, the authentic New River medals, and the incredible hospitality, everything was phenomenal and I can’t wait to come back next year!” 2011 New River Marathon runner
“If you’d told me they’d been running this for 20 years, I’d have believed you. Awesome organization. Scenery is unbelievable. Hills are tough: thought I was ready but wasn’t. But that’s a Me problem. Can’t recommend this one highly enough.”2011 New River Marathon runner
“Most beautiful course ever!” 2011 New River Marathon runner
Click here to read other raves about the New River Marathon.
Welcome to the 2012 New River Marathon…
on the banks of the New River
Day/Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Start Times:
Marathon: 7:30 am (6 hour time limit)
USATF Certified: NC -11010-PH
(Walkers welcome in Half Marathon and 5K)
1/2 Marathon: 7:45 am (5.75 hour time limit)
5K: 8:00 am
1-Mile Fun Run: 6:00pm, Friday, May 4
Please refer to the Race Registration tab for Entry Fees and Registration Deadlines or click here 
The New River Marathon’s home is in Ashe County, the Northwestern-most county of North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This video (filmed in January 2011) offers a glimpse of this spectacular course. If you’d like to see more…come runnin’ y’all.
The New River Marathon courses primarily along the banks of the South Fork New River, one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States. Of the 17 miles with pastoral vistas of the New River, 13 miles are along Railroad Grade Road, a North Carolina Scenic Byway. For the 9 miles that wind away from the flat and fast New River Valley, the course offers several short, aggressive climbs, rolling country roads, and a challenging 2-mile section between 15.5 and 17.5 miles (the near 180 degree view at mile 17.5 is breathtaking).
The New River Half-Marathon also courses primarily along the banks of the South Fork New River. The course offers approximately 9 miles of running along the New River. For the 4 miles that wind away from the flat and fast New River Valley, the course offers 2 primary climbs, rolling country roads, and a tour through historic Todd.
The New River 5K may be shorter in distance, but the course is no less spectacular. The first and last miles are along the New River on Railroad Grade Rd. The middle mile is a serene tree covered dirt lane, with a country creek babbling down one side.
The Start/Finish Line is graciously hosted by the family-owned and operated Riverside Restaurant, which sits on the banks of the New River. This National Register of Historic Places building is the former herb and root warehouse for Brownwood and surrounding communities of Todd and Fleetwood. In 2011, they served up the wonderful pre-race lasagna dinner, welcomed race spectators with a generous breakfast buffet, and offered the perfect post-race mountain BBQ, beans, and slaw. We’re expecting much of the same in 2012.
The New River Marathon is organized and directed by Blue Ridge Endurance, LLC.
