Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
Ashland Half Marathon & 5k offers a charming small-town Virginia experience with a fast course.
Race Date
Aug 29, 2026
Location
Ashland, VA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Location
- Ashland, Virginia
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 17,000
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Ashland, Virginia, known as "The Center of the Universe," welcomes runners to its colorful community for a summer half marathon and 5k. This race offers a genuine small-town escape, complete with historic homes and a bustling downtown.
The USATF-certified course is designed for speed, featuring a net drop and minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Runners will experience a point-to-point journey through the quaint streets, with the unique possibility of running alongside a passing train.
With 19 editions on record and a growing field that recently saw around 2,000 finishers, the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k has cultivated a loyal following, with about a third of participants returning each year. Runners from approximately 24 states have discovered this charming event, drawn by its local flavor and fast, scenic route.
Race-provided description
All aboard for summer's hottest half marathon & 5k! If you’ve never been to Ashland, Virginia look no further than the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k to find yourself soaking in every ounce of the colorful town! Dubbed "The Center of the Universe", this quaint community has historic homes, a bustling downtown, and delicious restaurants and breweries. Each course promises an escape to small-town Virginia and the chance to run alongside a passing train. All aboard because this is one race you can’t miss!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Technical Shirt (Unisex Tee or Ladies Tank)
Start Location
Henry Clay & Center Street, Ashland, VA, 23005
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
VA22022RT · Ashland Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8819 years running
~1,658 finishers a year
growing or steady
33% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 24 states
winner 1:10:23
typical high 87°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
68°
Afternoon (High)
87°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 17,000 finishers actually crossed the line across 19 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
17,000
Median time
2:09:04
Latest turnout
1,004
States
45
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k?
The Ashland Half Marathon & 5k is held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k take place?
It takes place in Ashland, Virginia.
What distances does the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k course flat and good for a PR?
The Ashland Half Marathon & 5k is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 17,000 runners who have completed the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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