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
- 18,121
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 Favorite8720 years running
~2,008 finishers a year
growing or steady
36% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 18 states
winner 1:09:39
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 18,121 finishers actually crossed the line across 20 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
18,121
Median time
2:12:01
Latest turnout
1,121
States
45
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k?
The Ashland Half Marathon & 5k was 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 18,121 runners who have completed the Ashland Half Marathon & 5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
The weekly roundup
More races like Ashland Half Marathon & 5k, every Thursday.
Standout upcoming half marathons and fresh results in one short email. Free, and one click to leave.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Ashland? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
