Local athlete launches French Broad River Half Marathon

WLOS — ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Former Mars Hill University Cross Country and Track & Field athlete, Justin Gragg is living his dream and bringing a new area marathon, just in time for the fall leaf season.

The inaugural French Broad River Half Marathon is scheduled to take place October 22, 2016, in Marshall and will run along the French Broad River for 13.1 miles of flat and scenic views.

"My goal is to provide the most cost efficient and easy half-marathon in Western North Carolina," Says Gragg, "Running is not just a sport but a way to build community and that is my goal with this race."

With over 150 participants already entered, organizers are estimating a total of 350 runners for the event.

The Half Marathon race will begin just south of the French Broad River Camp Ground on (Old Marshall Hwy) and end in historical downtown Marshall North Carolina. The race will run through two different counties both Buncombe and Madison, North Carolina.

Officials say the goal of the event is to bring a race to Western North Carolina that gives runners a chance to utilize the beautiful views of the countryside while running alongside one of the world’s oldest rivers. This race offers one of the fastest courses in Western North Carolina and will award runners for their hard efforts.

The inaugural French Broad River Half-Marathon will start at 8 a.m. Oct. 22 at 115 N Main St., Marshall, 28753. Entry fee is $55 through Aug. 31. Prices increase after that.

All runners receive a T-shirt and there will be cash awards to the top three male and female finishers.

For questions regarding the French Broad River Half Marathon please contact race director Justin Gragg at fbrhalf@gmail.com or (828) 572-9677. For more information, click here to visit their website.