Looking for the perfect escape to small-town Virginia? Look no further than the Ashland Half Marathon & 5K! Nestled in the charming town of Ashland, known fondly as "The Center of the Universe," this event offers the perfect blend of historic beauty, vibrant community, and exhilarating racing.
Experience the Race
Whether you’re lacing up for the half marathon or the 5K, each course takes you on a scenic journey through Ashland’s picturesque streets, past historic homes, and even alongside a passing train. It’s a race where every step brings you closer to the heart of this colorful town.
Hydration and Nutrition
With bottle refill stations featuring Diamond Springs water and sports drinks at miles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, plus energy gels, you'll stay fueled and hydrated throughout the race. Remember, the Ashland Half Marathon is a cupless event, so bring your own hydration system!Comfort and Saftey
Port-o-johns are conveniently located at the Start/Finish area and near water stops, ensuring comfort. Plus, top-notch medical support will be on hand to keep everyone safe.Post-Race Celebration
After crossing the finish line, enjoy a well-deserved celebration with pre-packaged food and drinks.
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 23
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Packet pick-up at the Richmond Road Runners Club Office (2219 Tomlynn St, Richmond, VA 23230
Saturday, August 24
5:45 – 6:30 a.m. Packet pick-up at the Start/Finish area (corner of North Center Street and Henry Clay Road)
6:30 a.m.: Ashland Half Marathon begins
7:05 a.m.: Ashland 5K begins
10:00 a.m.: Courses close
Don’t forget! The half marathon course will reopen as the last participant passes each checkpoint.
Stick Around for the Fun!
After you’ve crossed the finish line, don’t rush off! Ashland has a host of activities to keep the good times rolling:
Ashland Farmers Market
Starting at 9 AM, the Ashland Farmers Market displays a selection of everything from fresh produce to local honey, explore the market while enjoying a concert by the Windbags. All products are grown, baked, or made within a 30-mile radius, offering a true taste of local flavor.At 9 AM - 12 PM Bravo Bakeshop gets a sweet start to the day popping up with their breakfast pastries at Caravatis Architectural Salvage.
Ashland's farm-to-fork restaurants open by 11 AM. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, sports bar fare, Mexican cuisine, or Italian dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Family-friendly dining meets stone-fired flavor! Enjoy artisan pizzas, sandwiches, and fun cocktails in a cozy downtown setting.
📍107 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-800-9096
🌐 Visit site
A staple in Downtown Ashland, Ashland Meat Company offers farm-to-table provisions, regional meats, deli platters, and gourmet groceries. Whether you're planning a picnic or stocking your pantry with local flavors, this specialty grocer brings high-quality, fresh food to the heart of town.
📍107 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-8311
🌐 ashlandmeatco.com
Savor authentic Thai cuisine made fresh to order. Ban Thai offers homestyle favorites, bold flavors, and convenient takeout and delivery options.
📍124-B Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-299-3644
🌐 Vist site
Located along the railroad tracks, The Caboose features farm-to-table dining, a curated wine and craft beer selection, and local artisanal goods. A go-to spot for lunch, coffee, or gathering with friends in Downtown Ashland.
📍108 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-2933
🌐 cabooseashland.com
Dream big, eat well. Today's goals start with a tasty breakfast. Open daily from 8 AM - 2 PM.
100 N Railroad Ave,
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 368-8671
Enjoy flavorful Mexican-American dishes in a warm, family-friendly setting. Locals rave about the signature margaritas and sangria!
📍428 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-496-6796
🌐 Visit Site
Classic coffee, tea, books, and their shots rock!
112 Thompson St
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 847-8747
Step into the warmth, charm, and hospitality of The Henry Clay Inn — a Georgian-style Inn located right in the heart of historic downtown Ashland. Weddings, meetings, and private events hosted on the premises. Dining room serves full menu Thursday through Monday.
114 N. Railroad Ave
Ashland, Virginia
(804) 798-3100
henryclayinn.com
A beloved Ashland lunch spot known for fresh fare, boxed lunches, catering, gift baskets, homemade breads, and bakery treats—made from scratch with love.
📍102 N Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-8331
🌐 homemadesbysuzanne.com
With 50 TVs, pool tables, live music on weekends, and a menu full of all-American favorites, Huddle Up is your go-to game day (or any day) hangout spot.
📍407 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-5979
🌐 huddleupsportsbar.com
A local icon serving upscale Southern cuisine with a front-row view of the railroad. This two-story landmark offers unforgettable meals, historic charm, and live train views.
📍100 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-752-6410
🌐 ironhorserestaurant.com
Delicious Italian dishes made from scratch—think gourmet pizzas, hearty pastas, steaks, and seafood. A family favorite with full bar service.
📍435 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-368-7204
🌐 Visit site
Restaurant featuring Southern Comfortable food, drinks, and atmosphere. Specializing in barbecue, brisket and smoked chicken freshly prepared on premises. Private parties and special event catering available.
511 Thompson St
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-3287
jakesplaceashland.com
Treat yourself to their mouthwatering fresh, warm tortillas, delightful international candies, and heavenly pastries. Make every day a party when you stock up on groceries, colorful piñatas and festive party supplies!
Don’t miss their highly acclaimed food truck, serving authentic Mexican dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico.
109A S Washington Hwy
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 299-3667
Origin is a sister company of Center of the Universe Brewing Company. Built for research, development, and teaching of all things beer.
106 S Railroad Ave
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 299-2389
originbeerlab.com
A family-friendly sports bar in the heart of Ashland serving up classic American favorites—from burgers to wings—with plenty of TVs to catch every game.
📍504 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-496-6700
🌐 https://iloveashlandva.com/us/ashland/-/ashland-feed-store/
Sugar Fix Bakery offers a variety of custom decorated sugar cookies and baked goodies. Custom orders available.
105-B England Street
Ashland, Virginia
804-368-7718
sugarfixbakery.com
Create your own dessert adventure with frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbets, frozen drinks, and all the toppings your sweet tooth can handle—right in downtown Ashland.
📍210 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-496-6915
🌐 https://iloveashlandva.com/us/ashland/-/sweet-frog/
Locals take on what they think a modern tavern should be. With a blend of upscale southern comfort food and refined classics featuring seasonal ingredients.
📍125 Thompson St. Ashland, VA
📞 1 804-459-8777
Unique Shopping
Browse downtown stores for one-of-a-kind finds, from home decor and art to crafts and train memorabilia.
Stop by the Ashland Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (9AM-12PM) for the freshest locally grown produce and goods. Enjoy a variety of vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, baked goods, eggs, honey, meat, flowers, and more. The Farmers Market is open Saturdays May to October, with special holiday markets in the late fall.
121 Thompson Street
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-9219
On Facebook
Family-friendly dining meets stone-fired flavor! Enjoy artisan pizzas, sandwiches, and fun cocktails in a cozy downtown setting.
📍107 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-800-9096
🌐 Visit site
Serving the community since 1918, the Ashland Feed Store supplies lawn care essentials, animal feed, garden supplies, and seasonal items. Locals love their baby chick days in spring, pumpkins in fall, and fresh-cut trees during the holidays.
📍120 Thompson Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-8431
🌐 ashlandfeedstore.com
A staple in Downtown Ashland, Ashland Meat Company offers farm-to-table provisions, regional meats, deli platters, and gourmet groceries. Whether you're planning a picnic or stocking your pantry with local flavors, this specialty grocer brings high-quality, fresh food to the heart of town.
📍107 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-8311
🌐 ashlandmeatco.com
A cozy independent bookstore tucked along the tracks, offering a carefully curated selection of titles by local authors, Virginia history, and favorites for young readers.
📍106 ½ S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-9047
🌐 https://iloveashlandva.com/us/ashland/-/bell-book-candle/
Located along the railroad tracks, The Caboose features farm-to-table dining, a curated wine and craft beer selection, and local artisanal goods. A go-to spot for lunch, coffee, or gathering with friends in Downtown Ashland.
📍108 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-2933
🌐 cabooseashland.com
A treasure trove for renovators, artists, and old-home lovers since 1939! Discover antique doors, reclaimed wood, hardware, and architectural details galore.
📍203 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-232-4175
🌐 caravatis.com
Find your next knitting or crochet project at this welcoming yarn shop featuring luxurious fibers, helpful kits, expert classes, and a vibrant creative community.
📍112 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-362-7800
🌐 centeroftheyarniverse.com
Find upscale, gently-used equestrian gear, antiques, jewelry, and home décor at this locally loved boutique with a distinctly equestrian twist.
📍102 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-752-6782
🌐 changingreinsinc.com
Everyone is flocking to Chirp in Ashland for their special formulas, feeders, and all things birding—perfect for attracting wild birds, supporting native species, and creating a backyard haven for nature lovers and pollinators alike."
📍403 S Center St, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-605-2950
🌐 chirpva.com
A vintage lover’s dream! Shop secondhand clothes, home goods, and retro finds in this one-of-a-kind thrifting haven.
📍305 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
🌐 https://iloveashlandva.com/us/ashland/-/crimson-and-clover-thrift/
Fin and Feather Pet Center of Ashland is a locally-owned and operated pet store that carries a wide range of foods and supplies, as well as small animals, reptiles, and fish.
307 Railroad Ave
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-2228
finandfeatherofashland.com
Find vintage treasures and collectible gems at one of the region’s largest antique malls, home to over 40 vendors offering a wide array of timeless and affordable finds.
📍427 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-0202
🌐 hickorycreekantiques.com
Treat yourself to their mouthwatering fresh, warm tortillas, delightful international candies, and heavenly pastries. Make every day a party when you stock up on groceries, colorful piñatas and festive party supplies!
Don’t miss their highly acclaimed food truck, serving authentic Mexican dishes that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico.
109A S Washington Hwy
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 299-3667
Retail and consignment antiques and home decor decorate downtown Ashland’s freshest destination for delights.
📍117 Hanover Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
🌐 https://www.instagram.com/MissTimmies
Carefully chosen funky, handcrafted art and gifts created by artists from Virginia and beyond.
120 Hanover Ave
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 822-5758
refunkit.com
Offering Massage, Facials, Waxing, Body Treatments, Private Sauna, Full Body Red Light Therapy, Memberships and easy online booking.
10384 Dow Gil Rd Ste. B,
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 677-9702
revivalspas.com
Posh antiques and collectibles shop. Open Saturdays only.
112C Thompson Street
Ashland, VA 23005
From heartfelt cards to one-of-a-kind Ashland finds — this cozy little gem is THE spot for thoughtful gifts, local lovers, and anyone who believes a great card makes all the difference. 💌
📍107 A Hanover Ave Ashland, VA
📞 1 804-970-4626
Relax and refresh with Thai-inspired nail care, foot massages, waxing, and spa packages like the luxurious Thai Extravagance 4-in-1.
📍124 Thompson Street, Suite D, Ashland, VA 23005
🌐 Visit site
Discover one-of-a-kind furniture, home décor, art, gifts, and vintage treasures—plus the full Chalk Paint® line by Annie Sloan—at this ever-evolving boutique in the heart of Ashland.
📍315 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-368-0184
🌐 thrillofthehuntva.com
Explore a wonderland of toys and model trains at this one-of-a-kind shop in Ashland’s historic downtown. Perfect for curious kids and collectors of all ages.
📍104 S Railroad Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-368-0063
🌐 trainandtoystore.com
This charming shop specializes in custom jewelry and heirloom redesigns. See expert British-trained goldsmiths at work from the showroom as they craft stunning, timeless pieces.
📍107 Hanover Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-798-5864
🌐 wagnerjewellers.com
Arts and Entertainment
Enjoy escape rooms, haunted history tours, museums, and even free live concerts. The Ashland Theatre and public art installations, including the Secretariat Racing Into History monument and America’s longest railroad mural, are must-sees.
Ashland’s tribute to trains includes a massive mural depicting a locomotive that traveled Ashland’s tracks 50 years ago by Ed Trask.
108 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA
Located in the historic Ashland Train Station, the Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center provides information on destinations, food, lodging and more in Ashland and Hanover County. Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm.
112 N Railroad Ave
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 752-6766
On Facebook
The Ashland Trolley Line Trail is a 2-mile linear trail along the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line. The trail extends from 11644 Gwathmey Church Road at the southern end to the intersection of Maple Street and England Street in Downtown Ashland.
Click here to download our guide to bike routes in Downtown Ashland and nearby.
For a family-friendly ride choose between the Trains & Brains or the Horses & Trolleys route.
The Carter Park Pool is an eight lane junior Olympic-sized swimming pool (25 meters) with a beach entry and kiddie pool. The facility is open seasonally to Ashland residents and non-residents.
Ashland Museum offers walking tours of Downtown Ashland and the historic district free of charge. Contact the museum ahead of your visit to arrange a tour guide, or use your smartphone by downloading the free Ashland Virginia mobile application from iTunes or Google Play.
Ashland Museum
105 Hanover Avenue
(804) 368-7314
Located in Downtown Ashland at Randolph Street and Myrtle Streets, Pufferbelly Park offers visitors a newly renovated playground, shaded picnic area, grassy play area, skate park, and parking.
More information.
Visit the playgrounds, public pool, skate park, fishing pond, and many bike paths that make up the network of parks within Ashland. Learn more about each facility here.
Randolph-Macon College is an NCAA Division III school and a member of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. R-MC Athletics encompasses 18 sports:
Men: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball
Women: Basketball, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball.
The "Secretariat Racing Into History" monument, sculpted by acclaimed artist Jocelyn Russell, stands as a remarkable tribute to the legendary Triple Crown champion in Virginia.
At the corner of England Street and Railroad Avenue on Randolph-Macon College
Railfans of all ages flock to Downtown Ashland to watch more than 60 freight and passenger trains per day pass through the center of our main street.
Check out our 7 Tips for Railfans to make your visit extra special!
The United States’ two cross-country bicycle trails intersect in only one place: Ashland, Virginia. Whether you wish to cycle for an afternoon or a week, Downtown Ashland is the best place to start! Click here to see a map of the bike routes.
So, lace up those running shoes and head to Ashland for a race experience like no other. The Ashland Half Marathon & 5K promises not just a run, but a day of fun and community spirit in the heart of small-town Virginia. All aboard for a race you won’t want to miss!
A hometown favorite since 1968. Enjoy hearty meals, a friendly bar, billiards, and dancing—plus patio seating when the weather’s just right.
📍412 England Street, Ashland, VA 23005
📞 804-752-2990
🌐 https://iloveashlandva.com/us/ashland/-/andys-restaurant/