BEACH TO BOARDWALK

Our point-to-point race from Wrightsville Beach, NC to Downtown Wilmington, NC is fast with very few turns providing over thousands of runners of all speeds–from first-timers to the most competitive runners a chance to achieve their race goals.

Wilmington is certified and sanctioned by USATF and is a Boston Marathon and US Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier.

26.2 | Full Marathon

13.1 | Half Marathon

26.2 Relay
Marathon Relay

The Fleet Feet
Downtown 5K

Lidl
1 Mile Glow Run

Course Maps

Whether you are a runner looking to win your age group or a first time marathoner, you need to know the course. Check out our detailed maps page. Full, Half and Relay race begins at Wrightsville Beach and the 5K and 1 mile are both downtown. Explore Wilmington, NC from our Beaches to Historic Riverfront!

All Maps and logistics here

Schedule of Events

Thursday February 22nd, 2024

5:00pm to 7:00pm – Expo/Packet Pickup at Wilmington Convention Center

Friday February 23rd, 2024

12:00PM – Expo/Packet Pickup at Wilmington Convention Center
6:15pm – 1 mile Kids Glow Run presented by Truist
7:00pm Packet Pickup Ends

Saturday, February 24th, 2024

4:30am Shuttle Service Begins
7:05am: National Anthem
7:00am: 5K start downtown Wilmington at Live Oak Bank Pavilion
7:20 am: Half and Full Marathon and Marathon Relay Start
8:30 am 5K Awards
9:30 am Half Marathon Award
11:00am Full Marathon Award
1:40pm Course Cutoff

Detailed Schedule Here

Wilmington Marathon and Novant Health extend partnership through 2027, Supporting Continued Focus on Community Wellness

08.28.2023

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Novant Health will extend its naming rights to the Wilmington Marathon through 2027. The marathon’s focus on wellness and exercise dovetails with the mission of the not-for-profit healthcare organization, which aims to improve the health of...

Runner Reaches Olympic Trials in The Marathon with over 4000 Runners in Wilmington

02.27.2023

WILMINGTON, NC Ann Marie Pierce, a mom of two, wins the marathon at the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon and qualified for the US Olympic Trials with a time of 2:36:17. She hit the mark 43 seconds faster than the standard of 2:37:00. In Houston last month, she was...

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“This is a beautiful, scenic race. The volunteers were cheerful and plentiful. There was always some encouragement along the way! Lots of food at the finish line, Gatorade, water and a few GU stations along the course. Perfect running weather! Logistics were made simple–I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Wilmington and it was steps away from the Expo and a short walk to the shuttle pickup. They also provided a grab and go breakfast. Kudos to the race organizer!!!”

D.D. from Las Vegas, NV

This is a first class event!! Very well organized, great expo and vendor support! The course was great starting at the beach, into downtown, then out around greenfield lake and back through downtown to the finish. It is mostly flat, with some gradual inclines, mostly in the first half on the way towards downtown. The Greenfield lake portion is flat as a pancake. The course was well marked, plenty of aid stations, and had incredible community support. Wilmington is a perfect place for a long weekend getaway and race!

Greg from Asheboro, NC

We get to enjoy the sunrise on the pier over the water. It was the most picturesque Marathon starting areas I’ve seen. On the practical side, there are tons of clean port-a-johns and for the first time ever, I didn’t have to wait in line to use one. There were pacers with bright green bibs announcing their target finishing time.

There are aid stations every two miles and a few spectators in between. The half marathon and full marathon start at the same time and cover the first 12.5 miles together.

Reggie from NY

I flew down with my son to run a couple races. He did the 1 mile on Friday. Great night race, with positive energy, glow sticks and FAST times! Aaron left with a desire to run another.

The marathon was a fun race, with really great spectators. Constant cheering, and great aid stations. The start was congested, but they held the race to accomodate. Not much you can do about it, but I’ll head down earlier in the future.

I’ll be coming back for years to come.

Thanks for a great experience.

The 2023 race held in Wilmington was hands down the best race in terms of logistics I have ever experienced in my 15 years of distance running. I have ran 5 of the 6 world majors and tons of half marathons around the world and this race stands out for 3 reasons. First off, the organizers are accomplished endurance athletes. Secondly the support from the local community is UNMATCHED! Lastly, the weather is near perfect each February for this race! Do yourself a favor and come on down to do the Wilmington NC marathon, half marathon, or 5K!

Anthony

I drive 700 miles one way for this race and have done so every year it’s been held because it’s such a well organized race and such a friendly group of volunteers and runners. Thanks to everyone who makes it possible.

Randy