Elite Athletes
We are proud to host elite athletes and runners looking to compete for a fast time! Our race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, making it ours a competition that’s worth the trip. Our course is wicked fast and the perfect event for you to PR. While we do not offer complimentary lodging, we do have an elite shuttle service for you!
2028 Olympic Trials Qualifier Bonus
Run the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials standard at the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon on Saturday, February 27, 2027 and earn a $500 qualifying bonus.
Elite Athlete Perks
- $500 OTQ bonus when you hit the Trials standard here in the full or half marathon
- Complimentary entry into the race
- Elite shuttle to the start line
- VIP access on race day
The Course
Fast, flat and point-to-point. New for 2027, the marathon and half marathon both start on the UNCW campus at 7:00 AM and finish on the downtown Wilmington riverfront. Cool late-February coastal weather is made for fast times.
Road to St. Louis
The 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon will be held March 25, 2028 in St. Louis. The marathon qualifying window is open now and the half marathon window opens January 1, 2027, so a qualifying time in Wilmington counts for both.
Want to join the elite field? Email the race director with the information listed under Comp Entry Requirements below.
Bonus is paid on a chip time at or under the 2028 Trials standard. Athletes must be USATF members eligible to represent the United States, and performances are subject to USATF verification.
Marathon
Top 3 overall
- 1st (M & F): $1000
- 2nd (M & F): $500
- 3rd (M & F): $250
Half Marathon
Top 3 overall
- 1st (M & F): $500
- 2nd (M & F): $250
- 3rd (M & F): $100
marathon Masters
(Over 40 years of age)
- 1st (M & F): $250
- 2nd (M & F): $150
- 3rd: (M & F): $100
half marathon Masters
(Over 40 years of age)
- 1st (M & F): $250
- 2nd (M & F): $150
- 3rd: (M & F): $100
Comp Entry Requirements
Male Athletes to receive a comp Entry would need to have run:
2:30:00 (26.2) |1:12:00 (13.1) 33:00 (10K) 15:30 (5K) or under in the last 12 months.
Female Athletes to receive a comp Entry would need to have run:
2:55:00 (26.2) |1:22:00 (13.1) 38:00 (10K) 18:00 (5K) or under in the last 12 months.
Email the Race director the following information
- First and Last Name
- USATF# if you have one
- Race you would like to run (half or full)
- Links to two previous times you have run in the last year with valid results
- Social Media handles
Training Programs
Without Limits, the official training partner of the Wilmington Marathon, offers unique training and nutrition plans to help you reach your goals in your next race.
Swag Photo Gallery
