We want to help you have the best race experience possible! Please check out our most frequently asked questions.
ATHLETE GUIDE 2023
An athlete guide will be sent to all runners Friday February 18th, 2023 with all race week information and printable turn by turn maps. It will also be posted here.
Where does the race start and finish and where is packet pickup?
Where does the race start and finish and where is packet pickup?
(Note you must pickup your packet at the Expo or reserve our morning pickup option)
Start: Johnny Mercer Pier, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Finish: Live Oak Bank Pavilion, Downtown Wilmington
Expo/Packet Pickup: Wilmington Convention Center
How can I be sure I get all of the race updates, course information, logistics, and price increases?
How can I be sure I get all of the race updates, course information, logistics, and price increases?
This is very important and if you are racing with us we encourage you to please be sure you are on our email list. If you are not receiving race emails, please email the director with a valid email. Also follow us on social media. We post all updates on Facebook and Instagram.
I am Active Duty and/or a Student, Do I receive a discount?
Are there any discounts available?
If you are active military or a veteran, please email us with your military email or a copy of your ID to wilmingtonncmarathon@gmail.com. If you are a student in high school or college, email us with your student email or ID. If you are a group or run club bringing several runners, email us with the details and we will issue you a group link with group rates. Also follow us on social media as we may post holiday specials
Is there race day packet pickup?
Is there race day packet pickup?
NO! All packets must be picked up at the expo Thursday from 5pm to 7:00pm and Friday from 11am to 7:00pm to be guaranteed all of your items. Friends or Family can pick up your packet for you if you cannot make the expo on time. If you absolutely need morning pickup, you can Purchase here if needed. You lose the guarantee that your shirt size will be available if you choose the bib only option race morning. You must purchase the BIB ONLY option for race morning here for $20.
How does the marathon relay work?
How does the marathon relay work?
The relay can have 2, 3 or 4 members. Each participant is responsible for getting to and from the exchange point. See relay course map where exchange points are located. Relay exchange points all have parking. Each relay leg is approximately 6 to 7 miles long. Plan accordingly that one person drives to an exchange and the runner finishing will then drive that car to the finish. All relay details will be sent to you on race week!
Can someone else run in my place?
Can someone else run in my place?
NO! It is against USATF rules and the race rules to run for another runner. You can transfer to another runner if you want either on the website or at the expo
Where should my family watch?
Where should my family watch?
You can watch your runner anywhere between mile 3 and 5 on Eastwood rd. Park on the West bound side heading downtown. For the rest of the race, you can go downtown and watch. There should not be many traffic stops heading toward downtown as the race is on the counterflow side of the street. Please read the spectator section in the athlete guide that will come out the week before the race for more information.
SPECTATORS PLEASE DO NOT:
- Bike next to your Runner
- J-Walk, please cross at the proper cross walks
- Stop on any highways
What time do the races start?
What time do the races start?
1-mile: Friday 6:15pm
5K: Saturday: 7:00am
Half-Marathon, Marathon, and Marathon Relay: Saturday 7:20am
What kind of swag is given to the runners?
What kind of swag is given to the runners?
All marathon, half marathon and relay runners will receive a t-shirt manufactured by Without Limits and a finisher medal. These are very soft athletic fit t-shirts. 5K runners and 1-mile runners receive a t-shirt and a medal.
Can I get a refund, transfer or defer?
Can I get a refund, transfer or defer?
Yes you can transfer to another runner or defer to the next year for $20.
The deadline for this is Wednesday February 1st
I bought the $8 RACE INSURANCE, how do I make a claim?
If you have purchased event registration insurance for an event and have a question or claim please contact Allianz Global Assistance as follows: To manage your policy or file a claim, please visit: www.eventregistrationprotection.com. If you have questions regarding your insurance, please contact Allianz Global Assistance at 1-888-497-6987.
Can I wear headphones?
Can I wear headphones?
Please note it is unsafe to wear headphones while running. Event organizers will not restrict headphone use and leave it up to the athlete on his/ her ability to follow direction while wearing headphone devices. If you do choose to wear headphones please keep the volume level down so you are able to hear and follow the direction of course volunteers. We have a unique course where you MUST listen to volunteers. If you cannot hear a volunteer you have no excuses if you get led off-course.
How do I get to the start?
Getting to the Start
You can park in any legal space in downtown Wilmington, NC and take the shuttle to the start. The shuttle will pick up runners on Harnett Street between Front and 3rd. MAP IT. You can also get dropped off at the start by anyone. Lastly you can park at the beach in any legal parking space and we will have limited shuttles running until 1:30pm after the race from Harnett and 3rd back to Wrightsville Beach Park. During registration, please answer the question if you are taking our shuttles or using your own transportation. That way we can plan for the proper amount of buses.
Please select what option you plan to use during the QUESTION SECTION in your registration. You can change that option anytime by logging into your www.runsignup.com account.
- Use our shuttles
- Get dropped off
- Park near the start and use post race shuttles
- Carpool with friends and have one car downtown and one car at the start
Where do I get race shuttle and how long does it run?
Where do I get race shuttle and how long does it run?
The shuttle will pick up runners on Harnett Street between Front and 3rd. MAP IT. You can park in any legal space in downtown Wilmington, NC. Shuttles will also take you from the finish back to the start. Shuttles will run from 4:30 am until 6:30am and then after the race from 9am to 1:30pm taking runners back to the beach if needed. Please let us know if you plan to take the shuttle by answering that question appropriately during registration.
Is there a bag drop at the start?
Is there a bag drop at the start?
Yes we have bag drop but we do not recommend you put any valuable in your bag such as keys, wallets or cell phones
What are the course cutoffs?
What are the course cutoffs?
3:15:00 for the Half Marathon
6:20:00 for the Full Marathon
Mile 3 – 8:00am – 15:30 pace
Mile 6.5 9:00am – 15:10 pace
Mile 19.2 – 11:55am – 14:30 pace
What kind of food will I receive at the finish line?
What kind of food will I receive at the finish line?
Water and a Banana in the finish chute
Goodies from Lidl and Nothing Bundt Cakes
Beer and Food in the Athlete zone after you walk through the chute
What food and drinks will be on course?
What food and drinks will be on course?
There will be 8 Aid stations on course. The first 4 will be hit once for the half and full and then next 4 will be hit twice for the full only. So half marathoners will have access to 4 aid station and full marathoners will have access to 12 aid stations. We recommend you carry your own fluid bottles and nutrition if you need to to reduce touch points on course.
We will have water, Gatorade and GU Gels on course
What kind of Awards and Medals are given?
What kind of Awards and Medals are given?
Top 3 male and female finishers as well as top 3 masters male and masters female will receive a cash prize in both the half and full marathon. Medals will be given to all half and full marathon finishers along with marathon relay finishers and 5K/1 mile finishers. Age group awards will also be given to the following age divisions: 14 and under,15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Where is the best place to park?
Where is the best place to park?
Parking in downtown Wilmington is plentiful. You must park in a legal space, parking deck or parking meter. You can also park in any legal space in Wrightsville Beach.
What is Race Day Traffic Going to Be Like?
The race will take up one lane from Wrightsville Beach to Downtown. There will be traffic slow downs and detours but with an additional 15-20 minutes you can drive around the race
Can I transfer to from the full to half, or half to full?
Can I transfer to from the full to half, or half to full?
February 10th is the final day to transfer to another race or to another runner. You can transfer to another race and pay the difference in price if the price is higher. There is a $10 transfer fee. You can also transfer at the expo, there is a $20 transfer fee at the expo
Is the Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Is the Marathon a Boston qualifier?
ABSOLUTELY! The Wilmington NC Marathon is one of the top races in the country to qualify for Boston. We try to put together a fast field so there is a better chance to qualify and get a fast time. Our course is flat and has enough variation to keep you engaged. After the race, we turn in all of our results to the BAA. Both half and full marathon are certified courses and sanctioned by USATF.
If I cannot make packet pickup, what are my options for getting my number?
If I cannot make packet pickup, what are my options for getting my number?
You may have someone pick up your packet from the expo on Friday OR pay $20 to request special pickup on Saturday morning
Are walkers, baby joggers, or pets allowed in the race?
Are walkers, baby joggers, or pets allowed in the race?
You can walk as long as you meet course cutoff times. This typically involves a walk/run method.
There are no baby joggers allowed. There are no pets allowed
Can I register at the expo?
Can I register at the expo?
YES! As long as the event is not sold out, we take onsite registration. We do NOT take registration on race morning.
What is the course elevation?
What is the course elevation?
Max elevation is 40ft above sea level.
How do I do the virtual run?
How do I do the virtual run?
The virtual run may be completed anytime and anyplace, as long as you cover race distance. After you complete the distance, submit your finisher time to our website results page. There will be a link on that page that says “submit virtual results here”. The deadline for submission is midnight race day. After the live event, we will mail your tshirt and finisher medal to you.
