North Carolina 2025 Marathons

The Valentine's Heartbreaker Marathon & Relay stands out with its challenging 16-lap course in Greensboro's Country Park, featuring diverse elevations and a scenic loop around a tranquil lake. This event combines the thrill of a dynamic race with a vibrant community atmosphere, complete with a festive tent village and the rewarding opportunity to support a local charity.

The Run Oak Island Marathon in North Carolina features a flat and fast course with scenic highlights like a lighthouse turnaround and 12 miles of breathtaking ocean views, all punctuated by gentle challenges at two intercoastal bridges. Held over Presidents Day weekend, this race offers diverse distances from a 1 Mile to an Ultra Marathon, delivering a memorable experience for both competitive runners and leisurely walkers amid stunning coastal landscapes.

The Wilmington Marathon's standout feature is its mostly flat course, offering runners breathtaking views from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington, with only a slight elevation gain, making it perfect for personal records and Boston Marathon qualification. Runners also appreciate the race's impeccable organization, including frequent aid stations, enthusiastic crowd support, and a lively finish along the Cape Fear River.

The Pilot Mountain Marathon offers a thrilling course through Pilot Mountain State Park, featuring challenging trails, rocky cliffs, and significant elevation changes, with iconic sights like Big Pinnacle and the Ledge Spring Trail. Held in the scenic setting of Pinnacle, North Carolina, this race invites runners to embrace the rugged beauty and tranquility of trail running, providing a unique and rewarding experience for athletes.

The Ellerbe Marathon takes runners on a 26.2-mile journey through the scenic Piedmont region of North Carolina, featuring a double-loop course on paved country roads with rolling hills and a total elevation gain of 1,474 feet. As North Carolina's oldest marathon, this race blends history and community spirit, offering unique handmade pottery awards and a post-race meal, all while supporting local causes like the Ellerbe Rescue Squad.

The Umstead Trail Marathon takes runners through the lush landscapes of William B. Umstead State Park, featuring a mix of technical single-track trails and smooth gravel paths with a challenging 2,020-foot total elevation gain. This intimate race, limited to 200 participants, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and support, with proceeds benefiting the park and local running club.

The Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, features a flat, looped course that offers runners the rare opportunity to traverse the U.S. Coast Guard Base and Air Station, including a runway segment with close-up views of military aircraft. This Boston Qualifier is North Carolina's fastest marathon, drawing competitors with its scenic path along the Pasquotank River and its unique historical elements, such as the WWII airship hangar and the charming downtown district.

The Boogie Marathon challenges runners with its rugged, rural course, featuring repeated 6-mile loops and a 4-mile out-and-back segment, all navigated under the cover of darkness with no streetlights. This unique event in Ellerbe, North Carolina, combines the thrill of nocturnal running with the rustic charm of a minimalist race, offering an introspective journey for those seeking to push their physical and mental limits.

The Asheville Marathon takes runners on a captivating course through the vibrant streets and greenways of Asheville, North Carolina, beginning at Pack Square Park and winding through the historic Montford neighborhood, River Arts District, and along the French Broad River. Renowned for its boutique atmosphere, this Boston-qualifying event combines urban charm with natural beauty, offering live music, scenic views, and a festive finish-line celebration with complimentary beer for an unforgettable experience.

The Tobacco Road Marathon takes runners along the scenic American Tobacco Trail, a mostly flat course with a mix of crushed granite and asphalt surfaces, perfect for achieving personal bests or Boston qualifying times. Offering a unique blend of urban and rural landscapes, this marathon combines minimal traffic and supportive community spirit, making it a standout choice for both new and experienced runners.

The New South Trail Marathon challenges runners with its rugged two-loop course, featuring "Goat Hill," a formidable climb that demands both endurance and agility as part of a 3,000-foot elevation change. Nestled in the scenic trails of Charlotte's Whitewater Center, this race provides a serene escape into nature, attracting seasoned trail enthusiasts seeking a personal and rewarding adventure away from the crowds.

The New River Marathon challenges runners with its hilly course through the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the New River, horse farms, and Christmas tree farms. As a USATF-certified Boston Marathon qualifier, this race combines rigorous terrain with warm, small-town hospitality, making it a cherished event for dedicated marathoners seeking both beauty and community spirit.

The Emerald Isle Marathon features an exceptionally flat, out-and-back course along the scenic North Carolina coastline, offering breathtaking oceanfront views and minimal elevation change, perfect for those aiming for personal bests or a Boston Marathon qualifier. This USAT&F certified race not only benefits local charities but also embraces a festive atmosphere with enthusiastic community support, making it an inviting event for runners of all levels.

The RDC Marathon takes runners on a scenic journey along the American Tobacco Trail, blending urban excitement with the tranquility of forest trails and open farmland, all while maintaining a mostly flat course ideal for securing a Boston Qualifier. Set in Durham, North Carolina, this intimate race weekend offers a vibrant community atmosphere with multiple race options, ensuring a rewarding experience for runners of all levels.

The Outer Banks Marathon offers runners a picturesque coastal course from Kitty Hawk to Manteo, featuring highlights such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the majestic Jockey's Ridge sand dunes. Known for its strong community support and festive post-race celebrations, this marathon provides a memorable experience, though it will not take place in 2024; however, other events like the Half Marathon, 8K, and 5K will continue.

The Charlotte Marathon offers a scenic 26.2-mile loop through the city's diverse neighborhoods, featuring signature rolling hills and an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet. This Boston Marathon qualifier is celebrated for its vibrant community support, with enthusiastic crowds, local musicians, and dedicated volunteers making it a memorable and rewarding experience for every runner.