North Carolina running races are spectacular, scenic, and fast. In this blog post, we will look through the best 7 Marathons in NC.
1. Cary Greenways Tour
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | kids run
Virtual Option
Cary, NC
The Cary Greenways Tour celebrates the 43rd Anniversary of Cary’s Greenway system! Cary has more than 30 picturesque parks and natural areas, more than 90 miles of greenways, and 4 world-class sports venues.
Partnering with the Town of Cary, Fit & Able provides an annual Tour of the Cary Greenways, including 5 races in NC: 26.2 miles, 13.1 miles, 10K, 5K, and Kids run.
The philosophy of Cary Town is to ensure that all people receive equal opportunities to participate in activities.
Athletes will get a Cary Greenways Tour shirt and finishers medal if registered by September 15th.
Race Location: Fred G. Bond Metro Park (801 High House Rd., Cary, NC 27513).
Course Information: The course goes through the Town of Cary’s paved and natural greenways. The start and finish lines are at the Kiwanis Shelter.
2. Cannonball Marathon
Oct 21, 2022 – Friday
5K run
Oct 22, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run | kids run
Greensboro, NC
The Cannonball Marathon features favorite North Carolina running races, including the marathon, half marathon, 5K, Kids Dash, and a bonus challenge option.
The half and full marathons run through the scenic A & Y greenway in Greensboro, NC. This gorgeous, paved rail trail is a favorite for both racing and training.
The 5K and Kids Dash start and finish in Country Park, Greensboro’s running Mecca.
Whether you are an experienced runner or a newbie, this event is suitable with its scenic paths for everyone!
The Double Barrel Challenge is a unique opportunity to run in the evening with the Friday night 5K and then participate in the half marathon or marathon on Saturday. Double Barrel Challenge runners receive 2 shirts and 2 finisher medals (one for each event), and as a bonus for completing the Double Barrel Challenge, some super tasty beer.
This is also a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
3. Emerald Isle Marathon
Oct 22, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Emerald Isle, NC
“You have trained hard, made travel arrangements, dreamt of the finish line, and put blood, sweat, and tears into your preparation for race day. Your hard work and dedication are admirable. Don’t slow down. Keep pushing ahead,” Candace Dooley, Race Director.
The Emerald Isle Marathon starts at 7:00 am. The Half Marathon begins at 8:35 am, and the favorite 5k race in NC will follow at 8:45 am.
No matter, rain or shine, the race will start! The course will close six hours after the start.
Entry fee:
September-December: 5K-$25, Half-$80, Full-$100
January-February: 5K-$35, Half-$95, Full-$110
March: 5K-$35, Half-$105, Full-Full-$120
You can change race distances no later than 7:15 am, but only to a shorter distance.
All marathon and half marathon runners will receive a medal at the finish line.
There are also age group awards in all 3 races.
All athletes are invited to The Growler Taproom, located on the corner of Mallard Drive and NC 58, for free post-race food and tasty beer for purchase.
4. City of Oaks Marathon
Nov 6, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K, 5K run | 26.2M relay
Raleigh, NC
The 16th annual City of Oaks Marathon will be held on November 6, 2022, with a variety of distances. Plan your tour of the capital city on foot and celebrate the race at the post-run party!
There are distances for everyone! Full marathon, half marathon, North Carolina 10k, and 5K – you can choose whatever you want. There is even a Shadow Runner option for athletes that can’t make it to the in-person race.
Awards will be given to male and female winners based on gun time. Age group awards will be given to winners based on chip time.
Raleigh is more than just the capital city. Sample the many flavors of tasty craft brews, discover local boutiques and artists, or celebrate the weekend at the art exhibits.
5. Charlotte Marathon
Nov 12, 2022 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run | 26.2M relay
Charlotte, NC
The 2022 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, marathon/half-marathon relay, and 5k events benefit the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. The marathon will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
The Marathon starts at Graham Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. View a map here.
Start times
Ruckers: 7:10 am, weigh-in at the start line at 6:30 am
Full and Half Marathon and Relays: 7:20 am
5K: 7:35 am
The race finishes at 4th Street near Mint Street.
Awards will be given to the top 5 for the marathon and the top 3 for each age group.
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
6. Ellerbe Marathon
Feb 25, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Ellerbe, NC
The Ellerbe Marathon was founded in 1992 but originally dates back to the fall of 1991 when Mark Long and Doug Dawkins returned from the Greensboro Marathon. Around that time, there were very few marathons in North Carolina. When they reached Richmond County on Highway 220, they agreed on the idea of creating a local marathon. When they were driving past the Ellerbe Springs Inn, Mark asked, “How about right there?” They met Neal Cadieu and Beth Cadieu, the owner of the inn, and agreed on the first Ellerbe Springs Marathon run in April 1992, with 40 athletes finishing.
Today, Ellerbe Marathon is the second oldest marathon in North Carolina.
Certified Course
The Ellerbe Marathon and Ellerbe Half Marathon are USATF-certified courses. The Ellerbe Rescue Squad hosts the races, and the start and finish line will be near their headquarters in downtown Ellerbe.
Athletes will leave Ellerbe on Page Street with a loop in the countryside before returning to Ellerbe at 13.1 miles for the half marathon finish. Full marathoners will make the same loop a second time to cover the 26.2-mile distance.
7. Northern Trails Marathon
Mar 11, 2023 – Saturday
26.2M, 10M trail run
Greensboro, NC
Northern Trails Marathon has seen snow flurries 5 times and temperatures over 58 degrees 6 times in the last 9 years! This early March trail race is one of the most scenic trail races in North Carolina and is a good beginner run for trail runners, a great race for those preparing for an Ultra, and a perfect course for those who want to run fast on trails!
You can enjoy the course along Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend! This run is a part of the Trivium Trail Mega Medal Series and the Trivium Racing Series.
