2026 Coastal Delaware Running Festival
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware will host the 2026 Coastal Delaware Running Festival on April 11–12, 2026, offering runners a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the Delaware coast. The event takes place across Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach, with the 5K starting in Dewey Beach and the longer races beginning on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. The weather in Rehoboth Beach during this time is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F and mostly sunny conditions. Participants can expect a mix of road and trail running, with a focus on natural landscapes and coastal views. The festival includes a variety of race distances, post-race celebrations, and a range of amenities for runners of all levels.
What is the event name and date?
The event is called the 2026 Coastal Delaware Running Festival, taking place on April 11–12, 2026.
What is the location of the event?
The event takes place in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with the 5K starting in Dewey Beach and the 9K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon beginning on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Specific locations include the Dewey Beach Lions Club and the Rehoboth Ave & Boardwalk area.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →9K
- →5K
What are the start times for each race?
- →5K: 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 11
- →9K: 7:20 AM on Sunday, April 12
- →Half Marathon: 7:40 AM on Sunday, April 12
- →Full Marathon: 7:00 AM on Sunday, April 12
What is the terrain like for each race?
- →5K: Road — flat out-and-back course through Dewey Beach
- →9K: Mixed — road through Rehoboth neighborhoods and trail to Gordons Pond Wildlife Area
- →Half Marathon: Mixed — road and trail (Gordons Pond Trail, Walking Dune Trail, Bike Loop Trail)
- →Full Marathon: Mixed — road and multi-trail sections through two state parks
What are the cut-off times for the full marathon?
- →Mile 11: 9:45 AM (15:00 min/mile)
- →Mile 20: 12:00 PM (15:00 min/mile)
- →Finish: 1:45 PM (15:27 min/mile)
What is the minimum age requirement for each race?
- →Full Marathon: 16 years old
- →Half Marathon: 12 years old
- →9K, 5K: No age limit
What is the maximum number of runners for each race?
- →Full Marathon: 900 runners
- →Half Marathon: 1,300 runners
- →9K: 900 runners
- →5K: 1,200 runners
What is included in the race registration?
- →Finisher medals for all distances (Full, Half, 9K & 5K)
- →Gender-specific technical T-shirts for 9K, Half, and Full
- →5K event T-shirt for 5K participants
- →Special gift for 9K, Half, Full, and Challenge Run participants
- →FREE race photos
- →Complimentary post-race beer (21+)
- →Sunday Funday Finish Line Party at Grotto Pizza with pizza, pasta, salads, wings, beer, and DJ Rupe
What are the hydration and nutrition stations like?
Water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade Endurance Formula are available at every station. GU Gels (assorted flavors) are provided at specific points on the course, including miles 13.1 and 21.5 for the Full Marathon, and mile 8.1 for the Half Marathon.
What are the packet pick-up and expo dates?
Packet pick-up and expo take place on Friday and Saturday of the event weekend.
What is the course description for the full marathon?
The full marathon starts and finishes on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Rehoboth Ave, passing through:
- →Beautiful neighborhoods of Rehoboth Beach
- →Delaware Seashore State Park's Gordons Pond Wildlife Area (miles 3.5–5.9)
- →Walking Dune Trail (miles 5.9–6.9)
- →Bike Loop Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park (miles 7.5–11)
- →Historic Lewes, DE and the new Rail Trail
- →Junction & Breakwater Trail (miles 18.2–23.4)
- →Quaint seashore residential area of Rehoboth back to the Boardwalk
What is the course description for the half marathon?
The half marathon starts on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, through Rehoboth neighborhoods, into Delaware Seashore State Park's Gordons Pond Wildlife Area, and through Cape Henlopen State Park (Gordons Pond Trail, Walking Dune Trail, and Bike Loop Trail), returning to finish on the Boardwalk. Trail sections appear at miles 3.5–6.9 and again at 7.5–11.2.
What are the race schedules for each day?
- →Saturday, April 11: 5K race starting at 9:00 AM
- →Sunday, April 12: 9K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon starting at 7:20 AM, 7:40 AM, and 7:00 AM respectively
What are the post-race celebrations like?
- →5K: Party at Dewey Beach Lions Club with Grotto Pizza, Beer (21+), and DJ Rupe
- →9K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon: Sunday Funday Finish Line Party at Grotto Pizza with pizza, pasta, salads, wings, beer, and DJ Rupe
What are the available challenge runs?
Challenge runs are available as weekend combined options for participants.
What is the expected weather for the event?
The expected weather in Rehoboth Beach during the event dates (April 11–12, 2026) is mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F and mostly sunny conditions. Runners should prepare for variable weather and be mindful of possible light winds.
What are the race routes for each distance?
- →5K: Mapmyrun ↗
- →9K: Mapmyrun ↗
- →Half Marathon: Mapmyrun ↗
- →Full Marathon: Mapmyrun ↗