What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon
• →Half Marathon

What are the start and finish times for the marathon and half marathon?

• →Both races start at 8:00 AM EST and finish by 3:00 PM EST

What are the time limits for the marathon and half marathon?

• →Marathon: 7 hours
• →Half Marathon: 5 hours

When does registration end for the marathon and half marathon?

• →Registration closes on Saturday, January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

How much does registration cost?

• →Marathon: $45
• →Half Marathon: $35

What is included with registration?

• →Finishers receive a finisher medal
• →All participants receive a long‑sleeve 1/4‑zip technical shirt
• →Custom‑engraved tumblers are awarded to overall male and female finishers
• →Top 3 finishers in each age group receive additional awards (see age categories below)

What awards are available for overall male and female finishers?

• →Overall male and female winners receive custom‑engraved tumblers
• →Top 3 finishers in each age group (0‑19, 20‑29, 30‑39, 40‑49, 50‑59, 60+) receive category awards

Where is the start/finish location of the race?

• →Intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road, Ellerbe, NC 28338 (Dog Pen)

How is the marathon course laid out?

• →Starts at the Dog Pen, runs 2 miles, turns right, runs 11.1 miles to the turnaround point, then returns to the finish at the Dog Pen, totaling 22 miles.
• →The marathon includes a famous climb to Bethel Church at approximately the 22‑mile mark.

How is the half marathon course laid out?

• →Starts at the Dog Pen, runs 2 miles, turns right, runs 6.55 miles to the turnaround point, then returns to the finish at the Dog Pen, totaling 13.1 miles.

What support and amenities are available on the course?

• →Minimal support; participants are advised to bring all necessary supplies
• →Bottled water drop spots are placed throughout the course
• →Two manned water stops: one at the 6.5‑mile mark and one at the half‑marathon turnaround
• →A Port‑A‑John will be delivered to the course (details pending)

Are race shirts and medals guaranteed on race day?

• →Race shirts and medals are not guaranteed for registrations after January 6, 2026; they will be available after the race with a one‑week processing time

What weather conditions can participants expect on race day?

• →Mild winter temperatures in the mid‑30s °F, a slight chance of snow, and wind speeds around 10 mph

What are the age categories for awards?

• →0‑19
• →20‑29
• →30‑39
• →40‑49
• →50‑59
• →60+

What is the course support like for hydration and medical aid?

• →Minimal support; only two manned water stops are provided
• →Participants should bring sufficient hydration, nutrition, and any medical supplies they require

Will there be any additional amenities such as a Port‑A‑John?

• →Yes, a company will deliver a Port‑A‑John to the course, details to follow

How can participants find directions to the start/finish?

• →The start/finish is located at 869 Holly Grove Church Rd., Ellerbe, NC 28338.