2026 Mangum Marathon and 1/2 Marathon

The 6th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will run on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Richmond County, North Carolina. The event’s start and finish are located at the intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road in Ellerbe, with the nearest address being 869 Holly Grove Church Rd., Ellerbe, NC 28338. Weather forecasts for that day in Richmond County predict a mild winter morning with temperatures in the mid‑30s °F, a slight chance of snow, and wind speeds around 10 mph, making a brisk but manageable run for participants. Attendees can expect a straightforward, looped course that starts at the “Dog Pen” and runs 22 miles total for the marathon, while the half marathon turns around at the 6.55‑mile mark.

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.