2026 Novant Health Wilmington Marathon

The 2026 Novant Health Wilmington Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. The event spans from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington, featuring a flat, fast, point-to-point road course along paved surfaces. On this date, the expected weather in Wilmington is partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 52°F, creating ideal conditions for runners. Participants can expect a scenic route that transitions from coastal areas to urban settings, with the full marathon starting at the oceanfront and finishing along the Cape Fear River boardwalk. The half marathon and 5K follow similar paths, offering a mix of seaside and city vistas.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (26.2 miles) – For ages 14+
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – For ages 12+
• →5K (3.1 miles) – For all ages
• →Free 1-Mile Kids Run – For ages 14 and under

What is the age requirement for each race?

• →Full Marathon: Ages 14+
• →Half Marathon: Ages 12+
• →5K: All ages
• →Free 1-Mile Kids Run: Ages 14 and under

Are there virtual options available for this event?

• →Yes, virtual options are available for marathon, half marathon, and 5K distances.

What is the registration status for in-person events?

• →Full Marathon: Sold out with a closed waiting list
• →Half Marathon: Sold out with an active waiting list
• →5K: Sold out with an active waiting list
• →Free 1-Mile Kids Run: 190 spots remaining

What is the registration deadline for in-person events?

• →Registration for in-person events closes on February 27, 2026.

Are there any charity entries available for the full marathon?

• →Yes, limited charity entries are still available for the full marathon.

What is the expected weather on the event day?

• →The expected weather on February 28, 2026, in Wilmington is partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 52°F.

What is the course route for the full marathon?

• →The full marathon begins on the oceanfront at Wrightsville Beach and travels through the seaside communities of the Wilmington area before finishing along the Cape Fear River boardwalk in downtown Wilmington.

What is the course route for the half marathon and 5K?

• →The half marathon and 5K follow portions of the same fast, paved route as the full marathon, with similar coastal-to-urban characteristics.

What is the event schedule like?

• →The event weekend includes live entertainment, food vendors, shopping, and beach access, creating a festival atmosphere beyond the running events.

What is the race format?

• →The event is a road running event on paved surfaces, with a point-to-point course from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington.

What is the purpose of the event?

• →The event is a road running event organized by Novant Health, offering a fast and scenic course for runners of all levels.

What is the significance of the course?

• →The course is renowned as one of the East Coast's quickest marathon routes, ideal for personal bests and Boston Marathon qualifying attempts.