2026 The Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon

The Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon, set for February 28, 2026, in Ellerbe, North Carolina, is a road event featuring a 26.2-mile marathon and a 13.1-mile half marathon. The course, laid out on paved country roads, is described as having rolling to hilly terrain, with runners navigating a 13.1-mile loop that marathon participants complete twice. The event is USATF certified and has a 9-hour time limit for the marathon. The start is located near Page Street and BB&T, with the finish on Sunset Avenue, just across from the Ellerbe Rescue Squad building. The event, which has been held continuously since 1992, maintains an old-school, runner-focused atmosphere with no sponsors and a small, fun crowd. The weather in Ellerbe on February 28 is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging between 40°F and 55°F and mostly clear skies, creating ideal conditions for runners.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon (26.2 miles)
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

What is the start time for the event?

• →The event starts at 8:00 a.m.

What is the course layout and surface like?

• →The course is a 13.1-mile loop. Half marathon runners complete one loop, while marathon runners complete the loop twice.
• →The surface is all paved country roads.
• →The terrain is rolling to hilly.

Is the course open to traffic?

• →Yes, the course is open to traffic.

Is the course certified?

• →Yes, both the marathon and half marathon courses are USATF certified.

What is the time limit for the marathon?

• →The course closes in 9 hours. Runners unable to maintain a pace to finish the marathon within this window are encouraged to register for the half marathon.

Where is the start and finish located?

• →The start is near Page Street and BB&T.
• →The finish is on Sunset Avenue near the Ellerbe Rescue Squad building.

When does registration open and what are the deadlines?

• →Registration opens on October 1, 2025, via Ultrasignup.
• →The critical deadline to register and guarantee a t-shirt and finisher pottery award is February 15, 2026.

What are the registration fees for the event?

• →Old School Deal: $60 (October 1 – October 10)
• →Standard Rate: $75 (October 11 – January 15)
• →Late Rate: $85 (January 16 – Registration Closing)

What is included in the registration?

• →Race number, pins, and event t-shirt (available at packet pick-up).
• →Finisher items: a custom medallion and a handmade pottery wine cup.
• →A post-race lunch with vegetarian soup and hot cheese quesadillas.

What is the policy on refunds, transfers, or deferrals?

• →There are no refunds, transfers, or deferrals allowed.

What is the race day logistics for packet pick-up?

• →Packet pick-up is at the Ellerbe Rescue Squad building, 106 Sunset Avenue, starting at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.
• →No early packet pick-up is available on Friday evening.

What is the parking information for the event?

• →Primary parking is at the intersection of Parsons Ave. and 2nd Street (behind Food King).
• →Street parking is allowed in Ellerbe if legal and not blocking driveways.
• →Do not park along Page Street.

What lodging options are available?

• →The Ellerbe Springs Inn is the only lodging in Ellerbe, located 1.5 miles from the start.
• →Additional lodging is available in nearby towns such as Rockingham, Biscoe, and Southern Pines.

What awards are given out?

• →Overall: Top 3 overall male and top 3 overall female finishers (both events).
• →Local: First male and first female from Richmond County, NC.
• →Special bibs are worn by runners who have completed 10 or more Ellerbe Marathons or Half Marathons.

What is included in the post-race lunch?

• →Vegetarian soup and hot cheese quesadillas.
• →Your race number serves as your ticket.

What is the event's history?

• →This is the oldest continuously held marathon in North Carolina, first run in 1992.

What is the event's atmosphere like?

• →The event has a small crowd, fun atmosphere, no sponsors, and is runner-focused.

What is the timing system used for the event?

• →RFID chip timing with live results managed by Clockwork Race Timing.

What is available at the aid stations?

• →Water, electrolyte drink, bananas, and salty/sweet snacks.
• →No pain meds are dispensed at aid stations.

What is the policy on race-day registration?

• →There is no race-day registration.

What is the policy on t-shirts and finisher awards?

• →T-shirts are presented at packet pick-up. Extra shirts from no-shows may be available post-race on a first-come/first-serve basis.
• →Finisher pottery awards are handmade by McNeill Pottery of Seagrove, NC.