2026 Valentine'S Heartbreaker Marathon and Relay

The 2026 Valentine's Heartbreaker Marathon and Relay is scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Greensboro Country Park, located at 3905 Nathanael Greene Drive in Greensboro, North Carolina. The event will take place under expected weather conditions for that date, which typically include partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging between 32°F and 45°F. Participants can expect a mixed-terrain path run entirely on the park's dedicated pedestrian and cyclist loop road. The course is predominantly paved with gentle rolling terrain, offering shaded sections through wooded parkland and open areas. The loop is closed to vehicle traffic, ensuring a safe, car-free environment for runners. The event emphasizes community and a festive atmosphere, with participants receiving a commemorative hoodie, a finisher’s medal, and post-race craft beer for runners 21 and older. The loop format allows teams to set up tents and coolers near the transition zone, creating a tailgate-style experience where runners can cheer on teammates between laps.

What is the event name and date?

The event is the 2026 Valentine's Heartbreaker Marathon and Relay, scheduled for February 8, 2026.

What is the location of the event?

The event takes place at Greensboro Country Park, located at 3905 Nathanael Greene Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina.

What is the course format and terrain like?

The course is a mixed-terrain/path event run entirely on Country Park's dedicated pedestrian and cyclist loop road. The surface is predominantly paved with a flat-to-gently-rolling profile, featuring shaded sections through mature hardwoods and open park areas.

What are the race format options available?

• →Solo Division: Complete all 16 laps individually (6-hour cutoff)
• →2-Person Relay: Each runner completes 8 laps (~13.1 miles each)
• →4-Person Relay: Each runner completes 4 laps (~6.5 miles each)
• →5–8 Person "Party" Teams: Flexible lap distribution among teammates

What are the rules for relay teams?

Relay teams must alternate laps in strict sequence, with runners not allowed to complete consecutive laps. For example, on a 4-person team, Runner A completes laps 1, 5, 9, and 13 while teammates rotate through the remaining laps. This structure creates natural recovery periods between efforts and encourages team camaraderie.

What is the race day schedule?

The start time is 10:00 AM EST, and the course closes at 4:00 PM EST, which is a 6-hour time limit.

How is timing handled during the event?

Chip timing is used via baton handoffs for relays, and bib chips are used for solo runners.

What is included in the registration?

Participants receive a commemorative hoodie (guaranteed with registration 3+ weeks in advance), a finisher's medal, and post-race craft beer from Oden Brewing for runners 21 and older.

What special considerations should runners be aware of?

The repetitive lap format demands mental strategy alongside physical endurance. Solo runners should practice fueling consistently every 1.5–2 miles, while relay teams benefit from planning lap sequences based on each runner's strengths for hilly or exposed sections of the loop.

What is the event's emphasis?

The event emphasizes community and a festive atmosphere over pure competition, allowing teams to set up tents and coolers near the transition zone for a tailgate-style race day.