Nov 1, 2026Marathon (26.2 miles / 42.2 km)
The LowdownThe City of Oaks Marathon, held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, has grown into one of the region’s premier fall road races since its founding in the mid-2000s. Celebrated for its community focus and autumn timing, the event draws both competitive marathoners chasing qualifying times and recreational runners looking for a scenic, low-key race weekend. Over the years the race has become a local tradition that showcases Raleigh’s parks, neighborhoods, and civic pride, while also serving as a fast, welcoming option for runners from across the Southeast.
The course winds through Raleigh’s tree-lined streets and major green spaces, highlighting features such as Dorothea Dix Park, Pullen Park, the State Capitol area, and portions of the Oakwood and Five Points neighborhoods, offering a mix of urban scenery and leafy residential stretches. Runners commonly note a supportive, volunteer-driven atmosphere with well-spaced aid stations, enthusiastic local spectators, and convenient spectator areas near key turnarounds. The relatively flat, fast profile makes it attractive to athletes pursuing Boston Marathon qualifying times; the course is USATF-certified and routinely listed as a Boston Qualifier, and it is measured to standards consistent with AIMS protocols.
City of Oaks Marathon
Raleigh, NC, United States
