City of Oaks Marathon
The Lowdown
The 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.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
North Carolina State Capitol
Historic Greek Revival building in downtown Raleigh that runners pass near during the early miles
Pullen Park
One of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S.; the course skirts this scenic park near NC State University
Mordecai Historic Park
19th-century plantation site and historic district with oak-lined streets the race runs through
Hayes Barton / Five Points Neighborhood
Tree-lined residential area known for its oak canopy and cheering neighborhoods
Dix Park (Dorothea Dix Park)
Large urban green space with open fields and skyline views that features along the mid-to-late miles
Raleigh City Market & Moore Square
Historic downtown market area and public square that runners pass as they approach the city center
Lake Johnson / Umstead State Park views
Natural trail and park views near sections of the course offering wooded scenery
Raleigh, NC, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be 18 years or older to register for the full marathon
- Online registration required and must be completed by the race registration deadline
- Signed liability waiver required from all participants
- Participants must be physically fit to run; medical clearance recommended for those with health concerns
- Course must be completed within the official time limit of 6 hours
- Race is USATF-certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier (qualifying times must meet Boston standards)
- No race bib transfers allowed; changing registered name requires race organizer approval
- Government-issued photo ID
- Signed liability waiver/medical release (completed during registration or at packet pickup)
- Emergency contact information (completed on registration form)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Group/Corporate Entry
- Tour Operator Packages
- Virtual Race
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstances
Deferral to 2027 available until 30 days before the race for a $25 processing fee
Bib transfers to another registered runner allowed until 14 days before the race for a $15 processing fee
If the event is canceled or postponed by organizers, registrants will be offered a deferral to the next race or a refund minus transaction/processing fees
The race finishes on Hillsborough Street with a festive downtown atmosphere and views of Raleigh landmarks including Pullen Park and the NC State campus.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve race shirt, and there is a post-race recovery area with snacks and a beer garden for participants 21+.
Packet pickup and a race expo are held the weekend before the race, and most years the weekend includes a pre-race pasta dinner and a kids’ fun run on race day.
Aid stations are approximately every 1.5–2 miles offering water, electrolyte drink, gels at key points, and medical support; course is USATF-certified and largely flat with a few gentle rollers.
Spectator-friendly locations include the downtown finish and mile 10–12 on Hillsborough Street; limited street parking near the start encourages using downtown parking decks, ride share, or public transit on race morning.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.