Myrtle Beach Marathon
The Lowdown
The Myrtle Beach Marathon, first held in the late 1990s, has grown into one of the Southeast’s most popular early-season marathons, attracting both serious competitors chasing Boston qualifying times and recreational runners seeking a scenic, flat course. Traditionally part of a full weekend of races including a half marathon and 5K, the event showcases the Grand Strand’s beach-town character and has become a marquee spring destination race for families and running clubs across the region. Organizers emphasize a festive, welcoming atmosphere and a well-supported race experience that draws spectators, live bands, and local vendors along the route. The course is known for its predominantly flat, fast layout that runs along Myrtle Beach’s wide oceanfront avenues, offering long stretches of Atlantic views, well-maintained boardwalk sections, and iconic landmarks like the SkyWheel and beachfront hotels. Runners will experience gentle ocean breezes, several beachside parks, and stretches through classic coastal neighborhoods, with multiple aid stations and enthusiastic crowd support in the downtown finish area. The race is USATF-certified and is recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier, making it attractive for athletes targeting a qualifying time. Overall, the Myrtle Beach Marathon delivers a spectator-friendly, low-key southern hospitality atmosphere that combines scenic waterfront running with strong logistical support for a positive race day experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Event weekend posts record participation in 2025
Apr 1, 2025The Myrtle Beach Marathon weekend reported a record 8,200 total participants across all distances in 2025 (marathon, half, 5K, relay), up from roughly 7,400 in 2024. Organizers credited expanded packet-pickup capacity and increased marketing to neighboring states for the growth.
Start time moved earlier for 2026 to reduce heat exposure
Sep 15, 2025Race directors announced the 2026 marathon start will be moved to 06:35 to avoid warmer mid-morning temperatures and improve runner safety; the change follows heat-related medical incidents during the 2024 edition. The earlier start also aligns with updated permitting from Myrtle Beach city authorities.
This race qualifies for the Boston Marathon
Race Weekend
Other distances available
Notable Landmarks
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
A scenic oceanfront promenade where the course runs along the beachfront with shops and entertainment
Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
The iconic 187-foot Ferris wheel on the boardwalk visible to runners along the oceanfront
2nd Avenue Pier
A landmark pier and popular sightseeing spot the route passes near in central Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Large convention venue and central landmark close to parts of the downtown course
Market Common
A mixed-use district with tree-lined streets, shops and residences the race travels through inland
Broadway at the Beach
Major entertainment complex with restaurants, attractions and lakefront views encountered on the inland portion of the route
Myrtle Beach State Park
Coastal park featuring beach access and maritime forest scenery near the southern stretch of the course
Myrtle Beach, SC, United States
US
Based on nearby accommodations
- Must be at least 16 years old to register for the marathon
- Runners under 18 must have parent/guardian consent to participate
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions
- Proof of recent official finish time may be required for seeded/priority start placement
- Registered participants only; bibs are non-transferable
- No unauthorized wheeled devices, pets, or bicycles allowed on the course (official wheelchair division excepted)
- All participants must abide by event rules and instructions from race officials and law enforcement
- Participants must be able to maintain the minimum pace required to finish before course cutoff time (typically around 6 hours)
- Photo ID (used for packet pickup/verification)
- Signed liability waiver/registration agreement
- Emergency contact information
- Proof of age for age-group verification if requested (e.g., birth certificate or government ID)
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- On-site Registration
Cancellation & Refunds
Policy details
No refunds under any circumstance
Deferral to the next calendar year allowed through February 1, 2026 for a $30 deferral fee
Bib transfers to another runner allowed online through February 15, 2026 for a $25 transfer fee; proof of new runner required
Race director reserves the right to cancel or modify the event for safety reasons (including severe weather); if the race is cancelled by organizers, entrants will be offered a deferral to the following year or a credit toward a future event (no cash refunds)
The Myrtle Beach Marathon is a USATF-certified, predominantly flat and fast course that follows much of the Grand Strand’s oceanfront and beachfront neighborhoods, offering frequent ocean views.
Race weekend includes a race expo and vendors, a Saturday pasta dinner (sold separately), and a lively post-race festival with food, beverages and a beer garden near the finish line.
All finishers receive a commemorative finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve race shirt, with awards in age-group and overall categories.
Aid stations are well-spaced along the course (roughly every 1.5–2 miles) with water, electrolyte drink and portable restrooms; multiple spectator viewing areas exist along Ocean Boulevard.
There is limited on-site parking and recommended park-and-ride shuttles from designated lots; check the event website for packet pickup times, start-line logistics (race starts at 06:35) and official cutoff/time-limit information.
Community
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