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Myrtle Beach Marathon

March 6, 2027 · 6:35 AMMyrtle Beach, SC, United States

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Race Day

54°F

43–64°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

131ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +16 ft

Participants

1,200

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

5/ 10

Good crowd energy

Entry

Registration Open

Marathon

$94

Full marathon entry, 2027 cycle. Price read live from the official RaceReach registration form.

Official Website

Key Dates

1. Bib Mailing Deadline
  Jan 29, 2027
  Deadline (noon) to purchase bib mailing for $19.99; there is no race-day packet pick-up, so runners without bib mailing must attend in-person packet pick-up.
2. Deferral Deadline
  Feb 24, 2027
  Last day to defer registration (11:59 PM). Deferrals carry a $20.00 fee and the deferral window closes 10 days before race day.
3. Race Day
  Mar 6, 2027
  Marathon and Half Marathon race day in Myrtle Beach, SC. Start time historically 06:35; confirm the 2027 start schedule with the organiser.

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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.

Course Highlights: 01Myrtle Beach Boardwalk – A scenic oceanfront promenade where the course runs along the beachfront with shops and entertainment
02Myrtle Beach SkyWheel – The iconic 187-foot Ferris wheel on the boardwalk visible to runners along the oceanfront
032nd Avenue Pier – A landmark pier and popular sightseeing spot the route passes near in central Myrtle Beach
04Myrtle Beach Convention Center – Large convention venue and central landmark close to parts of the downtown course
05Market Common – A mixed-use district with tree-lined streets, shops and residences the race travels through inland
06Broadway at the Beach – Major entertainment complex with restaurants, attractions and lakefront views encountered on the inland portion of the route
07Myrtle Beach State Park – Coastal park featuring beach access and maritime forest scenery near the southern stretch of the course
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon
Time Limit: 6 hours 30 minutes
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 16 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
On-site Registration
Eligibility: 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)
Required Documents: 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)
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds under any circumstance
No transfers to another runner
Deferral to the following year is allowed; a $20.00 deferral fee applies from roughly four months out, and the deferral window closes 10 days before race day (February 24, 2027 at 11:59 PM for the 2027 edition)
Race director reserves the right to cancel or modify the event for safety reasons (including severe weather)

01: 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.
02: 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.
03: All finishers receive a commemorative finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve race shirt, with awards in age-group and overall categories.
04: 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.
05: 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.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer131ft gain, 54°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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