Outer Banks Marathon
The Lowdown
The Outer Banks Marathon is the oldest continuously running road race on North Carolina's Outer Banks, held every November on Roanoke Island. Organized by Outer Banks Sporting Events (OBXSE), the out-and-back course starts and finishes at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo, running along the sound-side scenery of the island through the village of Manteo. The course is flat and fast, with roughly 170 feet of total elevation gain, and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier with a 6-hour time limit. Race weekend also includes a Half Marathon, 8K, 5K, and Fun Run on the Outer Banks, plus a two-day sports and fitness expo, live music, complimentary southern barbecue, and a beer garden at the finish near The Lost Colony.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Intimate field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Moderate spectator support
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
The Lost Colony
Roanoke Island
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Manteo, North Carolina, USA
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 16 to register for the Marathon or Half Marathon
Required Documents
- Photo ID
Entry Methods
- Online registration via ItsYourRace
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Review the official OBXSE cancellation/refund policy before registering
Race weekend also includes an 8K and a non-competitive Fun Run on Saturday, November 7, 2026, alongside the 5K.
Military discount: 10% off with code USMilitary.
Half Marathon time limit is 4 hours.
Strollers and pets are not permitted on the course.
Course is described as RRCA certified by third-party race directories; not independently confirmed on the official OBXSE site.
Post-race celebration features live music, complimentary southern barbecue for finishers, and a 21+ beer garden near The Lost Colony entrance in Manteo.
Training for this race?
Track your training, follow a plan, and prepare for race day with MarathonOS.
Scan to download
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.