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Wilmington NC Marathon

February 27, 2027 · 7:00 AMWilmington, North Carolina, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

50°F

Feels cool

Total elevation gain

120ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Crowd Rating

4/ 10

Moderate spectator support

Entry

Registration Open

Marathon

$145

Price is $145 through November 30, 2026, then increases to $165.

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Key Dates

1. Registration price increase
  Nov 30, 2026
  The marathon price rises after November 30, 2026 at 11:59pm EST.
1. Transfer and deferral deadline
  Feb 1, 2027
  Last day to transfer to another race or runner, or to defer to the following year.
2. Expo and packet pickup
  Feb 25, 2027
  Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center.
3. Expo and packet pickup
  Feb 26, 2027
  Friday 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center.
4. Race Day
  Feb 27, 2027
  Marathon and half marathon start at 7:00 a.m. on the UNCW campus.

Found in

Marathons in North Carolina Half Marathons in North Carolina Races in North Carolina Marathons in the United States

The Lowdown

Wilmington NC Marathon is a point-to-point road marathon that starts on the UNCW campus at 7:00 a.m. and finishes on the downtown Wilmington riverfront at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. The course is flat, with a maximum elevation of 40 feet above sea level, and it is a USATF-sanctioned Boston qualifier. The event is run as the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon, and race weekend also includes a half marathon, a 5K and a free kids' 1-mile run.

Previous edition results — 2026

Course Highlights: 01UNCW campus – the start line is on Wagoner Rd in front of Hoggard Hall
02Live Oak Bank Pavilion – the finish line on the downtown Wilmington riverfront
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 6:30:00 for the marathon (14:53 per mile pace)
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 through RunSignup.
Onsite registration at the expo if the event is not sold out; there is no registration on race morning.
Active military, veterans and students can request a discount by email, and run clubs can request a group rate.
Eligibility: Open to ages 16 and older.
Walking is allowed as long as runners meet the course cutoff times.
Baby joggers and pets are not allowed.
Running in place of another runner is not allowed.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Entries can be transferred to another runner until February 1.
Entries can be deferred to the following year for a $20 fee until February 1.
Transfers to another race cost $10 online or $20 at the expo.
Optional RegShield race insurance can be bought at checkout to cover a refund claim.

Book Stay

01: A free 1-mile kids run takes place on Friday evening, February 26, at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.
02: Shuttles run from Harnett Street downtown to the UNCW start from 4:00 a.m., and runners should be at the start by 6:00 a.m.
03: Gear check is at the start only; there is no bag drop at the finish.
04: Top three male and female finishers and top three masters finishers receive cash prizes.
05: Runners who meet the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials marathon standard earn a $500 qualifying bonus.

Questions about the Wilmington NC Marathon 2027

When is the Wilmington NC Marathon 2027?

Saturday, February 27, 2027.

Where is the Wilmington NC Marathon?

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States.

What time does the Wilmington NC Marathon start?

The race starts at 7:00 AM, local time.

What is the Wilmington NC Marathon time limit?

6:30:00 for the marathon (14:53 per mile pace).

How do I enter the Wilmington NC Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Ways in: Online registration through RunSignup; Onsite registration at the expo if the event is not sold out; there is no registration on race morning; Active military, veterans and students can request a discount by email, and run clubs can request a group rate.

How much does the Wilmington NC Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $145.

When and where is packet pickup for the Wilmington NC Marathon?

Feb 25, 2027: Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center. Feb 26, 2027: Friday 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Wilmington Convention Center.

What is the Wilmington NC Marathon elevation gain?

120 ft (37 m) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +0 ft (0 m). Relatively flat course.

What is the Wilmington NC Marathon course like?

It passes UNCW campus and Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

What is the weather like at the Wilmington NC Marathon?

The race-day average is 10 °C (50 °F). Feels cool.

Where are the Wilmington NC Marathon results?

The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results

Is the Wilmington NC Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, cool weather Difficulty Analyzer120ft gain, 50°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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