Cape Fear River Run
The Cape Fear River Run offers a paved greenway half marathon along the scenic Cape Fear River.
Race Date
Nov 8, 2026
Location
Fayetteville, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Location
- Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 19.3 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 277
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Cape Fear River Run takes place in Fayetteville, NC, utilizing the paved Cape Fear River Trail for its half marathon. Runners begin and end their journey at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, enjoying a greenway path that winds alongside the picturesque Cape Fear River.
This event, with a median of approximately 139 finishers in its two editions, draws participants from around 11 states. While the field size has seen a slight decrease, the race offers on-course support and a unique VIP experience for a limited number of participants, including a private heated tent and exclusive refreshments.
Runners can choose from various distances, including a 10K and a 19.3-mile option, alongside the main half marathon. The race provides a zip-up jacket or vest as a giveaway, and the typical winning time hovers around 81 minutes.
Race-provided description
Welcome to Fayetteville's only Half Marathon on the Cape Fear River Trail! All races will feature different routes and use the Cape Fear River Trail. This trail is a beautiful, paved greenway trail along the Cape Fear River. The start and finish line will be at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. There will be on course support. There will be no pets allowed at this event. This race will have an option to add on a VIP experience. This includes a private heated tent for VIPs only, VIP only refreshments, Bag storage, and VIP line for early packet pick up. Limited to 35 entrants.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Zip Up Jacket or Vest
Start Location
536 N. Eastern Blvd, Fayetteville, NC, 28301
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
2 years running
~138.5 finishers a year
shrinking
0% returning runners
3 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 11 states
winner 1:21:54
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
51°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 277 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
277
Median time
2:04:32
Latest turnout
133
States
13
Turnout by year
2024–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Cape Fear River Run?
The Cape Fear River Run is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Cape Fear River Run take place?
It takes place in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
What distances does the Cape Fear River Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 19.3 Miles.
Is the Cape Fear River Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Cape Fear River Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Cape Fear River Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 277 runners who have completed the Cape Fear River Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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