City of Oaks Marathon
Raleigh's City of Oaks Half Marathon offers a fast, certified course through scenic urban and greenway paths.
Race Date
Nov 1, 2026
Location
Raleigh, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Location
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 10K, 5K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 35,709
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The City of Oaks Half Marathon, first run in 2002 and now in its 20th year, has grown into a beloved event in Raleigh, North Carolina. Drawing participants from approximately 36 states, it offers a certified course designed for fast times, with a net drop and minimal elevation changes.
Runners navigate a mix of urban streets and greenway paths, experiencing the character of Raleigh. While some reviews note the greenway sections can be narrow with turns and inclines, the overall course is well-marked and supported by enthusiastic volunteers. The event typically sees around 2,600 finishers, with a notable portion returning each year, underscoring its appeal.
The race culminates in a festive atmosphere with ample post-race food, drinks, and often live music, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking a well-organized and engaging half marathon.
Race-provided description
Skip to content OTHER CAPSTONE EVENTS Facebook Twitter Instagram X REGISTRATION RACES Marathon Half-Marathon Old Reliable 10k Acorn 5k RACE WEEKEND Course Maps RUN THE TRIANGLE RACE RESULTS & PHOTOS VOLUNTEER FAQs X Select Your Distance REGISTRATION Grab your spot for the race now! Register Now MAPS & ELEVATION Discover the USATF certified courses. View Routes SWAG The 2026 race includes swag worth sweating for. SEE THE SWAG RESULTS & PHOTOS Check out past results and photos! See the results THANK YOU TO OUR Sponsors Title Sponsor Martin Marietta A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials – including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 state
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
+0.24 m
Separation
0.7%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC24002NW · City of Oaks Half Marathon (2024)
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9320 years running
~2,411 finishers a year
growing or steady
19% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 36 states
winner 1:10:05
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 35,709 finishers actually crossed the line across 20 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
35,709
Median time
2:08:09
Latest turnout
2,681
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the City of Oaks Marathon?
The City of Oaks Marathon is held on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Where does the City of Oaks Marathon take place?
It takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What distances does the City of Oaks Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 10K, 5K run.
Is the City of Oaks Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The City of Oaks Marathon is a rolling hills, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the City of Oaks Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 35,709 runners who have completed the City of Oaks Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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