HalfRuns
Coast Guard Marathon

Coast Guard Marathon

Race Date

Apr 1, 2026

Location

Elizabeth City, NC

Standout71

The Experience

The Official Race of the United States Coast Guard Lace up for the Coast Guard Marathon—part race, part celebration, all heart! Join us in April 10-12, 2026 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina — the Officially Designated Coast Guard City — for a high-spirited race weekend that honors service, strength, and community. Founded in 2021 with a virtual debut and launched in person in 2022, the Coast Guard Marathon has quickly become a rising star among the Prestigious Military Races. As you register, consider taking on the Armed Forces Series Challenge — a unique multi-race experience that celebrates each branch of the U.S. military. Runners who complete signature races for the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will earn a special challenge medal in addition to individual race finisher medals. It’s a meaningful way to honor our nation’s heroes, collect exclusive bling, and become part of a powerful, patriotic tradition. For more information: AFSC - Coast Guard Marathon  Run a fast, flat Boston Qualifier course that winds through scenic waterfront streets, historic neighborhoods, and the unforgettable thrill of racing down the runway at U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. 🚨 IMPORTANT: The last day to register for the in-person Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Semper Paratus Challenge is March 22, 2026, due to mandatory background checks for base runway access.   IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL OPTIONS 🏁 In-Person Weekend: April 10–12, 2026 – Join us in Elizabeth City for the full race experience, live events, and community celebration. 🌍 Virtual Race Window: April 1–30, 2026 – Run your race from anywhere in the world and be part of the Coast Guard Marathon community on your schedule.   Race Weekend: Full Speed Ahead Choose your distance: 🏃 Marathon 🏃 Half Marathon 🏃 5K 🏃 1K Kids’ Run Push your limits with the Semper Paratus Challenge Series—complete the 5K plus the Half or Full Marathon in one weekend and earn an official challenge coin, a proud symbol of Coast Guard grit and endurance. Junior runners can take on the Junior Challenge (5K + 1K) and earn their own coin for courage and commitment.   More Than a Race—It’s a Full Weekend Adventure ⚓ Two-Day Expo – Gear up and meet the crew 🍝 Pasta Luncheon – Fuel up before the big run 🎡 Family Festival (Saturday) – Activities and fun for all ages 🎖️ Finish Line Festival (Sunday) – Celebrate your victory with music, food, and revelry Whether you're active duty, a veteran, a proud Coast Guard supporter, or a first-time runner, the Coast Guard Marathon invites you to run with purpose, pride, and community—from the base, the streets, or wherever you call home. All hands on deck—let’s make it a weekend to remember. Semper Paratus—Always Ready!   EVEN MORE REASONS TO RUN MILITARY DISCOUNT As a "thank you" for your service we are offering a 10% off military discount with the code "CGM2026" at checkout. This discount is for past and present active-duty members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces.

REFERRAL PROGRAM The more the merrier! SAVE by inviting friends to run the event with you either in-person OR virtually. Refer 5 friends, get $10 off your registrationRefer 10 friends, get $20 off your registrationRefer 15 friends, your registration is FREE  Referral registrations MUST be made using your unique referral link provided at checkout and refunds will automatically be issued once your friends register! Share it with your friends via Facebook, Instagram, email, or text and invite them to join the fun!

Check out our website www.coastguardmarathon.com and social media for updates!

Logistics

Race Day

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Soft Poly Blend Shirt

Start Location

501 S Water Street, Elizabeth City, NC, 27909

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Elevation Gain

0'

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles3.1 Miles0.62 Miles29.3 Miles16.2 MilesJunior Semper Paratus Challenge5K13.1 MilesCoast Guard Marathon Pasta Luncheon

USATF Certified Course

NC26014BDS · Coast Guard Half Marathon 2026 - ALT

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout71
Methodology
Heritage10/20

5 years running

Size15/15

~868 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

24% returning runners

Course & details10/15

USATF certified · 2 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 30 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:20:40

Weather5/10

typical high 69°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

49°

Afternoon (High)

69°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

65%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 5,473 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

5,473

Median time

2:19:02

Latest turnout

360

States

51

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:00p50 median ≈ 2:25240:00

Turnout by year

20212025

'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

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