HalfRuns
Coast Guard Marathon

Coast Guard Marathon

The Coast Guard Marathon offers a fast, flat Boston Qualifier course celebrating service in Elizabeth City.

Race Date

Apr 1, 2027

Location

Elizabeth City, NC

Standout73

Quick facts

Date
Thursday, April 1, 2027
Location
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 0.62 Miles, 29.3 Miles, 16.2 Miles, Junior Semper Paratus Challenge, 5K, 13.1 Miles, Coast Guard Marathon Pasta Luncheon
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
5,473

Highlights

Good For

BQ RelevantPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Spectator SupportGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Fast Flat

The Experience

The official foot race of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City, NC, offers a meaningful way to honor service members. Founded in 2021 and launched in person in 2022, it has quickly become a notable event among military races. Runners can choose from multiple distances, including the half marathon and full marathon, with options to participate in the Armed Forces Series Challenge for a special medal.

The course is a fast, flat, and certified Boston Qualifier, winding through scenic waterfront streets and historic neighborhoods. A unique thrill is the opportunity to race down the runway at the U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. The event draws participants from approximately 30 states, with about 24% of the recent ~360 finishers returning in subsequent years, highlighting its growing loyalty.

Participants receive a soft poly blend shirt, and the race weekend, typically held in April, offers both in-person and virtual options. Note that registration deadlines are in place due to mandatory background checks for base access, adding to the race's unique, patriotic tradition.

Race-provided description

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

Thursday, April 1, 2027

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

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

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

Standout73
Methodology
Heritage10/20

5 years running

Size15/15

~868 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

24% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 6 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.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Coast Guard Marathon?

The Coast Guard Marathon is held on Thursday, April 1, 2027, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the Coast Guard Marathon take place?

It takes place in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

What distances does the Coast Guard Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 0.62 Miles, 29.3 Miles, 16.2 Miles, Junior Semper Paratus Challenge, 5K, 13.1 Miles, Coast Guard Marathon Pasta Luncheon.

Is the Coast Guard Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Coast Guard Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Coast Guard Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 5,473 runners who have completed the Coast Guard Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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