Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon
Wilmington Marathon offers a fast, flat course from beach to historic downtown.
Race Date
Feb 26, 2027
Location
Wilmington, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, February 26, 2027
- Location
- Wilmington, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 5K, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 12,811
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon is a well-established race known for its fast, flat course. First run in 2019, it has grown to become a significant event, attracting approximately 2,167 finishers in recent years, with participants traveling from around 43 states.
The race begins its journey from the scenic shores of Wrightsville Beach and winds its way towards the historic downtown waterfront of Wilmington. This point-to-point route is USATF-certified and designed for speed, with minimal elevation change, making it a prime location for runners aiming for personal bests.
The event offers a vibrant atmosphere, blending the appeal of coastal North Carolina's beaches and renowned dining with the charm of a historic city. Participants can expect a well-organized experience, culminating in a finish that celebrates the accomplishment of completing the marathon, half marathon, 5K, or other distances offered.
Race-provided description
The Novant Health Wilmington, NC Marathon brings you world class shopping, beautiful beaches, famous restaurants and a historic downtown waterfront. Runners will begin their journey from Wrightsville Beach and end downtown Wilmington. For more information and all of the questions you need answered, visit www.wilmingtonncmarathon.com
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, February 26, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
515 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC16101NW · Race 13.1 Wilmington Half Marathon(2016) - Wilmington - NC
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite838 years running
~2,059 finishers a year
growing or steady
17% returning runners
USATF certified · 3 timing sources
runners from 43 states
winner 1:06:59
typical high 67°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
49°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 12,811 finishers actually crossed the line across 8 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
12,811
Median time
2:06:11
Latest turnout
2,167
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon?
The Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon is held on Friday, February 26, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon take place?
It takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina.
What distances does the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 5K, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 12,811 runners who have completed the Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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