Wilmington NC Marathon
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Event overview
The Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The event uses a point-to-point, predominantly flat course that begins in Wrightsville Beach and finishes in downtown Wilmington. The full marathon route notes the back half runs through Greenfield Lake. The race weekend includes on-course and virtual options.
Distances and entry details
- 26.2 km Full Marathon
- 13.1 km Half Marathon
- 5K Fleet Feet 5k
- 1 mile LIDL Glow Run (free kids event)
- Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual Marathon, Virtual 5K
- DUO TEAM - RIDER ONLY
Listed prices and eligibility on the event page include: Marathon $165 (295 spots left), Half Marathon $120 (open to ages 12+), 5K $55 (375 spots left), 1 mile free (open to ages 14 and under, 296 spots left). Virtual race fees are shown as $30 to $75. Several events have registration deadlines on February 27, 2026 (the 1 mile event closes February 26, 2026).
Participant tracking and race services
Spectators can track runners via the RaceJoy app. RaceJoy offers live phone tracking based on the participant's phone, GPS progress alerts (typically at every mile with location, pace, elapsed time and estimated finish), and pre-recorded audio cheers or text-to-cheer messages. Both the participant and the spectator must download the app and keep their phones with them for tracking to work.
Organization and support
The Wilmington Marathon is produced by Proactive Lifestyle Events. The event lists multiple sponsors and provides volunteer and participant services such as packet pickup, pace groups, and past result access. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
