Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon logo
running

Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Date
February 28, 2027
Distance
O2K Marathon · O2K Half Marathon

From the Organizer

Event Information
Participation Cap
This event will be limited to 50 participants total, accepted on a first-registered basis.

Event Purpose
The race is structured to provide athletes with the opportunity to achieve a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ) standard or a benchmark Half Marathon performance. The course has consistently produced qualifying results, and the intent is to attract competitors pursuing age-group standards for Boston or other national and international events.

Eligibility
This event is intended for serious competitors actively seeking qualification times.

Participants should register only if they are capable of meeting, or coming very close to, their Boston Marathon age-group qualifying standard.
Reference official standards here: Boston Marathon Qualifying Times.
Cut-off Times

Half Marathon: 2 hours, 5 minutes
Marathon: 4 hours
 
Race Format and Conditions
This event will be conducted in a low-profile, performance-focused format.

No shirts, awards, or amenities will be provided.
The course will be open to light vehicular traffic; runners will utilize the bike lane/shoulder. Headphones are prohibited.
The initial 30 minutes will be run in darkness under street lighting. Participants must wear high-visibility clothing, reflective gear, and a headlamp or flashlight until daylight improves conditions.
 
Course Certification and Details
Marathon

Out-and-back format on the Oak Ridge Turnpike
Less than 600 ft total elevation gain
USATF Certified Course (Certification Code: TN21010MS) – valid for use when registering for the Boston Marathon
Halfway split will be recorded


Half Marathon

Point-to-point format along a highway with bike lane/shoulder
Less than 400 ft total elevation gain
Participants must arrange their own transportation back to the start; a limited number of return seats will be available through race management
 
Course Support
Aid stations will be located at:

Miles 3, 7, 11 (outbound)
Miles 15, 19, 23 (marathon only)
Competitors are expected to be largely self-supported and should bring their own fuel and supplies as needed
 
Registration and Packet Pickup
Race Day Only: Beginning at 4:45 AM
Participation Cap: 50 runners (exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances, including slightly over-standard qualifying times or requests after the cap has been met; inquiries should be directed to the race directors).
 

Distances & Pricing

O2K Marathon6 AMRegister →
O2K Half Marathon6 AMRegister →

Race Location

About This Sport

From Endurance Grid's Founder

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.

Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.

The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.

How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon is a running event held in Oak Ridge, TN. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
Sunday, February 28, 2027 in Oak Ridge, TN at 22 N. Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

Oak Ridge to Kingston Express Marathon & Half Marathon

Feb 28, 2027

Register →