
From the Organizer
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.
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!
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.
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!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
68°
Typical Low
46°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Elizabeth City, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
18,740
as of 2023
City Elevation
9 ft
Nearest Airport
ORF
Norfolk International Airport · 42 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Coast Guard Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
288
Days to train
Coming Up
Lighthouse 5k Series July 8, 2026
23 miles away
Lighthouse 5k Series July 15, 2026
23 miles away
Lighthouse 5k Series July 22, 2026
23 miles away
Lighthouse 5k Series July 29, 2026
23 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
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)
Coast Guard Marathon
Apr 1, 2027