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Date:
Wed, Apr 01, 2026 at 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location:
501 S Water Street
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
27909
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Links:
coastguardmarathon.com Register at runsignup.com
Tags:
13.1 Miles 16.2 Miles 26.2 Miles 29.3 Miles 3.1 Miles 5k Marathon Run Virtual

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 registration

  • Refer 10 friends, get $20 off your registration

  • Refer 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!

More races nearby

  • Coast Guard Marathon [finishers.com]

    Sat, Apr 11, 2026

    Description

    Ready to take on the challenge of the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City? 🏃‍♂️ This one-of-a-kind race combines the adrenaline of competition with the picturesque charm of a coastal region. Whether you're aiming for the 1K, the 5K, the Half-Marathon, or the Marathon, every route immerses you in the distinctive marine and military atmosphere of North Carolina. 🌊

    2.9 km from Elizabeth City
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  • Run for Hope 5K [runsignup.com]

    Sat, Apr 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM

    Description

    Enjoy a flat, scenic course through the Riverside Area of Elizabeth City with views of the Pasquotank River. All proceeds from this event will provide services for victims of sexual assault and...

    Enjoy a flat, scenic course through the Riverside Area of Elizabeth City with views of the Pasquotank River. All proceeds from this event will provide services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence through Albemarle Hopeline, Inc. Hopeline has been serving survivors in northeast North Carolina for 40 years. Learn more about the mission at www.albemarlehopeline.org .

    Registration: $30 - you can register online through 8:45am on the day of the race!

    T-shirts: Participants who sign up by March 23rd can add on a t-shirt for just $5!

    Awards:

    Overall male and female (first through third)

    The top 2 male and female finishers in the following categories will also receive awards:

    Under 18, 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, 65+

    Timing:

    Please note that this race is manually timed by volunteers (NOT chip-timed). Race timing will end 45 minutes after the race start so that medals can be awarded.

    Runner/Walker Check-in: Starts at 8am on raceday. Please check in by 8:45am so we can begin the race on time!

    363 m from Elizabeth City
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    OpenStreetMap Google Maps

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  • NC Potato Festival Tater Trot (5K Run & 1 Mile Walk) [runsignup.com]

    Sat, May 16, 2026 at 8:00 AM

    Description

    ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!

    Come join us in Elizabeth City, North Carolina on Saturday, May 16, 2026 for our Annual North Carolina Potato Festival Tater Trot (5K Run and 1 Mile Walk)! This event is...

    ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!

    Come join us in Elizabeth City, North Carolina on Saturday, May 16, 2026 for our Annual North Carolina Potato Festival Tater Trot (5K Run and 1 Mile Walk)! This event is sponsored by the Coast Guard Enlisted Association (CGEA) in partnership with the North Carolina Potato Festival.

    This is a family-fun event and will be timed by Mettle Events.

    Registration is only $35.00 until May 1, 2026 with guaranteed race swag . Fees will increase to $45.00 May 1, 2026 . Same day sign up will be available for $45.00 (cash only) but with no guaranteed swag.

    This race directly supports the local CGEA and our community. The Coast Guard Enlisted Association supports Coast Guard members and their families, as well as our community. Bring your friends and family and come break a sweat with us before diving into those delicious French fries and festival goodies.

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