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Run Vibes

Marathons in North Carolina

North Carolina has 20 upcoming Marathons. The marathon is the benchmark endurance event — 26.2 miles of grit, pacing, and finish-line emotion that draws runners back year after year.

20 upcoming races listed

Fun racesScenic racesCompetitive racesQuirky racesFestive racesFor a Cause racesBeginner-friendly
Pirate 5K, 10K, 13.1M, & 26.2M at Winston-Salem, NC (15)

Embrace your inner buccaneer at this pirate-themed race in Winston-Salem, featuring multiple distances and a Best Costume award.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
Sat, Apr 11, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesWinston-Salem, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Pirate 5K, 10K, 13.1M, & 26.2M at Charlotte, NC (17)

Set sail for a fun-filled race in Charlotte, NC, featuring a pirate theme, costume contest, and finisher medals.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
Sat, Apr 25, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT26.2 MilesCharlotte, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Garmin Marathon Durham

Experience Durham's vibrant urban heritage and scenic trails in a marathon designed for community, competition, and the pure joy of running.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
Sat, May 2, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesDurham, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

New River Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

Run through North Carolina's stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and the historic New River valley on a truly spectacular, USATF certified course.

  • Scenic
  • Competitive
Sat, May 16, 2026, 7:30 AM EDT26.2 MilesTodd, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Hilly · Timed race

Trail Camp for Big Kids

Unplug and play like a 'big kid' in the Nantahala National Forest with a relaxed trail camp focused on community, nature, and optional runs.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Quirky
Thu, Jul 23, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT26.2 MilesRobinsville, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Family-oriented

Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)

Gallop through scenic trails at a world-class equestrian center, enjoying a unique horse-themed race and lively post-race celebration.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesMill Spring, NC
Serious TestTRAIL

Course · Trail · Hilly

Medal Madness 5K, 10K, 13.1M, & 26.2M at Winston-Salem, NC (37)

Earn a unique finisher medal and show off your creative side in the best costume contest at this multi-distance event.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
Sat, Sep 12, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesWinston-Salem, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon and 10K - North Carolina

Seize the day and night at this unique North Carolina trail race, offering morning and evening Half Marathon and 10K options.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
Sat, Sep 12, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT26.2 MilesPleasant Garden, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Trail · Rolling · Timed race

Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Winston-Salem, NC (41)

Embrace the spooky season with a Haunted run in Winston-Salem, featuring multiple distances, finisher medals, and a fun costume contest.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Oct 10, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesWinston-Salem, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Cape Fear Marathon & Half, presented by Mount to Coast and hosted by Badwater®

Experience a distinct island adventure with beach running, car-free roads, and a post-race celebration, all supporting local conservation.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • For a Cause
Sun, Oct 18, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesBald Head Island, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K

Run the beautiful Crystal Coast for a cause, chase a Boston Qualifier, and enjoy scenic views at this USATF-certified event.

  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • For a Cause
Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT26.2 MilesEmerald Isle, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

Haunted 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Charlotte, NC (43)

Run a spooky race in Charlotte, NC, featuring a costume contest and distances from 5K to a full marathon.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT26.2 MilesCharlotte, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Haunted 5K & 10K 13.1 & 26.2 at Boone, NC (43)

Run through Boone, NC, in your best costume for a haunted-themed 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or Marathon, complete with awards and finisher medals.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT26.2 MilesBoone, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Hilly · Timed race

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

Experience Charlotte's sole full marathon, plus a half and 5K, on a rolling course with mild weather. A race for every goal and pace.

Sat, Nov 14, 2026, 7:20 AM EST26.2 MilesCharlotte, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Gobbler 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Concord, NC (46)

Embrace the "Gobbler" spirit on a shaded, mixed-surface course, complete with finisher medals and a fun costume contest.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Nov 14, 2026, 9:30 AM EST26.2 MilesConcord, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Mixed · Rolling · Timed race

Gobbler 5K & 10K 13.1 & 26.2 at Boone, NC (48)

Embrace the festive spirit with a challenging run in Boone, NC, featuring a costume contest, finisher medals, and awards.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Nov 28, 2026, 8:30 AM EST26.2 MilesBoone, NC
Serious TestRUN

Course · Hilly · Timed race

Holiday 5K, 10K, 13.1M & 26.2M at Concord, NC (50)

Embrace the holiday spirit on a mixed-terrain course in Concord, NC, featuring finisher medals, awards, and a fun best costume contest.

  • Fun
  • Competitive
  • Quirky
  • Festive
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 9:30 AM EST26.2 MilesConcord, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Mixed · Rolling · Timed race

7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

Test your grit on North Carolina's challenging, scenic country roads, featuring a legendary hill and long stretches of solitude.

  • Scenic
  • Competitive
Sat, Jan 16, 2027, 8:00 AM EST26.2 MilesEllerbe, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Hilly · Timed race

Valentine's Heartbreaker Marathon & Relay

Gather your favorite running crew for a fun, challenging, and festive Valentine's Day marathon or relay in Greensboro's Country Park.

  • Fun
  • Festive
Sun, Feb 14, 2027, 10:00 AM EST26.2 MilesGreensboro, NC
Push PotentialRUN

Course · Rolling · Timed race

Novant Health Wilmington NC Marathon

Run from scenic Wrightsville Beach to historic downtown Wilmington on a flat course, embracing coastal beauty and city charm.

  • Scenic
Sat, Feb 27, 2027, 7:00 AM EST26.2 MilesWilmington, NC
Steady EffortRUN

Course · Flat · Timed race

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More Marathon races

All races in North CarolinaMarathons in Charlotte, NCMarathons in Raleigh, NCMarathons in Wilmington, NCMarathons in Winston-Salem, NCMarathons in Greensboro, NCMarathons in Cary, NCMarathons in Concord, NCMarathons in Statesville, NCMarathons in Durham, NCMarathons in Corolla, NCMarathons in Jacksonville, NCMarathons in Hickory, NCMarathons in Chapel Hill, NCMarathons in Boone, NCMarathons in Asheville, NC

Other distances in North Carolina

5Ks in North Carolina10Ks in North CarolinaHalf Marathons in North Carolina