This coastal race begins at the sunrise-lit Wrightsville Beach pier and finishes in historic downtown Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion, offering a scenic and speedy course that’s ideal for personal bests. The 2026 edition features the full marathon, half marathon, and a 5 K, all laid out across the Cape Fear coast with minimal elevation change and maximum visual appeal. Organizers highlight the course as one of the fastest on the East Coast—flat, smooth and efficient for runners chasing qualifying times as well as those enjoying the experience. With seafront air, bridge crossings, waterfront views and strong community support, this event is as much a destination run as it is a serious competition.
Races
On 28 February 2026, the “Full Marathon” organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events starts at Wrightsville Beach and finishes in downtown Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion. This fast, flat point-to-point course along the coast is heralded as one of the East Coast’s most PB-friendly marathons.
Also on 28 February 2026, the “Half Marathon” begins at Wrightsville Beach and ends downtown Wilmington, under the same organiser. With minimal elevation gain and a scenic seaside-to-city route, it offers a high-quality spring half-marathon for both goal-oriented and recreational runners.
The “Fleet Feet 5K” on 28 February 2026 provides a short, accessible race along the same vibrant race-weekend atmosphere, beginning at Wrightsville Beach and finishing in downtown Wilmington. Organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events, it’s ideal for first-timers, families and anyone looking to join the race day fun without the long distance.
Weather based on historical averages. Route data provided by Strava, based on last year's race.
FAQs
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
On 28 February 2026, the “Full Marathon” organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events starts at Wrightsville Beach and finishes in downtown Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion. This fast, flat point-to-point course along the coast is heralded as one of the East Coast’s most PB-friendly marathons.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon is 42km long.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
On 28 February 2026, the “Full Marathon” organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events starts at Wrightsville Beach and finishes in downtown Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Pavilion. This fast, flat point-to-point course along the coast is heralded as one of the East Coast’s most PB-friendly marathons.
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon take place?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
Also on 28 February 2026, the “Half Marathon” begins at Wrightsville Beach and ends downtown Wilmington, under the same organiser. With minimal elevation gain and a scenic seaside-to-city route, it offers a high-quality spring half-marathon for both goal-oriented and recreational runners.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon is 21km long.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
Also on 28 February 2026, the “Half Marathon” begins at Wrightsville Beach and ends downtown Wilmington, under the same organiser. With minimal elevation gain and a scenic seaside-to-city route, it offers a high-quality spring half-marathon for both goal-oriented and recreational runners.
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon take place?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
The “Fleet Feet 5K” on 28 February 2026 provides a short, accessible race along the same vibrant race-weekend atmosphere, beginning at Wrightsville Beach and finishing in downtown Wilmington. Organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events, it’s ideal for first-timers, families and anyone looking to join the race day fun without the long distance.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K is 5km long.
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
The “Fleet Feet 5K” on 28 February 2026 provides a short, accessible race along the same vibrant race-weekend atmosphere, beginning at Wrightsville Beach and finishing in downtown Wilmington. Organised by Proactive Lifestyle Events, it’s ideal for first-timers, families and anyone looking to join the race day fun without the long distance.
How long is the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K is 5km long.
Where does the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K take place?
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K takes place in Wilmington, NC, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
Runna classifies the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk Fleet Feet 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk or Proactive Lifestyle Events. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon Beach to Boardwalk website.
