Description

Come for the run and stay for the fun! The Coast Guard Marathon is an annual endurance event held the beginning of April in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. First held in 2021 to celebrate the Coast Guard and the Officially Designated Coast Guard City of Elizabeth City, the very first Coast Guard Marathon was held virtually due to pandemic closures.  The U.S. Coast Guard, Elizabeth City Community, and runners from all over the world were able to gather for the first in-person edition of the races in March of 2022. Although one of the newest of the Prestigious Military Races, the Coast Guard Marathon has had participants from every Military Branch, all 50 states, and numerous countries throughout the world. 

Race weekend features four event distances; a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and 1K Kids’ Run as well as two Semper Paratus Challenge Series where runners can earn a challenge coin after completing the 5K and half marathon or marathon in one weekend. We are also once again offering a Junior Semper Paratus Challenge where our junior runners can earn a challenge coin after completing the 5K & 1K distances.  Other exciting events include our two-day Coast Guard Marathon Expo, Pasta Luncheon, Family Festival on Saturday, and Finish Line Festival on Sunday.

Our fast and flat Boston Qualifying marathon course features a beautiful waterfront through a historic town filled with southern charm and the opportunity of a lifetime to run on the U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City runway. We look forward to sharing our Southern Hospitality!

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 one your friends register! Share it with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, email, or text and invite them to join the fun!

IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL OPTIONS
Join us for the incredible in-person race weekend April 10-12, 2026 in Elizabeth City, NC. Can't make the in-person event? Join us virtually from wherever you are 
April 1 - April 30, 2026!  

*Last day to register is March 20, 2026, for the in-person Half Marathon and Marathon distances due to background checks to enter the Coast Guard Base!*

FUN THINGS FOR 2026!
-  Saturday morning 5K & 1K Kids Fun Run including a Junior Challenge 
-  Expo on Friday and Saturday near the Start and Finish line!
-  More to come - continue to check out our website www.coastguardmarathon.com and social media for updates!