Coast Guard Marathon
About this race
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!
Pick your distance
Running
Virtual 5K
Run where you love and tag us on social media!
Virtual Marathon
Run where you love and tag us on social media! The CGM virtual race event will not count towards the Armed Forces Series Challenge.
Virtual Half-Marathon
Run where you love and tag us on social media!
5K
Come join us on Saturday morning for an "in-town" 5k experience with a fun and family filled post-race party at Waterfront Park!
1K Kids Fun Run
Join us for the 3rd Annual 1K Kids Fun Run following the completion of the 5k. Start and Finish will be located at the same point at Waterfront Park! For kids 12 years of age and younger.
Junior Semper Paratus Challenge
Limited to 50 Jr. challengers! Start with the 5k and then ALL as a junior, come run your final 1K coming the 5k run on Saturday!
Coast Guard Marathon Pasta Luncheon
Coast Guard Marathon Pasta Lunch Join runners, families, and supporters for the Coast Guard Marathon Pasta Lunch, an energizing pre-race gathering, designed to fuel performance, build community, and kick off race weekend with purpose. Enjoy great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and an inspiring keynote speaker to help you feel confident, focused, and race ready. Nutrition-Focused Performance Menu This pasta lunch is prepared by Culinary Specialists from Base Elizabeth City Hangar 7, with culinary leadership provided by the Base Elizabeth City Galley Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), a Culinary Specialist who holds the Culinary & Nutrition Certification Program (CCMP) credential through Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food. The CCMP integrates culinary techniques with nutrition principles intended to support general wellness and performance. The Galley COR is among a limited number of U.S. Coast Guard Culinary Specialists who have earned this certification. This thoughtfully designed menu brings together the culinary expertise of U.S. Coast Guard Culinary Specialists with the CCMP’s evidence-based approach to nutrition, and is intended to support general wellness and performance while maintaining flavor and enjoyment. Featuring locally sourced produce whenever available, the menu reflects a commitment to quality, sustainability, and balanced, performance-minded fueling. Where: Seven Sounds Brewery 112 N Water St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909-4416 Time: 11am-1:00pm Featuring: Culinary support from U.S. Coast Guard Culinary Specialists Menu Includes: Salad: Apple, dried cranberry, honey, and goat cheese salad Entrée Options • Spaghetti with meat sauce marinara • Creamed spinach alfredo (vegetarian option; low dairy, low calorie) Vegetable Options • Pan-steamed and lightly seared broccoli florets with lemon zest • Seared Brussels sprouts with cherry tomatoes Bread: Garlic knots Desserts • Low-calorie, low-sugar black bean brownies • Avocado chocolate pudding Beverages • Blueberry mint agua fresca • Strawberry lemon agua fresca ________________________________________ Event Extras • Keynote Speaker: Details coming soon • Prize Drawings: Courtesy of First Light Grill OBX, Running Warehouse, and more (Must be present to win) No Federal or U.S. Coast Guard endorsement of sponsors is implied
Marathon
Come run 26.2 miles with a beautiful & flat course! See Elizabeth City, run on the Coast Guard airstrip & around the Blimp Hanger being rewarded with your medal from the Coast Guard!
Half Marathon
Come run 13.1 miles with a beautiful & flat course! See Elizabeth City & run on the Coast Guard airstrip being rewarded with your medal from the Coast Guard!
Semper Paratus Challenge 26.2
Limited to 150 challengers! Start with the 5k and then come run your final 26.2 miles with a beautiful & flat course! See Elizabeth City, run on the Coast Guard airstrip & around the Blimp Hanger being rewarded with your medal from the Coast Guard!
Semper Paratus Challenge 13.1
Limited to 150 challengers! Start with the 5k and then come run your final 13.1 miles with a beautiful & flat course! See Elizabeth City & run on the Coast Guard airstrip being rewarded with your medal from the Coast Guard!
Typical race-day weather
Based on 11 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Elizabeth City.
About Elizabeth City
Coast Guard Marathon takes place in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Elizabeth City
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Elizabeth City 5K Races Best Elizabeth City routes for beginners and speed work.
- Elizabeth City Running Calendar 2026 See all upcoming race dates.
Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
