Wilmington Marathon - Race Reviews

Race started an hour early due to construction. Scenic beginning and 2nd half, but many miles were on main roads getting to downtown. Mile marker distances were off around 7-9 which impacted the pace group. After turnaround at lake, the return path is narrow with some uneven footing and a little slippery over a few pedestrian bridges. It was difficult to pass during this part. The home stretch back downtown has a ~1mi gradual hill with a good headwind which turned downhill for a fast finish. The food and drink at the end was mediocre. I did really enjoy this race!

I have run the half and full marathon here several times and it never disappoints! The current course is unique and beautiful! Starting at the beach with sunrise helps to build the excitement and the course has many long straight sections to build speed and lock into pace. The few gentle rolling hills provided great refief for my quads and helped keep yhe miles from becoming monotonous. I was worried about the out and back at Greenfield lake but the many spectators and cheering crowds stoked the fire. Seeing the other runners in both directions was motivating! The fast finish into town sped by. I enjoyed the after party and the seamless transportation by luxury coach bus back to the beach. I will do this race every time! Well organized and every detail accounted for!

I flew down with my son to run a couple races. He did the 1 mile on Friday. Great night race, with positive energy, glow sticks and FAST times! Aaron left with a desire to run another. The marathon was a fun race, with really great spectators. Constant cheering, and great aid stations. The start was congested, but they held the race to accomodate. Not much you can do about it, but I'll head down earlier in the future. I'll be coming back for years to come. Thanks for a great experience.

What a fun day. The race was so well organized. It started 10 minutes late due to an accident that had to be cleared out of the road but were totally transparent. Coral area was spacious and well organized. The course was great. Well-laid out, fantastic volunteers. It's a fast course. This race gets better every year and everyone - participants, volunteers, support teams- all wore smiles. Looking forward to it next year. This race delivers. Super stoked to see so many people show up for an event that certainly showed up for everyone.

The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon is designed by runners, planned by runners, and well planned. Each year they continue to make it bigger and better. They consider everyone's feedback and have wonderful accommodations. It is a 'small town' race with the perks that a large race offers. There are 'lonely' stretches but they only last a short time before you're encouraged by another group or entertainment section of the course. The beach start is beautiful and even when it didn't start at the beach, there are plenty of beautiful views. The post race activities are very nice with beer options, food, entertainment (music), etc. There is so much planning involved and the runners best experience is the main mission, that's very obvious. Much of the Wilmington community comes out to support and you can't beat the downtown nightlife or a day at the beach!

The race organization seems to want to put on a truly wonderful race. The volunteers are terrific. However: - The start is way too congested. The race starts in a small beach town, and it's not made to handle 2,000+ people. - Because people were backed up trying to get to the start, the race started late. - The course is blah. Lots of highways and main roads. Much of the second half is in a residential neighborhood that is nice, but nothing special. - The course runs long. That residential neighborhood has runners in both directions for ~8 miles on windy roads. It's impossible to run tangents. - The course is flat, but not overly fast. There are multiple hairpin turns. As an added 'treat', the final half mile has eight 90-degree turns. - I don't care about medals, but if you do, you won't like these. Tiny and cheap. It's an OK local race. But I sure wouldn't travel to run this one. There are much better out there.

I've been looking forward to this new course for a couple of years now and I must say I was not disappointed. It flowed nicely, was super fast even with some of the overall elevation, had good crowd support in strategic spots, the stations were in point and had plenty of water/Gatorade, it was super organized, and the overall atmosphere was electric for the size of the marathon.

Great, fast course! Good for that BQ, baby! I'm going to Boston!

I've been looking forward to this new course for a couple of years now and I must say I was not disappointed. It flowed nicely, was super fast even with some of the overall elevation, had good crowd support in strategic spots, the stations were in point and had plenty of water/Gatorade, it was super organized, and the overall atmosphere was electric for the size of the marathon.

Loved the course, starting at the beach and ending on the riverfront. Pre race communication was very clear to avoid any confusion. Cant wait to race it again!

This is a beautiful, scenic race. The volunteers were cheerful and plentiful. There was always some encouragement along the way! Lots of food at the finish line, gatorade, water and a few gu stations along the course. Perfect running weather! Logistics were made simple--I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Wilmington and it was steps away from the Expo and a short walk to the shuttle pickup. They also provided a grab and go breakfast. Kudos to the race organizer!!!

The weather was great, beautiful scenery along the course. However, that extra loop should have been clearly marked since this is at a point where runners are fatigued and shouldn't have to try and figure out which way to go. I ended up going the wrong way and added mileage. I didn't know whether I had done the 2nd loop. I figured it out when I passed mile 24 mark and my watch was around 22 miles. Just a simple sign saying 22 mile marker to the right would have been enough to help me figure out which way to go. Fair amount of spectators but most were not very lively. One group of young women were very enthusiastic and greatly appreciated. The expo was great, lots of vendors to provide any last minute things needed for race day.

First, the good - the weather was about perfect. Nice cool morning. Enough porta potties at start. Mostly decent course. And the bad - absolutely no signs around the campus to make it easier to find the Expo building or the proper parking lot. Late start. Unnecessary double loops and in-and-outs that could have been avoided on the course. Gatorade and water ALWAYS in the wrong paper cups. And the cardinal sin of marathons - no medals at the finish line. Apparently, they didn't arrive in time. Well, that's not your first rodeo, is it? Shame.

I have run this half marathon several times and every time has been great. The weather was perfect this year and the course was beautiful. The race organizers do a fantastic job! Planning to run next year for the 10 year anniversary.

I've run this marathon three times and the half twice. Every year seems to get better in regards to the course, logistics, registration, and swag. The whole weekend is a blast from the dinner and speaker to the 5k to the race and awards. The few snags that have happened were handled efficiently and professionally, more so than in any other race I've run. I will do this even every year.

This was my first marathon. I thought about starting smaller and flatter, which this race is sure to provide. When you are new, a Marathon combined with a Half Marathon that has less than 3,500 people is IDEAL. Very surprising as the area the race is located at is very popular amongst tourists. I believe because of this and if it continues that this race will become a "destination run". What great exposure for the local area and for people who have never seen the great southeast beach community. The expo was really need because it was at the local university (UNC-Wilmington) and on a Friday. (Did I mention Saturday races with Friday expos BLOW Sunday races with Saturday expos out the water?! If not, now I did) The area had vendors of anything imaginable that you could pick up/discuss with for the evening before your race. Even cooler was the fact that there was a 1MILE race and 5K happening for those who don't want to get their feet wet (no pun intended) for the Half or Full lengths yet. Now let's get to the nitty gritty. The race begins at Wrightsville Beach, NC (My favorite NC beach and one of the top 20 I've ever been to in my life-no humble brag here, I have seen MANY beaches & and if I wasn't from there I would say the best ever). The race start is in a good area at Wrightsville Beach park so plenty of room for everyone. If you happen to have friends with a place, or rent a place (hotel or condo) or even something right over the bridge & it is the perfect warm up to the start line. The start is right before 7AM and this is great because during daylight savings time part of your run is sunrise over the bridges ON the water. AMAZING. I even took videos. I already wrote a review that revolved around my feelings and how I did so I will skip all that, but I will say everyone should read it & I explained it in all its glory. The course goes through Landfall, another loop around the popular loop on the island, and you get to cross the main bridge a few times as well! Part of the ending for this race is the beautiful Airlie Road and then you get on a trail of sorts that runs back to the university. The encouragement from all the crowds in all these areas was phenomenal. There were more aid stations than I would ever need that is for sure! DJ's, beer tents, and every station goes with a university led theme & which leads me to my conclusion for this race. This race SHOULD always happen during March Madness. It just fits. That means the NCAA tournament. Even better when it lines up with St. Patrick's day because it gives you the run in the morning and ability to celebrate after (just google how fun Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are during regular parts of the year, so imagine a HOLIDAY!) This race happens after you are used to springing forward in time so I hope that will continue. See above about sunrises. I can't find anything wrong with this run other than it was challenging for me because it was my first. That being said, it gave me the "bug". All in all a great race, come check it out and while you're at it make sure you check out the entire surrounding areas for a long vacation with friends and family. I bet you'll come back. Signed, First Marathoner who will run many more THANKS to the Wrightsville Beach Marathon Madness

I love this race! I'm a local, have run the half 4 times, and 2018 was my 3rd straight year running the marathon. The course has been improved each of these years, it starts on the beach at sunrise, weaves through two beautiful neighborhoods (Landfall and Autumn Hall), includes scenic miles on two different paved trails (Summer Rest Trail and Cross City Trail), and ends on the campus of UNC Wilmington. The race staff is always so helpful, the volunteers and aid stations are enthusiastic and plentiful. The March Madness theme combined with St. Patty's Day made the race even more fun - so many athletes in costumes and wearing their green! If you are looking for a fast race, a PR, or BQ, you should run this race! I am Boston bound for 2019!!!

Great race, great venue, course runs through a variety of landscapes from the barrier islands of eastern NC, manicured landscapes and eventually UNCW in a grand finish

What a great event!!! It's a flat course with beautiful views of the intercostal, UNCW, and through beautiful neighborhoods! There are people cheering and rooting for you throughout the whole course! It is run by people who care about each runner's experience and go above and beyond to ensure it is a great event! I highly recommend this race and the after party too!

Scenic and fast course. The expo and after party are excellent, as well as the high quality swag given. 5 out of 5 stars!

I have run the Wrightsville Beach race four times(three halves, one full). The small town feel and great crowd support with the March Madness theme make it a really fun event. The course is excellent for racing, especially if you are looking to Boston Qualify (which I did in 2015). Several really fun parts of the race course include a lovely neighborhood with residents out cheering and also the Cross City Trail which covers several miles before the finish line. The lounge pants that were included with registration are a welcome change from the ordinary race shirt. This year, they were green with a St. Patricks Day theme and everyone seemed to love them. However, there was one glitch. The finisher medals did not arrive in a timely fashion so runners were disappointed at the finish line. I agree with the prior poster that this is a big deal, but honestly, it did not bother me since I knew we would eventually receive them. Overall, this race gets 5 stars and I will continue to come back to run it most every year.

I am giving this marathon negative feedback because it was not their first attempt and they botched several key items. The course was nice but the race started late, the bag drop had one table with 3 volunteers trying to take 3500 bags which does not work and the biggest issue was they did not have the medals at the finish line. This is the biggest problem and a runner from 2017 said they had medal issues as well last year. I paid for the race and flight to run and want my medal when I finish not two weeks later. You knew 364 days ago the race was on this day so there is not excuse not to have them. You really need to get organized if you want people to run your race.

The organization of this race was great. The course was beautiful even though you basically run 2 13.1s. They call this Wrightsville Beach even though it seams that 90% of it is run in Wilmington...poor Wilmington...no credit! I have no complaints, the weather was great and I PR'd. It started to rain at the end, but everything is held in a giant tent at the end. What a great setup!

I have run over 20 marathons and this is a very well organized event. Whether you want a good time or to have a good time, this marathon is for you. It is a fun event that the community seems to support. Flat course with some very small rolling hills to keep it from being a painful pancake-flat course. I have been a pace group leader each of the past four years and I definitely think this is a good course for a BQ/PR. The course has some repetition, but this allows friends and family to see you multiple times. The weather can be unpredictable this time of year, but an early start time of 6:40 helps most runners avoid the hottest part of the day.

This was my first race in my new hometown and I loved it. Highlights for me were temperature in the 50s, views, well organized, flat course and supportive crowds. The expo was nicely done and the after party/band was a lot of fun. I come from bigger city racing (NYC marathon, Vegas) and this was a very nice change of pace. Would and have recommended it. I've already signed up for the full in 2016!

This was my 3rd marathon in a year, and by far, the best experience. The expo is small, but I am not one that shops a lot or wants to spend tons of time there. I went the first day and didn't have any issues with parking or getting my bib and shirt (which is one of my favorite race shirts now - love the material and fit). I did appreciate the course info session, as I had questions about the mats on the drawbridge (new this year). Shuttle service on race day was a breeze. Even had port o johns there while you wait. No issues at the start either (well, the port o johns were all bunched together which made for interesting time getting in line for those). For those concerned with the loops, I didn't mind the repeated sections. I honestly felt that it helped get my mind off the miles to know that I would see my family 3-4 times at certain mile markers. They were able to easily park near the finish area and walk across Military Cutoff when they knew I would be coming up. When running the full, it is a tad lonely going back out to repeat the first small loop, but my pace group (Shout out to Christine Rthe pacer for the 3:45 group!) was great so it made up for the lack of spectators there. I can't say enough about the 'March Madness' themed aid stations and the Landfall community. Outstanding! Different flavors of Gatorade (PLEASE keep the different flavors for next year. Variety is good!), water, bananas, oranges, gels all offered. Flat coke and Twizzlers were on the full course. The Landfall residents even had their own 'buffets' laid out of Dunkin Donuts, coffee cake, mimosas, and orange juice. (No way I could've eaten those things, but for anyone with those types of cravings in the last miles there you go). Probably lots of other choices, but those are what I could see. I can't count how many times I was told how great I was doing or asked if I needed anything. I was running with the pace group up until mile 19, and my right leg decided the day was done. The cheers and the enthusiasm from the aid stations/Landfall crew kept me positive for the rest of my miles. There were a few spots in the neighborhood that were quiet, but nothing to make you feel like it was a 'ghost town'. Finishing the race was a little different with the few quick turns, but the music and Natty Green/Sam Adams made up for it. My family was able to get to me immediately, and we didn't have any issues when leaving the festivities. We didn't spend a lot of time at the after party (due to travel), but since my husband and another family member have decided to do their first fulls at Wrightsville next year, we will make sure to hang out and enjoy! I love that this is a 'smaller' race, and I hope it stays that way. Looking forward to '16!

Ran the half marathon in 2014 and enjoyed the experience so much that I returned for the full in 2015. The race staff is unbelievably friendly and helpful. The course offers a variation of neighborhoods and businesses. Nice, flat course, fast enough that I ran a PR. The spectators were full of energy and surprisingly loud for the numbers.

Traveled 5 hours to participate in the marathon and was not disappointed. The activities the night before were awesome and there were many great vendors to assist you with everything you would need to be successful. You could enjoy the speakers while having a pasta dinner with all the fixings (including free Samuel Adams beer). The course was flat but had a lot of turns and even with the mat over the drawbridge you still had to be very careful crossing. There were a lot of aid stations manned by college teams with everything from water to candy bars not to mention the support and cowbells along the way. I have never seen that many spectators at a race before, it was like everyone in the town came out to cheer you on. At the end everyone that finished received a very nice finishers metal (bling) and again free Samuel Adams beer. This is by far one of the most organized and most fun races I have participated in and will definitely run it again.

This is a GREAT RACE! I really enjoy the early pre-dawn morning start. I read some complaints about this but are you here to race and appreciate the cool early morning start or here to spectate? I get wanting it to be scenic and fast but I can't stand racing in the heat of the day and prefer this concept. The aid stations are always so much fun and the local colleges really outdo themselves every year! I guess the only thing I would request are some considerations for athletes with food allergies. My son is gluten and peanut intolerant and there are almost never any post race foods for him and me to consume. Thank you for a great race and see you next year!

Beautiful race course. Starts on the beach, then through a gated community twice. There are parts where the spectator attendance and support is heavy and then some not as much. Race is run very well, by a runner. Weather can be iffy but it's generally cooler. Easy to get to and from the start and finish line. Good atmosphere with a lot of college alumni attendance.

I am glad I picked Wrightsville Beach to knock NC off the list of my 50 state goal. A great course, great expo, and great supporters. The water views and gated community course was awesome and the NCAA Basketball tie-in was fantastic. A must for locals thinking about running or for 50 staters who have not yet hit NC.

I loved the Wrightsville Beach Marathon! The two-loop course is very flat except for a few gentle rollers in the Landfall neighborhood (which is beautiful, BTW). The aid stations were plentiful and well-stocked, and each had multiple port-o-johns. The post-race was great, with a live band, free NC craft beer, and a large food tent. The age group awards were custom-printed growlers, that you could get filled at a nearby beer store - very unique! I also thought Tom Clifford, and his crew, did an outstanding job organizing this event... I'll definitely be back!

Loved this race. So well organized. The water stops were fun with the college themes. Spectators were great along the course. I was nervous about the double loop - hadn't ever done that before, but actually really liked it. The loops were slightly different at the end and you knew what you were in for. There were some easy rolling hills in the neighborhood, but nothing crazy at all. The finish line activity - band, food, large party tent - all very nice. Inside the tent were tables and food for runners-nice touch. I would recommend this marathon - it is a faster course. I got a BQ - so needless to say - I'm happy!

This was my 23rd full marathon/14th state and I really enjoyed the entire weekend experience. The race director and team provided a great expo, course set-up and awesome post race party. Job well done to all of the staff and volunteers. I'll be back and will bring friends.

I would like to say a few things about Wrightsville Beach Marathon. First, I was pleasantly surprised by the variation in the course. I have run 2 other beach location marathons  I will never go back to them. I was afraid this race would be more of the same & I was wrong. Great course, just enough variation to not get bored. 2nd, the number of aid stations was really outstanding. My wife and I had run a half-marathon in February as a tune-up. Great half-marathon but it was a warm day & their lack of aid stations became a real issue for many runners  Wrightsville had no such issue and that was a plus. 3rd the setup  from hotels, to bus, to packet pick-up, & finish was excellent&our hotel was within walking or warm-up jog of all we needed to do. We have both told everyone how well organized your marathon is & that it should be a must on their calendar.

Hands down the best race course out of the 'Big 3' races in the south east (Charleston, Myrtle Beach & Wrightsville Beach). I've run all 3 in the last 2 months and Wrighsville Beach by far the best course. No camber issues like Myrtle Beach, No rail roads crossing and industrial parks to run thru like Charleston! Wrightsville course truly flat and no hills at all. Great net decent finish for the last 1.5 miles. After party first rate! Great craft beers (Natty Greene's & Sam Adams) a whole separate area just for runners to eat after wards with tables! Will be doing this race next year again!

Thoroughly enjoyed the race. Looking back at comments from previous years, it looks like the organizers took the negative comments under consideration and did everything they could to address them. This year it was a two-loop course, which I knew before arriving because it was posted clearly on the website. The area you run through twice is absolutely beautiful! Aid stations were well stocked and frequent. Volunteers were great, helpful and enthusiastic! Spectators were sparse in places, but I expected that because of the smallish nature of the town and race. It's not a race I'll travel 1000 miles for every year, but I fully expect to be back to run this race from time to time in the future.