The United States Coast Guard invite you to join us in-person or virtually for the Coast Guard Marathon, Half Marathon, 1K or 5K in Elizabeth City, NC, The Harbor of Hospitality. These races are in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. Races are open …
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The United States Coast Guard invite you to join us in-person or virtually for the Coast Guard Marathon, Half Marathon, 1K or 5K in Elizabeth City, NC, The Harbor of Hospitality. These races are in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City. Races are open to all participants, including all branches of the military and the running community at large.
Full Marathon
Beginning at the Museum of the Albemarle, this race will start downtown, run along the Pasquotank riverfront, loop through the U.S. Coast Guard Base and Air Station including on the runway. The course will then take you, past beautiful riverfront homes with the mid point of the route around one of the last standing WWII airship hangers, a 20-story tall dome-shaped waterfront structure where you will head back towards and through base, and finally return to the historic downtown district running past Elizabeth City State University, a historically black college and the only four-year collegiate aviation education program in North Carolina.
We’re thrilled to introduce this new USATF (USA Track & Field) sanction, certified, and Boston Qualifying race in collaboration with Base Elizabeth City to both military and civilian participants! The Coast Guard Marathon course is the fastest course in North Carolina and the 40th fastest in the nation. It’s going to be a weekend of fun and celebration and we hope you’ll join us.
Half Marathon
The Coast Guard Half Marathon is scenic, flat, and fast! Beginning downtown, the run will take you along the riverfront (by Coast Guard Park and the Sailing Center). after that, runners will loop through the U.S. Coast Guard Base and Air Station including on the runway, and finally return to the historic downtown district running past Elizabeth City State University, a historically black college and the only four-year collegiate aviation education program in North Carolina.
5K
This flat and fast 5K weaves in and out of the waterfront and residential districts in Downtown Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Both military and civilian runners are welcome to take part in this race either in-person or virtually. Make your way throguh the heart of the historic downtown area of the city on a flat and completely paved course. In other words, it’s ideal for every level of runner! One water stop will be located at approximately 1.5 miles into the course.
Semper Paratus Challenge
Get ready to run the Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City, North Carolina! The Coast Guard Marathon offers a 26.2, 13.1 and 5K with the option to take the Semper Paratus Challenge. To complete the challenge, register for the Semper Paratus Challenge 26.2 or 13.1 and run both 5K plus the half or full. Challenge runners will earn a finisher medal for both events plus a commemorative challenge coin! This legacy road race can be completed virtually or in-person. All runners receive a swag package including a bib, short sleeve tech shirt and finisher medal.
Choose your distance, lace up your running shoes and support our USCG men and women from coast to coast.
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A race on its way to becoming more popul
The course is FLAT as a pancake. No elevation what so ever. The bib pick up was smooth and plenty of free parking. Race day parking was easy to find. … MORE
The course is FLAT as a pancake. No elevation what so ever.
The bib pick up was smooth and plenty of free parking. Race day parking was easy to find. Port a potty lines moved quickly despite looking long in a single file. Start of the race was easy to access. Pacers were fantastic. I followed the 4:45 pacers but started moving ahead. I could hear their cheers which helped me stay with my pace. Volunteers were everywhere and ready with water. Bathrooms were at every two miles. Part of the course were gravel (around halfway) . But it was only for about a mile. The runners were spread out so not crowded. The medal was amazing! Runners were respectful of the neighborhood streets. I noticed no trashed gels on the streets. It did get warm midday. The race had mostly runners and hardly any runners. I ended up with PB and third in my age group. The race participants doubled this year to a little under 1000. Definitely a Boston qualifier.
At least the swag was good
I chose this race based on it's proximity to the Outer Banks and to support the Coast Guard. The expo was at the museum of the Albermarle. It was easy … MORE
I chose this race based on it’s proximity to the Outer Banks and to support the Coast Guard.
The expo was at the museum of the Albermarle. It was easy to get to and had plenty of parking around the venue. There were a few other vendors there and some fun freebies. It was quick and easy. The museum was on the waterfront and also the start/end of the race.
The half and full started at 7:30. The first few miles were through a nice neighborhood and close to the base. There were a few things to see from the Coast Guard as well as a blimp hanger. Most of the race was on country roads, running past empty fields. It was flat, but didn’t provide much shade. The course changed this year and was not run on the base due to security concerns. I’m not sure if that made a difference, but it was a very bland course.
There was a headwind in some places and a couple places where you had to run on gravel.
I had to stop and pull a rock out of the bottom of my shoe. They had a nice little festival at the finish line with activities for kids. They had the usual finish line treats.
The medal was cool. It opens up and lights up. The shirt was nice and very bright. I liked the lighthouse theme this year and the age group awards were unique.
There wasn’t a lot to do in Elizabeth City, but there were some good food options. My goal was to hit the beach in the Outer Banks afterwards. I always need a treat for after a race.
Better infrastructure needed to scale
Course was nice and flat, near the Coast Guard base and saw some of the aircraft. It looks like this race has become very popular since the introduction of the … MORE
Course was nice and flat, near the Coast Guard base and saw some of the aircraft. It looks like this race has become very popular since the introduction of the Armed Forces Series Challenge.
Pre-race – flying in from out of town, we went straight to the packet pickup and expo, arriving at 3 pm Saturday which was scheduled to go until 5 pm. The expo was nearly emptied out with only a few vendors remaining but supposedly 2 hours left.
Start area on race day – not nearly enough portapotties for the number of participants. Lines were EXTREMELY long. No set corrals, self selection with the groupings being very tight and everyone was mixed. The sign options were: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-12, 13+ minute per mile.
Nice medal with lighthouse and secret compartment. Did the event with family which was great, otherwise wouldn’t recommend it until they scale up to prepare for the number of participants.
Flat course... some shade
The course varied from nice neighborhoods to country roads. We ran past the airfield with lots of Coast Guard planes to look at. Also ran around a blimp hanger. I … MORE
The course varied from nice neighborhoods to country roads. We ran past the airfield with lots of Coast Guard planes to look at. Also ran around a blimp hanger. I thought I was well organized and the course was well marked. The course was also well supported by lots of great volunteers.
I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to qualify or for first timers.
There were pacers for every 15 minute intervals.
Mixed bag - flat course, great medal!
I did the Semper Paratus Challenge 5k/13.1. Tip one: reserve your hotel early. I registered 5-6 months in advance and hotels in the area were insanely expensive. I stayed in … MORE
I did the Semper Paratus Challenge 5k/13.1.
Tip one: reserve your hotel early. I registered 5-6 months in advance and hotels in the area were insanely expensive. I stayed in Nags Head an hour away in a beachfront room for half the cost. It was a hassle to drive, but worth it.
The expo was nice…many military-focused and local businesses / organizations. Lots of giveaways from those booths. I just got a few things. The shirts were well made. I was glad I did the 5k as well as the half because I prefer a cotton shirt and the 5k was that type. The half was polyester. Both were upcycled and good quality. The extra gift was a little recovery set which was fine.
Weather was beautiful for the 5k. Parking was easy but long security line meant they started about 10 minutes late. Quick route around town. The medal was beautiful and folded open – based on the lighthouse theme of the race weekend, which I liked.
The half was smaller than the 5k. Security was easier to get through on Sunday for those with bibs. The issue at the start was the lack of portapotties. with 15 minutes left before the race there were probably 250 people in line for 15 or so portapotties. Made for some nervous moments wondering if we would get to start on time. I did, but there were many behind me.
I love having Carissa Galloway at the start.
There were a couple of miles of residential area before turning toward the base. We could see the water a little but not for long.
We received an email a couple of weeks before the event letting us know that the course would be changed due to government limitations for access to military bases. This was disappointing since one of the reasons I chose this race was to run on the base runway and have the helicopter hovering as I had read about in years past. We did run on an old runway at one point and we did see a helicopter, but I believe this was a different experience than years past.
We had one lane of a two lane road sharing both directions of a sizable out and back portion of the course. The other lane had active traffic. I believe there were police controlling which direction went when, but it still made for some nervous moments. There were also some parts closer to the finish that didn’t seem to have traffic limits at all with the occasional car driving on the course. Not my favorite.
Aside from homes and some cool military vehicles, there were not a lot of sites to see on this course. Some cheering but also long stretches with no one. Aide stations were well stocked about every two miles with helpful, upbeat volunteers. Looked to have ample supplies for the marathoners that had to go much further before they headed for home.
Finishing in the city was nice. Several photographers took good shots you’d have to purchase. I ended up feeling good all the way to the end and was pleased with my time.
Weather was great all weekend, although I can imagine it got hot for the marathoners. There was shade on a decent amount of the course.
I appreciated the military remembrance mile and the tributes that many runners carried with them. You can do this race as part of longer military race series.
Another GREAT medal at the end that actually flips open and lights up! People at the end were upbeat and friendly. I also got a challenge coin for completing two races. I didn’t attend the after party but there were booths and food trucks around. Included food was just banana, orange, granola bar, water, and hoist electrolyte.
Staying at the shore made it more of a vacation. I couldn’t get a feel for the town of Elizabeth City.
If you’re looking for a flat course in NC, this might be a good one for you.
Fun Smaller Armed Forces Race
This is a decent choice for NC, and a must do for the Armed Forces Series Challenge. Volunteers and crowd were supportive throughout. Course was nice for about half of … MORE
This is a decent choice for NC, and a must do for the Armed Forces Series Challenge. Volunteers and crowd were supportive throughout. Course was nice for about half of it as it went along the water, Coast Guard base, and a blimp hangar. Middle half had stretches through unexciting farmland. That said, it was very flat and great for a PR. Weather also was nice throughout, with good patches of shade through the neighborhoods.
Medal was nice, with a battery-powered lighthouse that actually lights up. Shirt is decent quality, though a very bright yellow this year. That said, post-race festival had oranges, bananas, water, and Hoist. No hot food except food trucks you pay for. Also, beer coupon was for a brewery down the road. Found it eventually for a nice 8 ounce local lager to enjoy on the water, but not explained anywhere. They did have bounce houses in the park, so it would be family friendly.
Water and Hoist every 2 miles. Only 1 stop I found with Gu. Pickle juice at mile 20 was clutch! Worst part was the severe lack of restrooms/portapotties at the start. Line took 25 minutes to get through. Then the rest stops every 2 miles had more lines for the 1-2 portapotties they had.
Highly recommend!
Great race! Easy, flat course. Nice neighborhood running for the first few miles and then enjoyed running on the airstrip at the halfway mark. Miles 10-12 of the half were … MORE
Great race! Easy, flat course. Nice neighborhood running for the first few miles and then enjoyed running on the airstrip at the halfway mark. Miles 10-12 of the half were less scenic and I was mostly alone, but I had a great time high-fiving and cheering the runners going out while I was running back (and one of them very kindly told me I was in the first 5-6 women!). Really the only knock was the long porta potty lines before the start but that’s typical at most races. Also the top 3 age group award was a Coast Guard style paddle — one of the nicest awards I’ve ever gotten!
Playing Chicken with Cars
Do not do this race unless you like playing chicken with cars. The Last 2 miles when you want to try to kick in you can NOT. Traffic is open … MORE
Do not do this race unless you like playing chicken with cars. The Last 2 miles when you want to try to kick in you can NOT. Traffic is open in both directions. I almost got hit by three times by a car. Then the race sponsor Hampton Roads Chevy decided to drive his big truck down the middle of the road at mile 12. He dropped off a runner with a Bib on and told one of the people direction traffic “do you know who i am?’ So, if you sponsor the race you can drive down the middle of the race and almost hit runners. Parking is horrible and then you park along the racecourse. So do get out of parking, you need to drive the racecourse. WORSE RACE I EVER DID!
Fantastic
Although I live only 20 minutes away, this was my first time running the Coast Guard race. The expo was great! They started with a pre-run celebration with music and … MORE
Although I live only 20 minutes away, this was my first time running the Coast Guard race. The expo was great! They started with a pre-run celebration with music and entertainment. The vendors were excellent. On race day, I had the opportunity to view the waterfront. Seeing the sun come up was absolutely breathtaking. The course was out and back, but the view was great. I am always excited and inspired when there are people on the course cheering you on. The post-race was GREAT!!!! They had inflatables. I had the opportunity to ride a paddle boat and walk downtown. I highly recommend this race to everyone.
Well run race with great swag
The race this year didn’t take place on base, so my review may be different than other years. The course started and ended at a big finish line festival at … MORE
The race this year didn’t take place on base, so my review may be different than other years. The course started and ended at a big finish line festival at the Museum of the Albamarle. The expo was also there, but it was medium sized and crowded. I also visited the museum for free while picking up my packet.
The race announcers did a fantastic job at the start and finish to make it an energetic event. It wasn’t a huge crowd, but they set up the finish line like it was a major race. The race felt like a relaxed small town race, but they had great security. The spectators were able to line the finish and cheer. Spectators had seating, bouncy blowups, and face painting.
The course went through a few miles of gorgeous homes on the water, but the rest of the miles were boring, sunny asphalt. Wear sunscreen, heat gear, and prepare for some quiet miles. There was sparse crowd support, but people were enjoying themselves.
This year’s course doubled back on itself quite a lot, so I could see the winners run past, which is always fun. If you run this race, keep in mind that you need to stay in your lane because the wheelchairs and winners come through fast.
Earning the great medal and seeing the coast guard helicopter throughout the race was awesome! This is an expensive, but very well run event.
The most family friendly marathon!
We drive to NC from MD just for Coast Guard Marathon weekend. Our kids love 1K run and post run celebration events. The atmosphere is always amazing and weather has … MORE
We drive to NC from MD just for Coast Guard Marathon weekend. Our kids love 1K run and post run celebration events. The atmosphere is always amazing and weather has been perfect for long run. Marathon organization is good and we always have great time.
A race that was one-of-a-kind experience
I have run all five years that the Coast Guard Marathon has been held. The first two were virtual due to COVID, and I ran the last three in person. … MORE
I have run all five years that the Coast Guard Marathon has been held. The first two were virtual due to COVID, and I ran the last three in person. It’s an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience to run on the runway at the Coast Guard base. The blimp storage facility is massive—you see it in the distance and don’t realize just how huge it is until you’re running around it. The townsfolk are very friendly and come out to cheer on the participants. The atmosphere is fun and family-friendly. Mile markers and water/aid stations are frequent and well-stocked by volunteers and young Coast Guard recruits, who are so pleasant and courteous.
This is one race I will keep running for as long as I am able. Plus, my kid is a Coastie—she and I hope to run the marathon distance together one day.
Beautiful scenery and awesome crowd!
Very easy to navigate; clearly marked signs everywhere. Water stations every two miles with well stocked tables. The first part of the race was beautiful along the river and through … MORE
Very easy to navigate; clearly marked signs everywhere. Water stations every two miles with well stocked tables. The first part of the race was beautiful along the river and through a great neighborhood with a surprising number of people outside offering their own beverages (even mimosas!). The middle part was through the air station which was neat because the helicopter was hovering over the air strip. The last part was through town with lots of support. Lots of active duty support and the admiral was giving out medals! My only negative was I didn’t like the t-shirt material – I loved the design and wish I could have chosen an option for a style and material.
Best kept secret!
This race has it all! Orchestrated with precision and attention to detail. Great energy, great support, great backdrop in quaint Elizabeth City, NC. E-City is a Coast Guard City with … MORE
This race has it all! Orchestrated with precision and attention to detail. Great energy, great support, great backdrop in quaint Elizabeth City, NC. E-City is a Coast Guard City with exceptional hospitality for the runners. Awesome pacers, superior hardware and great displays of USCG aircraft along the course. Keep up the great work, CG Marathon!
Flat course, well organized.
The course is flat and (probably fast) if you're a quicker runner. For an event that is much younger than most of the other Armed Forces events, the USCGM is … MORE
The course is flat and (probably fast) if you’re a quicker runner.
For an event that is much younger than most of the other Armed Forces events, the USCGM is very well organized.
2025 included an optional pasta lunch on Sat., and that was also very well organized and delicious. The expo/packet pickup was fast, friendly, and efficient. This was a great spring race.
Great time!
This was first marathon and I was terrified! The course and the support made me feel so much better. The course was a nice flat surface and a great choice … MORE
This was first marathon and I was terrified! The course and the support made me feel so much better. The course was a nice flat surface and a great choice for a first marathon. The supporters and the other runners really helped keep the good vibes going. I never thought I’d say this but I would run this again next year!
Fantastic Race in a beautiful scenery
Race provides easy travelling to the start line by offering sufficient free parking space close by. So there was no long waiting time in the cold. Also the course was … MORE
Race provides easy travelling to the start line by offering sufficient free parking space close by. So there was no long waiting time in the cold.
Also the course was a fantastic choice showing the beauty of Elisabeth city.(especially at sunrise)
And finally the flybys of the helicopter and hovering at the airfield made it a very special event as well.
Last but not least the very well designed medals have to be mentioned too.
Hometown Race
Overall this race is amazing however organizers need to have more swag for half marathoners & 5k runners. Also need runners on your board to truly understand the running mindset. MORE
Overall this race is amazing however organizers need to have more swag for half marathoners & 5k runners. Also need runners on your board to truly understand the running mindset.
Motivated to do it again next year
Overall the race was awesome! Lots of people came out to support. Running through the neighborhoods, there were people cheering us on or even providing snacks/beverages. About half of the … MORE
Overall the race was awesome! Lots of people came out to support. Running through the neighborhoods, there were people cheering us on or even providing snacks/beverages. About half of the half marathon course was by the water.
Great first race experience
For this to be my first race, I really enjoyed it; I am already looking forward to running it next year. I would say that the course was not difficult … MORE
For this to be my first race, I really enjoyed it; I am already looking forward to running it next year. I would say that the course was not difficult but the roads, specifically downtown made it difficult. They were broken and very uneven, causing a lot of pain toward the end. I appreciated the law enforcement who were there enforcing safety for runners. But, the 2-mile stretch on Herrington Rd. many cars were crossing the race course, and multiple cars were passing runners on the wrong side of the road, making it unsafe for everyone on the road, drivers and runners. I felt like there should have been law enforcement there the most.