Tobacco Road Marathon and Half Marathon
Cary, NC
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Veradigm Tobacco Road Full Marathon features over 20 miles of the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). The rest of the course is flat and fast with a downhill finish. Up to 20 percent (in 2017; 15 percent in 2021) of our runners qualify for the legendary Boston Marathon! Less experienced … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 14):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 74 | 62 | 81 | 49 | 67 |
| L (°F) | 43 | 48 | 44 | 32 | 33 |
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nice flat race on the tobacco trail
This was marathon 37 and state 27 for me....overall good production on a flat faster course...packet pickup was at the USA Baseball complex and was small but fast and easy...only … MORE
This was marathon 37 and state 27 for me….overall good production on a flat faster course…packet pickup was at the USA Baseball complex and was small but fast and easy…only swag was a tech shirt that i will wear for sure…the medal was large and nice…the course was flat and almost all on the Tobacco Trail….pretty boring other than running in the woods and creeks and stuff… there were plenty of aid stations and pizza and beer and good music at the finish…almost no crowd support but excellent production and communication before the race…There was a lot of the restaurants and things to do in the Raleigh-Durham area and logisitics were pretty easy
Best PR Marrathon Race
I would highly recommend this race to any of my friends, whether they are seasoned marathoners or just starting their journey. From start to finish, the entire event was incredibly … MORE
I would highly recommend this race to any of my friends, whether they are seasoned marathoners or just starting their journey. From start to finish, the entire event was incredibly well-organized, making for a stress-free race day experience. The registration process was seamless, and the communication leading up to the event was clear and helpful.
The course itself is easily the best I’ve encountered for a first-timer. It is flat, fast, and scenic, providing the perfect environment to build confidence without the intimidation of grueling elevation changes. What truly stood out, however, were the awesome aid stations. They were strategically placed and fully stocked with everything a runner needs, and the volunteers were high-energy, providing that extra boost of motivation just when it was needed most. If you are looking for a supportive atmosphere to crush your personal goals or complete your very first race, this is the one to sign up for!
One of the best races in the triangle!!!
-They provide tons of clear and transparent communication about their policies and recommendations for all participants and those interested in their race website, which is really helpful to those that … MORE
-They provide tons of clear and transparent communication about their policies and recommendations for all participants and those interested in their race website, which is really helpful to those that trouble determining which is flexible and which are very strict (I am on the Autism Spectrum, so this is definitely helpful for me). For example, their no refund and course cutoff time policy (7 hours) is very strict and one of their recommendations they’ve provided is always use your personal email when registering.
-This course is mostly flat, except the final three miles since you’re exiting from the tobacco trail to the start/finish area at the USA baseball training complex. Not to mention that you’ll mostly run through the unpaved part of the trail, which can be helpful for those who may wanna reduce their impact on the knees and joints.
-This race is definitely a great one to get a new PR for the most part!!!
Flat nice course
Fantastic race with wooded forest and great organizing, cheering crowd with music and water stations at regular intervals and great food after the race. MORE
Fantastic race with wooded forest and great organizing, cheering crowd with music and water stations at regular intervals and great food after the race.
Great Run at Tobacco Road
The organization of the race was fantastic. Easy parking, great refreshments, fun atmosphere, free photos, and an entourage of supporters cheering you on the whole run. Couldn’t ask for a … MORE
The organization of the race was fantastic. Easy parking, great refreshments, fun atmosphere, free photos, and an entourage of supporters cheering you on the whole run. Couldn’t ask for a better experience for a first time half marathon race. The medal waiting at the end was the best feeling. Looking forward to the next race!
First time trying it and was nice!
Pretty flat so very fast for personal records, even if scenery is trees you are in natures and it feels good. Really enjoyed it going with friends. A lot of … MORE
Pretty flat so very fast for personal records, even if scenery is trees you are in natures and it feels good. Really enjoyed it going with friends. A lot of people and well organized.
It's a great route, love the greenway!
> What was the best or most unique aspect of this race? Greenway run, no city run alone > How would you improve the race? need more support station and … MORE
> What was the best or most unique aspect of this race? Greenway run, no city run alone
> How would you improve the race? need more support station and local crowd to support
> Would you recommend this race to friends? Romans? countrymen? YES
One of the best local races
Course is rolling hill and return trip is net uphill. That said, course production is top notch and course support is great too. After all, in central NC it's hard … MORE
Course is rolling hill and return trip is net uphill. That said, course production is top notch and course support is great too. After all, in central NC it’s hard to find a flat course. I’ve been running it for the last couple years as I really enjoy the overall atmosphere and would like to support the local running community here.
Amazing Race Experience!
The race was definitely really well organized – everything from bib pickup, to the aid stations, bag pickup, food post race... I did the half marathon but am already planning … MORE
The race was definitely really well organized – everything from bib pickup, to the aid stations, bag pickup, food post race… I did the half marathon but am already planning on doing the full next year! It was just a super positive experience all around.
Great Intro/Fast Course
While this course doesn't have much in terms of change of scenery, it is beautiful as most of it is on the American Tobacco Trail and isolated from roads/traffic. Moderate … MORE
While this course doesn’t have much in terms of change of scenery, it is beautiful as most of it is on the American Tobacco Trail and isolated from roads/traffic. Moderate elevation profile makes it a rather faster course too, and the change to gravel on the back half is a nice repreave for the legs.
Good race on a fast course
Pre-race email communication was very good and that combined with the website answered all my questions. The Expo was at the USA Baseball complex for bib and shirt pickup: Easy … MORE
Pre-race email communication was very good and that combined with the website answered all my questions. The Expo was at the USA Baseball complex for bib and shirt pickup: Easy in, easy out.
On the day of the race I used the offsite shuttle parking. Generally that worked out well but it required us to walk alongside the shoulder of a road in the dark (~5am) for a block or two to board busses that were stopped in the road. I’m curious why the busses couldn’t have been located in the parking lot area.
The “village” area pre-race had the usual porta potty lines. The ones I used didn’t have any hand sanitizer nor was there any external hand washing station: That is something they could look into improving unless I hit the odd ones without them. Pre-race we could sit on the curb in a lighted area before loading the start area. The bag drop area allowed us to bring our own drop bag. They provided labels upon which we could put our bib number. Easy drop off.
We had perfect weather! Starting temps were upper 40s and when I finished were mid-60s. Dawn is breaking at the start of the race, so it is a little dark out at the start. The course is out-and-back and is largely shaded and flat aside from the first/last ~2 miles which are rolling hills. Miles 4-13 approximately are an asphalt trail of ample width, and alongside the path is also packed dirt/sand/gravel as an alternative. Miles 13-24 roughly are just the packed dirt/sand/gravel. The surface is smooth and fast. Miles 2-24 are on a path between tall trees, so it’s shaded: Not a lot of variety in the course, but I was fine with it because I was running in nature. At times some sunlight filters through the trees but I didn’t think enough that warrants wearing sunglasses. There were water stops every 2-3 miles and 2 porta potties at each, both of which were sufficient. The half marathoners started alongside the full marathoners, but they split off about mile 2.5. There were ~900 full marathoners. There weren’t many spectators along the course. Those that were there were mostly congregated in certain spots.
Post race chute offered water and a handshake with the race director. Once you leave the chute you go to the “village” area where you can get your drop bag, chocolate milk, pizza, beer/water, and can listen to a band. The flow though (band->beer->pizza->milk-> drop bag) was opposite of what I’d expect, especially as some are hobbling after 26 miles. Perhaps that flow can be improved in the future. Some people/families did hang around after the race, and I enjoyed listening to the band in a tented, shaded area. Enjoyed the medal for this year! It was a bit of a walk to get to the return shuttle, but walking is good for recovery anyway so this was an acceptable distance.
Small Race Feel - Big Punch
Overall, I enjoyed the Tobacco Road Half Marathon. It had a small race feel to it, but I was amazed at the participant turnout! Packed pickup was okay. No problem … MORE
Overall, I enjoyed the Tobacco Road Half Marathon. It had a small race feel to it, but I was amazed at the participant turnout!
Packed pickup was okay. No problem getting the race bib and shirt. The vendors were okay, but nothing special. It would have been nice to see more at the health expo, but again small race feel.
The day of the race, I elected to forego the parking pass and use the shuttle service. The only frustrating part of the shuttle service is, I was on one of the first buses and the driver didn’t know the route between the event and parking. A large group of us sat on the bus for about 45 minutes before we finally left the parking area. This became very frustrating for all of us on that bus.
Once I got to the event, we needed to simply wait around until the event start. It was cold the day off, temps around 40. Getting their 2 hours in advance was probably not needed, but the race hypes up the need to arrive early due to traffic congestion.
I enjoyed the course. The start is hyped alot, which was great. You immediately have a climb though coming out of the start chute and through the ball fields. Then on the road for about 1.5 miles before you finally get to the Tobacco Road Greenway. The Greenway is hard packed earth, there were some ruts from bikes, but overall smooth and flat. My knees could tell we were on it though, felt like running on concrete!
The finish was great. The medal is outstanding! One of the best I’ve collected. Post-race party was great! Live band playing, pizza and beer handed out. Standard water, bananas, etc.
Overall, I would recommend the race if you need North Carolina, but do a little prep work, understanding timing, and be sure to dress for the weather!
Beautiful Scenery
The bib pick up was basic. Get you bib shirt, parking pass, & 1 other item (either a running belt or socks). The shirt was a nice soft material, short … MORE
The bib pick up was basic. Get you bib shirt, parking pass, & 1 other item (either a running belt or socks). The shirt was a nice soft material, short sleeve with a pretty nice basic design. Race morning all went smoothly, lots of port-a-poties, still long lines. The race left the startling and went for about 2 miles on road. Then turned on to a nice wide trail that was lined with trees the whole course. Probably 50% hard packed dirt, 25% pavement, 15% concrete & 10% wooden bridges. The course was even slightly lower than the trees along the sides of the trail which was nice that it kept the sun out till at least 10am, maybe 10:30 and made it nice and cool the majority of the run. Good cheering at crossroads. There was water and Gatorade about every 2 miles and energy gels at most of the tables from about mile 14 and on. Finish area had a bell to ring if you PR. The metals were really cool. It looked like a ticket to ride the train, was very large and heavy one of the best metals i have received. Post race event had beer, pizza, bananas, water, oranges, chocolate milk. Not many places to sit down. Overall very well put together I would recommend this race to anyone looking to get their North Carolina marathon.
Terrible weather but a great race
There was thunder and lightning but the race director left the finish line open until the very last second to allow everyone's safety, which was amazing. MORE
There was thunder and lightning but the race director left the finish line open until the very last second to allow everyone’s safety, which was amazing.
My Hometown Race
I love this race. It's relatively flat. It's on a well-shaded rail trail, so it's like running in the woods. And it's well run. I do most of my long … MORE
I love this race. It’s relatively flat. It’s on a well-shaded rail trail, so it’s like running in the woods. And it’s well run. I do most of my long training runs on this trail so it’s like running in my own back yard.
Good race for fast times
This is a good race for a speedy time. It is not flat, but all the elevation changes are very gradual (yet long). Slow down 10 seconds when you feel … MORE
This is a good race for a speedy time. It is not flat, but all the elevation changes are very gradual (yet long). Slow down 10 seconds when you feel like you’re going uphill and you’ll make it going the other way. One caution – I’ve run this race a few times and the first mile is always super crowded. For some reason, lots of people at this race don’t understand how to line up by pace. I’ll start with the 9-minute pace group and be behind groups of people doing walking intervals. The trail is not wide so there’s a mile or so of just trying to get around slower people who lined up at the very front. It happens every year. So if you’re aiming for a BQ, get out front.
There are plenty of aid stations and lots of places where your friends can cheer for you (although very few spectators). The weather can be anything from 30 to 70 degrees, but they usually have a giant heated tent if it is cold. The post-race area is fine with water and pizza. The swag bag this year was really nice with a good quality waist pack in addition to the shirt.
If you don’t register in time to buy a parking pass (which you should try and get if you can), please DON’T park in the neighborhood near the start. Again with the people at this race not reading the many, many emails from the race director saying not to do this. Every year it causes a lot of disruption to the nearby neighbors and makes it difficult for runners to depart. Just follow the instructions.
Drenched but had a great time.
Nearly had the race canceled due to thunderstorms and lightning. Fortunately the finish line stayed open for us back of the pack to finish. Oh did it pour, still enjoyed … MORE
Nearly had the race canceled due to thunderstorms and lightning. Fortunately the finish line stayed open for us back of the pack to finish. Oh did it pour, still enjoyed the course, not much in the way of entertainment but I’m ok with that.
Great course, water stations need work
The course design is great for a PR or BQ. It is flat, relatively straight for large portions, although there are two spots on the course where you make a … MORE
The course design is great for a PR or BQ. It is flat, relatively straight for large portions, although there are two spots on the course where you make a sharp 180 degree turn. The weather was great, and usually is at that time of the year. The organization before and after the race seemed good, plenty of food and drink after the race, music, etc. The downside was really the water stations: while there were an adequate number, the trash cans for throwing the cups away were all located directly next to the water station, and runners were told at the beginning of the race NOT to drop cups on the course but to throw them in the trash. So if you were actually running the race (as opposed to run-walking), you were left with either taking one quick sip of water and trashing it, or carrying a cup for a few miles until the next water station/trash can (or throwing it on the ground, which we were expressly told not to do). If they could just fix the trash can issue, would have been 5/5.
Mostly Flat Half Marathon
This race was well put on. There were about 2700 runners including the half and full. The two started together but the full split off about 2 miles in and … MORE
This race was well put on. There were about 2700 runners including the half and full. The two started together but the full split off about 2 miles in and then came back on their last half to the half marathon route. It is encouraging to see them. The half is an out and back which gives plenty of aid stations and bathroom locations, plus on the way back you know what to expect. Course aid stations had gatorade, water, and gu gels.
Race swag was a shirt and medal. The medal was nice as it had a magentic part that came off and you could give to someone as a thank you. Post race had small cups of beer and nice slices of pizza from Papa John’s. There were oranges and bananas but you had to walk to seek them out.
It is a slightly scenic as you run partially on pavement then to the Tobacco Trail which is crushed limestone and well compact and nice to run on. The Tobacco Trail is shaded with nice tree lined views. It wasn’t scenic enough I stopped to take pictures though.
This was my second fastest half, superseded by Revel Cottonwood, which is downhill.
We were fortunate to have fantastic weather. It was 59F when I started and 60F when I ended.
Great road race in a trail setting!
This is a well-organized race on a great course, and I think it's the best marathon in the Triangle! The course is flat until roughly mile 17-18 or so, at … MORE
This is a well-organized race on a great course, and I think it’s the best marathon in the Triangle! The course is flat until roughly mile 17-18 or so, at which point it becomes a very slight upward incline that you would never notice except in the final 10k of a marathon. I love that it was basically road running in a wooded trail setting (warning if you want crowds when you’re racing: it will be pretty sparse while you’re on the ATT except for aid stations). Very conducive to a PR, which I hit on this course.
The expo is well laid out and has a ton of merch options if that’s something you’re interested in. The shirt was well-designed and made and the medal was a cool train (based on the rails-to-trails theme). The finish area was also pretty big and had a lot to do once you finished.
The race is a pretty big event, but also has a personal touch in that the race director waits at the finish line to shake hands with every finisher.
Also do try to sign up early to get a parking pass at Brooks park. It’s absolutely worth it.
My best endorsement is that I’ll be trying it again in 2025 and barring injury would like to run this one every year.