Coast Guard Marathon Reviews

  For your PR, 50 states, or Armed Forces Series Challenge

By GC about 2025

Review

I used this race to tick off the NC state as well as it being one of the AFSC races. If I didn't care about those, and wasn't going for a PR/BQ, then I would skip this race. The race logistics were fine and easy, but the course was mostly long barren stretches of running between things. You run through the CG base, which was kind of interesting running down the airstrip. Then you run a long way to get to the blimp hangar... which is also cool, for a while. And then, you basically run around more residential areas to head back to the base and then back to the downtown. It feels like they had to manufacture a course to cram in filler miles. And for the most part, unless you love wide open fields, there isn't much to look out. Aid were excellent, but don't expect much in the way of spectators. This may be the first race I've ever done where I didn't see a kid holding a "touch here for power up" sign.

This is also a fairly small race. I suspect many runners instead gravitate to the nearby Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach around the same time.

Race Tips

It's very flat and with favorable weather would be good for a PR attempt. There are a lot of turns, but nothing crazy. The full and half start at the same time, and the half course peels away around mile 7 or so. After that, it gets pretty lonely.

Many of the roads are not closed to traffic. Be very aware to run within the cones when marked. On the more rural roads, I often saw runners unaware that vehicles were trying to go around them. Don't use headphones where you can't hear the world.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I stayed in VA and drove the hour down to Elizabeth City the morning of. Public parking was easy (arriving 75 minutes before the race), with a short walk to the start/finish area.

I noticed a lot of people were still in line for the portos before the race start. There were not really enough of them. Go early.

For 2025, the race day fell on the switchover to daylight saving time, but the Saturday events were still in standard time.

  Small but great for a PR or BQ

By KM about 2024

Review

This was a great, flat course that had pretty good weather except for some headwind for the last half this year (2024). It was well-organized and well-supported for a small town race. The medals and age group awards are pretty unique, and the after-party was nice. Definitely recommend for those going for a faster time!

Race Tips

It was very flat throughout with a brief hill in the first mile. Definitely pay attention to wind speed and direction as it may affect pace or effort for a good portion of the race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

We stayed at a great Air BNB on Witherspoon Street that was perfect for getting to the expo and start/finish line.

  Great Race!

By NJK about 2024

Review

The Coast Guard Marathon is a great race and very well organized for a relatively small race. The course is pancake flat the whole way and even though it does not have big city crowds, the whole town comes out to cheer people on! Running through the base is very cool! The last 4 miles are a little quiet, but at that point it does not matter that much, because you're just happy to be heading to the finish line. Not a lot of shade on the course, so if the temperatures were higher than what I had this year, 2024, it would have been tough. I was lucky it started out relatively cool and only got to about 60. There were some head winds, and I think being on the coast this could be a problem, but it was nothing like what people said happened last year. Very cool to be a part of a military marathon and the medals are great! I would definitely recommend the race!

  Nice and flat!

By jap about 2022

Review

My fourth official full marathon. Pretty flat except for an short uphill onto a small bridge at the beginning, and the speed humps on the air base.

Part of the course is on the coast guard air base. You run right next to the runway, and will see C-130s taking off and landing beside you!

Way out on a country road around miles 16-20. Pretty open, so have sunscreen.

Awesome medal!