The 26.2 mile Boston Marathon Qualifying Run starting on the iconic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, then though beautiful neighborhoods of Rehoboth and up to Delaware Seashore State Parks' Gordons Pond Wild Life Area into Cape Henlopen State Park site of the historic Fort Miles then into historic Lewes, DE and the new Rail Trail, back via the Junction & Breakwater Trail and thru the quaint seashore residential area of Rehoboth. Finishing back on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Rehoboth Ave.
How does the Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Rank?
The Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon was the 106th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 119th largest in 2022.
This year 9.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon the 273rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 163rd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.41 ranks it as the 118th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Delaware.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon a PR Score of 99.09. This PR Score ranks it as the 132nd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest in Delaware.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 47 feet (14m) Min Elevation: 1 feet (0m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon
View available accomodations around the Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Recent Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Reviews
GC's review of 2021 Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This review is about the 2021 race, which was held in November instead of the typical April, due to COVID-19. I hadn't participated in this race in other years, so I can't say what, other than weather, might have been different.
The course was fast and varied. It goes along the coast, through the park, residential areas, through some commercial areas, and back to the boardwalk. I found the variety of scenery helped keep things interesting. For those who don't like running on the boardwalk, it actually isn't on it for very long, so it's not a big deal.
All the volunteers were great. Aid stations were stocked and organized. It's definitely a small race, and most of the time there weren't any cheering crowds. Course was well marked. If you aren't looking for huge crowds and enjoy running in a non-urban course, this race fits the bill.
Race Tips
During certain stretches of the course which were near or through the tall trees, my GPS watch was not giving me reliable paces. It was suggesting I was moving slowly, so I switched to running by feel around the wooded areas.
The logistics were amazingly easy, because it's a small race. Free parking was available very close to the start/finish area. Plenty of restrooms were available. For 2021, there was no bag check available, but if you can park nearby, that's an even better place to stash your stuff. I think it was a huge benefit that the marathon distance started 30 minutes before the half marathon. Not only did that mean a better parking spot, but there was never any congestion from the HM runners. The HM course diverges from the marathon course, so you won't even see the HMers except for the few stragglers at the very end.
JH's review of 2017 Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Flat and beautiful course. Nice variety of surfaces including pavement, boardwalk, and crushed gravel trail. Water stops were plenty and spaced well with excellent volunteers. Not a whole lot of crowd support throughout the path, but the spectators who were there were great. Awesome party on the water at the finish. Simple and well-organized expo made for a speedy and hassle free packet pickup. This is a great race for anyone to run their first full, or if you're looking for a PR.
Race Tips
Its a flat course, so an even or negative paced race is doable. Weather in 2017 was absolutely perfect--mid 50's, mostly cloudy and a light breeze.
Tons of hotels within a 10 minute drive of the start for a little cheaper than the host hotel, but in hindsight it would have been worth the extra $20-30 to stay at the partner hotel just to make things a bit easier. It isn't a huge are so you only have one or two corrals, but give yourself plenty of time to use the porta potties as with the full, the half, and the 9k all starting within an hour of each other the lines get pretty long. Shuttle busses are available to take you from the host hotel/finish line to the starting line about a mile down the road, or back to the starting line at the end if you choose to park by the start. You can also walk or run to the start as a warm up--just give yourself plenty of time either way. Plenty of parking in Dewey too.
Anonymous's review of 2017 Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Flat fast course. Loop course. 25% crushed gravel path.
