The Outer Banks Marathon was the 161st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 195th largest in 2022.
Last year 4.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Outer Banks Marathon the 358th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 230th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 99.62 ranks it as the 75th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in North Carolina.
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 Outer Banks Marathon a PR Score of 98.92. This PR Score ranks it as the 157th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 5th fastest in North Carolina.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Outer Banks Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 55 feet (16m) Min Elevation: 2 feet (0m)
We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in the Outer Banks. Definitely visit the Lost Colony museum and Wright Memorial.
The course is flat and easy EXCEPT miles 10-13 which are on trails. Mile 12.4-13.0 is actually on single-track trails. I estimate that the trail section of the course cost me 1.5 minutes. I think the course organizers should have made that information clearer ahead of time (I learned about it at the expo the day before). Other than that very easy, flat course. We had a 5mph headwind in miles 21-25 the year I did it (2019). Winds are not unusual in the OBX though - the reason the Wright Brothers chose Kitty Hawk is exactly because it's one of the windiest places in the US.
If you are looking to BQ and you are just on the margin, I might choose an easier course that reliably has no wind. That said, both my boyfriend and I had PRs and the course is easier than many marathon courses. Again, it's a great vacation destination and a weekend is just the right amount of time to see the sights.
Race Tips
Miles 10-13 are on trails, 12.4-13.0 are on single-track trails. Show up on time - awards are based on gun time, not chip time.
Roberto Toledo's review of 2018 Outer Banks Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Extremely well organized Marathon even compared to big races out ther. Love the Expo, small but with nice stuff with fair prices. Easy Check in and nice volunteers. Race well organized, easy course, good aid support, nice after party and nice scenery. Weather was also great this year and I wonder what it takes to find my marathon change its PR score because weather seem it has been great past several years as well.
Point for improvement would be better sign marks on the non-turn intersections. When there is no sign, just go straight and do not turn anywhere.
Race Tips
Mostly flat race. Trail section can be tricky and little time sucker. Hills are few and easy. What annoys me was the loosen gravel getting stuck under my shoes (ON has this problem). Bridge hill at 37km is not a big challenge.
This race was well organized by friendly people. The after party food & refreshments were great, they were very generous with everything - even to friends of runners who were waiting for their racer.
Driving gets difficult for your spectators because of road closures for the race. Might be best to have them parked at the finish line early on to wait for you.
Beth's review of 2016 Outer Banks Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I loved everything. Small size and friendly runners and spectators made this a perfect first marathon for me. Very well-run event in a quiet vacation location.
Race Tips
There is a 3-4 mile stretch around mile 8-10 that is unpaved and goes through the woods. Mostly sandy. I wasn’t expecting this! It wasn’t too technical, just surprising and threw me off a bit. There is one STEEP and sandy hill in the woods but it’s short and over with quickly.
Make a long weekend of it and rent a vacation home on the beach. It was beautiful. If possible, leave a car at the finish line the night before so that post-race is easier to manage. Get dropped off at the start line.
