Overview
The Delaware Marathon draws approximately 643 finishers each April on an urban road in Wilmington, United States. The Delaware Running Festival marathon is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier and Wilmington's flagship 26.2-mile race. The course tours Wilmington's Riverfront, Brandywine Park, and city neighborhoods on a rolling urban loop. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Delaware Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Delaware Marathon 2027 race day
The next Delaware Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Delaware Marathon course route
The Delaware Marathon is a rolling urban road course with moderate climbs. Starts and finishes along Wilmington's Riverfront during the Delaware Running Festival. The course tours Wilmington's Riverfront, Brandywine Park, and city neighborhoods on a rolling urban loop. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs.
Delaware Marathon elevation profile
The Delaware Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
Delaware Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://www.delawaremarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Delaware Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The Delaware Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Delaware Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- What is the Delaware Marathon elevation profile?
- The Delaware Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Delaware Marathon?
- The Delaware Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. The Delaware Marathon is a urban road through Wilmington.
- What time does the Delaware Marathon start?
- The 2027 Delaware Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.delawaremarathon.org/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Delaware Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes along Wilmington's Riverfront during the Delaware Running Festival. Updated course maps are published at https://www.delawaremarathon.org/ each year.
- When is the Delaware Marathon and how do I register?
- Delaware Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://www.delawaremarathon.org/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Delaware Marathon course flat?
- The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at https://www.delawaremarathon.org/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Delaware Marathon pass?
- The route follows the Wilmington Riverfront, Brandywine Park, and downtown city streets.
- What weather should runners expect at Delaware Marathon?
- Cool April mornings in northern Delaware with comfortable racing temperatures.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
