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Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

CharlotteNorth CarolinaUnited States

Next race

Saturday, 14 November 2026

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 150 m gain

150 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each November on an urban road in Charlotte, United States. It is North Carolina's oldest marathon and remains Charlotte's signature long-distance road race. The route passes Truist Field, the South End rail corridor, and leafy Myers Park streets before returning to the skyline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants

Approximately 1,400 finishers

Weather

Cool to mild and humid autumn

9–17°C · humidity 60–85%

Marathon weather guide →

Course records
Men: 2:23:50 — Adam Jones (2021)Women: 2:45:04 — Megan Hepp (2007)

Course & terrain

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts and finishes in Uptown Charlotte. The route passes Truist Field, the South End rail corridor, and leafy Myers Park streets before returning to the skyline. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Registration

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon entry requirements

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon uses open online registration at thecharlottemarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the November race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.

Getting there

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon travel

Airports closest to Charlotte for flight planning and race-week travel.
Closest airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

9 km / 6 mi

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon elevation profile?
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
How long is the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon?
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Uptown Charlotte.
What time does the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon start?
The 2026 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 14 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon start and finish?
Starts and finishes in Uptown Charlotte. Updated each year.
When is the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon and how do I register?
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is typically held in November. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon course flat?
The course includes rolling with moderate climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon pass?
The route passes Truist Field, the South End rail corridor, and leafy Myers Park streets before returning to the skyline.
What weather should runners expect at Novant Health Charlotte Marathon?
Usually cool to mild with low humidity and comfortable late-autumn racing weather.

Official resources

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon links

Websites

Social Media

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Charlotte.

Myrtle Beach Marathon
Myrtle BeachSouth CarolinaUnited States· 248 km away

Myrtle Beach Marathon

The Myrtle Beach Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each March on a scenic coastal road in Myrtle Beach, United States. Its broad roads and beach-town atmosphere make it one of the easier early-season U.S. marathons for steady pacing. The course passes Ocean Boulevard, beachfront neighborhoods, and long flat stretches near the Atlantic shoreline. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Saturday, 6 March 2027

Wilmington Marathon
WilmingtonNorth CarolinaUnited States· 287 km away

Wilmington Marathon

The Wilmington Marathon draws approximately 1,600 finishers each February on an urban and coastal road in Wilmington, United States. The point-to-point design links beach scenery with a historic downtown finish in one of the South's best weather windows. The route passes Intracoastal Waterway stretches, Airlie-area roads, and the Cape Fear River in the final miles. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Saturday, 27 February 2027

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