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. Truist Field, the South End rail corridor, and leafy Myers Park streets roll before returning to the skyline on North Carolina's oldest marathon course.
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon 2026 race day
The next Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 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.
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon course route
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. Myers Park rollers and South End rises shape the middle miles, with Uptown spectators packing the skyline finish.
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon elevation profile
The Novant Health Charlotte 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
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.
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 moderate climbs, 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 Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on thecharlottemarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Uptown Charlotte. Updated course maps are published at https://thecharlottemarathon.com/ 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 through https://thecharlottemarathon.com/ and 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 https://thecharlottemarathon.com/ 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
