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Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon

Rehoboth BeachDelawareUnited States

Next race

Saturday, 5 December 2026

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Scenic coastal road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon draws around 940 finishers each December on a scenic coastal road in Rehoboth Beach, United States. Delaware's largest marathon by finisher count, held each December with a flat coastal course and strong Boston-qualifier percentages. The course follows Atlantic Ocean beach roads, boardwalk stretches, and Sussex County coastal neighborhoods. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants
Finishers: Approximately 940 per yearPlaces: Approximately 1,100 marathon places
Weather

Cool and humid winter

5–10°C · humidity 65–80%

Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon course

Route map, elevation profile, and downloadable GPX for race-week planning.

The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is a largely flat scenic coastal road course suited to steady pacing. Starts at Rehoboth Avenue and the bandstand and finishes on Fourth Street in the Rehoboth Beach resort area, with out-and-back sections north through Cape Henlopen State Park towards Lewes and along the Junction & Breakwater Trail. The course follows Atlantic Ocean beach roads, boardwalk stretches, and Sussex County coastal neighborhoods. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon route map

Registration

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon entry requirements

The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is held on a Saturday in early December (the Saturday closest to 5 December) and uses open online registration with no ballot or waiting list. Registration opens in early January, prices rise in tiers until the deadline in early December and there is no race-day registration. The 2026 marathon is capped at 1,100 runners and the race has sold out by mid-October in some years. A local charity's fundraising programme can reimburse the entry fee.

Flights and accommodation

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon travel

Flights to Rehoboth Beach

Airports closest to Rehoboth Beach for flight planning and race-week travel.

Closest airport

Ocean City (OCE)

Ocean City Municipal Airport

46 km / 28 mi

Book flights to Ocean City Municipal Airport

Also nearby

Dover (DOV)

Dover Civil Air Terminal/Dover Air Force Base

57 km / 35 mi

Book flights to Dover Civil Air Terminal/Dover Air Force Base

Also nearby

Salisbury (SBY)

Salisbury Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

57 km / 35 mi

Book flights to Salisbury Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

Hotels in Rehoboth Beach

Search hotels in Rehoboth Beach

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Race footage

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon Unofficial Course

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Rehoboth Beach Seashore 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 Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon elevation profile?
The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon route map?
This page includes a Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The course showcases the city and surrounding areas with strong local support and professional race organisation in united-states.
How long is the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon?
The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is a scenic coastal road through Rehoboth Beach.
What time does the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon start?
The 2026 Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 5 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon start and finish?
It starts on Rehoboth Avenue at the bandstand and finishes on Fourth Street in Rehoboth Beach, about half a mile from the start.
When is the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon and how do I register?
The race is held on a Saturday in early December (the Saturday closest to 5 December), starting at 7 am; the 2026 race is on 5 December. Registration is online from early January, with no ballot and no race-day registration, and prices rise closer to race day.
Is the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon course flat?
Yes. Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only a few small hills in Cape Henlopen State Park, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
What landmarks does the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon pass?
Runners tour Rehoboth Beach oceanfront roads and Sussex County coastal neighborhoods, including a stretch of the Rehoboth boardwalk, Gordons Pond and Cape Henlopen State Park past Herring Point and Fort Miles to a turnaround near the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, and the Junction & Breakwater Trail.
What weather should runners expect at Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon?
Cool December mornings along the Atlantic, usually in the mid-40s °F (around 7 °C), with mild afternoon temperatures.
Is there a time limit for the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon?
Yes. The limit is seven hours on chip time and it is strictly enforced; runners need to hold about a 16-minute-mile pace and will be stopped in the later miles if they fall behind it.

If you see something that looks out of date, please send us a note. Last reviewed 4 November 2026.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

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Marine Corps Marathon

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

Marathon Weather: What to Expect

How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

View all marathon guides →