The Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon
Ellerbe, United States • 28 Feb 2026
Event Overview
The Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon is the oldest continuously held marathon in North Carolina, with the first race held in 1992. The event has a traditional feel and offers both a marathon and a half marathon distance on the same day. The courses are USATF certified.
The Course
The race takes place on paved country roads that are open to traffic. The route is a 13.1-mile loop, which marathon participants complete twice. The terrain is described as rolling to hilly. The course has a 9-hour time limit, and participants who cannot finish the marathon within that time are encouraged to register for the half marathon instead. Timing uses an RFID chip system.
Event Details
Packet pick-up begins on race day at the Ellerbe Rescue Squad building in Ellerbe, North Carolina. A post-race lunch of vegetarian soup and cheese quesadillas is provided for runners starting mid-morning. Participants registered before the mid-February deadline receive a t-shirt at packet pick-up.
Awards and Amenities
All finishers receive a commemorative medallion and a pottery wine cup. Awards for the top three overall male and female finishers in each race are handmade pottery pieces. There are no age group awards. Aid stations are located approximately every 2 to 2.5 miles and provide water, an electrolyte drink, bananas, and snacks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.