Coast Guard Marathon Brings Runners of All Skill Levels to Elizabeth City, NC

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The Coast Guard Marathon in Elizabeth City is breathtaking in more ways than one. Participants love the beautiful course and all the different scenes that it provides. It follows along the Pasquotank River front, through U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City and around a WWII airship hangar. It passes Elizabeth City State University on its return trip downtown, as well. 

“The course itself is also deeply meaningful,” says Vicky West, Coast Guard Marathon race director. “It’s not every day that civilians get to run through an active Coast Guard base, past aircraft hangars, along the Pasquotank River and beside the very facilities where Coast Guard missions are launched every day. For many runners, it’s a rare and powerful opportunity to connect with our service in a real and tangible way. And for our personnel, it’s a point of pride to showcase where we work and why we serve.” 

Staying the Course 

First held in 2021, the Coast Guard Marathon is one of the newest, prestigious military races. The first race took place virtually due to pandemic restrictions. Starting in 2022, runners and spectators have converged on Elizabeth City for a weekend of fun. 

Setting the Pace 

The marathon is open to the public. It’s a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, plus it is USA Track and Field certified and sanctioned. Additionally, the race is adaptive, so those with differing abilities can participate. 

Race weekend now features a half marathon, 5K and 1K kids’ run. The Semper Paratus (meaning always ready) challenge provides a special coin as well as medals for runners who complete the 5K on Saturday and either the half or full marathon on Sunday. 

The fifth running will take place April 10-12, 2026.