When is Ellerbe Marathon?

Ellerbe Marathon takes place on Feb 28, 2026. That's today.

Where is Ellerbe Marathon located?

Ellerbe Marathon is held in Ellerbe, North Carolina, United States.

What distances are available at Ellerbe Marathon?

Ellerbe Marathon offers the following distances: 26.2M, 13.1M.

What is the typical weather for Ellerbe Marathon?

Based on historical data, you can expect temperatures between 38°F and 59°F on race day. There's approximately a 16% chance of precipitation.

Ellerbe Marathon (13.1M-26.2M) - Feb 28, 2026 | Ellerbe, NC

Embark on a unique running journey at the Ellerbe Marathon and Half Marathon, North Carolina's oldest continuously held marathon, set to challenge and inspire runners on February 28, 2026. This beloved event in Ellerbe, NC, is renowned for its "old school" charm and intimate community atmosphere, standing apart from larger, commercialized races. Participants will navigate a USATF-certified 13.1-mile loop course, completing it twice for the full marathon or once for the half marathon. The course, consisting of paved country roads, is consistently described as rolling to hilly, offering a beautiful scenic route through picturesque countryside and conifer forests. Runners should be prepared for a challenging, non-flat terrain that rewards strategic effort and patience.

The Ellerbe Marathon provides exceptional runner support with aid stations positioned approximately every 2 to 2.5 miles, supplying water, electrolyte drinks, bananas, and a variety of salty and sweet snacks. Marathoners will appreciate passing an aid station 11 times, while half marathoners will utilize them 5 times. Typical race day conditions in late February offer pleasant temperatures, with highs around 59°F and lows around 38°F, and only a 16% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather. The race headquarters and finish line are conveniently located at the Ellerbe Rescue Squad building on Sunset Avenue, with the start line a short walk away on Page Street.

What truly sets the Ellerbe Marathon apart is its unwavering focus on the runner experience and local community spirit. Finishers are celebrated not only with a custom medal but also with a unique, handmade pottery wine cup crafted by local artisans. The camaraderie extends to a satisfying post-race lunch featuring vegetarian soup and hot cheese quesadillas. Reviews consistently praise the friendly volunteers and the welcoming, small-town ambiance, making it a "super cool event" that's "small in size but BIG on fun." This historic race, which began in 1992, has persevered through many changes, cementing its legacy as a cherished tradition for runners seeking a genuine, challenging, and rewarding race experience.