Charlotte Marathon Half Marathon & 5K

Charlotte Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K

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Date
November 14, 2026
Starting Time

7:20 AM

Course

Road

Fees

$110+

Location

Charlotte

Participants

1,000-10,000

Terrain

Fast & Flat

Environment

Urban

Temperature
High: 61°
/ Low: 44°
Overview

The Charlotte Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K showcases the Queen City’s vibrant energy and Southern charm on a course that winds through some of Charlotte’s most iconic neighborhoods. Held each November, the race takes runners through the tree-lined streets of Dilworth, the bustling NoDa arts district, and past the gleaming towers of Uptown Charlotte, offering a comprehensive tour of North Carolina’s largest city.

The half marathon course is mostly flat with a few gentle rolling hills, reflecting Charlotte’s Piedmont geography. Runners enjoy well-paved urban roads, enthusiastic neighborhood crowd support, and views of landmarks like the Bank of America Stadium and historic Fourth Ward. Cool November temperatures in the Carolina Piedmont create near-ideal racing conditions, making this a great late-season option for runners targeting a fast finish.

Charlotte’s rapidly growing running community turns out in force for this event, and the race has earned a reputation for strong organization, lively aid stations, and a festive post-race celebration. With multiple distance options drawing thousands of participants, the weekend has a big-event feel while maintaining the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that defines Charlotte. For runners looking for a well-run fall half marathon in a dynamic Southern city, the Charlotte Marathon weekend delivers a first-class experience.

Course Description

The course for the half is a loop in which the starting and finish lines are one block from one another. The scenic route takes runners through the city streets of Charlotte past sights such as historic Myers Park and Bank of America Stadium, the home of the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers. Past participants describe the Charlotte Half Marathon 13.1-mile course as “rolling” and “hilly,” with a few moderate climbs in elevation as well as plenty of downhill stretches, with a flat finish. The course starts half-marathon runners off at the same starting line and time as the full marathoners, with the finish at Charlotte’s Caldwell Street, between Lexington and East Morehead Streets.

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