Nearly 5,500 athletes expected for 16th annual Novant Health Wilmington Marathon

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Nearly 5,500 athletes are expected to take part in the 16th annual Novant Health Wilmington Marathon on Saturday.

The event includes the full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, a 5K and a 1-Mile Kid’s Glow Run.

Organizers say athletes from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 25 North Carolina cities will be represented. Participants are also traveling from seven countries, including Tanzania, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, France and Portugal.

The marathon course will begin at Johnnie Mercer Pier in Wrightsville Beach. The full marathon, half marathon and relay will head into downtown Wilmington, with the full marathon continuing through a loop at Greenfield Lake. All races will finish at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. The 5K and children’s one-mile race will start and finish downtown at Live Oak Bank Pavilion.

Organizers say roads will remain open throughout the events, with detours in place to help minimize disruptions to morning traffic.

“The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon has become one of the premier races on the East Coast,” said Tom Clifford, event organizer and founder of Without Limits. Clifford said the race sold out in early January and has more than 1,000 runners on a waitlist.

Clifford said the marathon generates millions of dollars in economic impact during a key shoulder season for the region. He added that the race has given nearly $600,000 back to organizations across New Hanover County to date.

“Races and sporting events play a vital role in supporting tourism in Wilmington and our island beaches,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. Hufham said hosting events like the marathon helps introduce the area to visitors who may return for future trips.

Race schedules and course maps are available here.