Looking Ahead to the 2026 Coast Guard Marathon

This April 10-12, Elizabeth City, North Carolina will once again welcome runners, families, service members, veterans and supporters for the 2026 Coast Guard Marathon. 

The Coast Guard Marathon is an uplifting and fun weekend for people to come together to celebrate service and honor the Coast Guard community. Runners will participate in a 5K, half marathon or full marathon. The scenic routes take participants along the Pasquotank River waterfront, through neighborhoods, and for the full and half marathons, onto the Coast Guard base. 

This year’s theme, Honoring the Legacy of Lightkeepers, highlights the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the generations of guardians who guided mariners safely home. Every detail of this year’s event, including the finisher medals and official merchandise, will reflect this history and legacy of service.

The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to support this event again in 2026, including our role in the Memorial Mile, a moving tribute to Coast Guard fallen heroes. This stretch of the marathon on the Coast Guard base provides an opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifice and courage of those who gave so much in service to others.

You’ll find us at the Expo where we are looking forward to connecting with runners and supporters, and we’ll be at the start and finish lines cheering participants on in the 5K, half marathon and full marathon.