WILMINGTON — The last weekend of the month will have thousands of people flock to the Port City to participate in a race going 13 years strong.
Novant Health is hosting the Wilmington Marathon on Saturday, Feb. 25. Presented by Wicked Weed Brewing, it will include a full marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, the Fleet Feet 5K and 1 mile run
According to the Wilmington and Beaches CVB, around 4,000 athletes will participate, not including their families and friends that will join them for the event.
“This race is now the biggest participatory athletic event in Southeastern North Carolina,” said Tom Clifford, founder of Without Limits, who helps organize the race.
The 2023 participant count is a record number, according to Clifford.
“We love Wilmington and races like this create a positive environment to set personal goals, be healthy, compete with each other, bring business to Wilmington, put heads in beds, boost the economy, build a sense of community by getting corporations and volunteers involved in the race, and raise money for charity,” he said in a press release.
The event benefits numerous area nonprofits, including NourishNC, Boys and Girls Club, Good Shepherd, Health Possible, CHERUBS, Hurricane Relief Fund, and more. Thus far it has donated more than $500,000 and makes “millions of dollars” in economic impact in the Cape Fear, according to its website.
Full marathon, half-marathon and marathon relay runners begin in Wrightsville Beach at Johnnie Mercer Pier at sunrise, with the course moving downtown. The full marathon runners take on the loop at Greenfield Lake.
The Fleet Feet 5K and 1-mile will start and finish downtown at Live Oak Bank Pavilion, where all races end.
There will be detours set up on roads throughout the city that will impact traffic. Race schedules, course maps, and volunteer opportunities can be found here.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com
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