
Raleigh, United States of America · Sunday 1 November 2026
The City of Oaks Marathon is held annually in Raleigh, North Carolina, typically in early November. The race starts near the northern edge of North Carolina State University's campus on Hillsborough Street, taking runners on a course that traverses downtown Raleigh and surrounding greenways, which are recognized for their natural beauty and the city's abundant oak trees.\n\nThe marathon course follows an out-and-back loop design and is run entirely on paved roads and surfaces. The elevation prof
Adjusted Time
4:01:59
Time difference: +2.0 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
City of Oaks Marathon is a full marathon held in Raleigh, United States of America, scheduled for Sunday 1 November 2026. The course is run on road surface with 373m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 142m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official City of Oaks Marathon website.
This is a hilly course with 373m of total elevation gain. The route climbs from 65m to as high as 142m above sea level — a substantial 77m elevation range. Runners should train on hills and plan for a more conservative pacing strategy, especially on the climbs.
Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 2°C to 16°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a high chance of rain (71%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.
City of Oaks Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for City of Oaks Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare City of Oaks Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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