Cape May, United States of America · Saturday 1 August 2026
The course for this marathon is predominantly flat, presenting minimal elevation changes throughout its entirety, which is characteristic of the local terrain in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Runners begin in the downtown district on Water Street between the Museum of the Albemarle and Waterfront Park. The initial miles proceed along the Pasquotank riverfront, offering continuous views of the water and the city's historic harbor structures. \n\nA significant segment of the route leads through
Adjusted Time
3:49:00
Time difference: -11.0 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Coast Guard Marathon is a full marathon held in Cape May, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 1 August 2026. The course is run on road surface with 27m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 3m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Coast Guard Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 27m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 3m above sea level — a 3m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for August, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 5°C to 13°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (1%), so dry conditions are likely.
Coast Guard 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 Coast Guard 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 Coast Guard Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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