The Myrtle Beach Marathon route is a scenic tour of one of the East Coast’s top vacation towns, offering a nearly flat course with only 25 feet of elevation gain. The marathon starts near Broadway at the Beach, then takes runners along Ocean Boulevard, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Exact Myrtle Beach Marathon Route
The Myrtle Beach Marathon course is a 26.2-mile loop that starts and ends near Broadway at the Beach, a popular entertainment and shopping complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The route takes runners along Ocean Boulevard, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s iconic beachfront hotels and resorts.
The course is relatively flat, with only 25 feet of elevation gain, making it an ideal race for both experienced and novice runners. The marathon course is a Boston Marathon qualifier, attracting runners from all over the country who are looking to qualify for the prestigious race.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Myrtle Beach Marathon route:
- Start: The race begins on Robert Grissom Parkway, just south of the Monticello Drive intersection, near Broadway at the Beach.
- Mile 1-3: Runners head south on Robert Grissom Parkway, passing by the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
- Mile 3-6: The course turns east onto 21st Avenue North, taking runners along the beachfront and providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Mile 6-9: Runners continue south on Ocean Boulevard, passing by some of Myrtle Beach’s most iconic hotels and resorts, including the Marriott Resort & Spa and the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort.
- Mile 9-13: The course turns west onto 29th Avenue North, taking runners through residential neighborhoods and past several parks and recreational areas.
- Mile 13-16: Runners head back north on Ocean Boulevard, retracing their steps and enjoying the ocean views once again.
- Mile 16-19: The course turns west onto 21st Avenue North, taking runners through the heart of Myrtle Beach’s downtown district.
- Mile 19-22: Runners head north on Kings Highway, passing by the Myrtle Beach Speedway and several local businesses.
- Mile 22-26.2: The final stretch of the course takes runners back to the start/finish line near Broadway at the Beach, where they can celebrate their accomplishment with family and friends.
Parking and Race Day Information
For participants and spectators, race day parking is conveniently located at Broadway at the Beach, which is a short walk (15 minutes) from the start. The starting line is on Robert Grissom Parkway, just south of the Monticello Drive intersection.
The Myrtle Beach Marathon offers three different races: the marathon, the half marathon, and the 5K race. The full marathon course is 26.2 miles long, the half marathon is 13.1 miles, and the 5K is 3.1 miles.
The marathon starts at 6:30 a.m., while the half marathon and 5K races start at 7:00 a.m. The 2024 edition of the Myrtle Beach Marathon is scheduled for February 18th.
Registration Fees and Costs
The cost of registration varies depending on the race and the registration period. As of February 2023, the registration fees are as follows:
| Race | Early Registration | Regular Registration | Late Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon | $90 | $100 | $110 |
| Half Marathon | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| 5K | $35 | $40 | $45 |
For more information about the races, including course maps, registration, and race details, please visit the official Myrtle Beach Marathon website at capstoneraces.com.
The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K
In addition to the Myrtle Beach Marathon, the city also hosts the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K in the fall. This race features an oceanfront course with over 5 miles of running along the beach, providing runners with a unique and scenic experience.
The Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon & Coastal 5K takes place in October, with the 2023 edition scheduled for October 22nd. Like the Myrtle Beach Marathon, the Mini Marathon and 5K races offer a convenient parking location at Broadway at the Beach, making it easy for participants and spectators to access the event.
Conclusion
The Myrtle Beach Marathon is a must-do event for runners who want to experience the beauty and charm of one of the East Coast’s premier vacation destinations. With its scenic oceanfront course, flat terrain, and convenient race-day logistics, the Myrtle Beach Marathon is a popular choice for both experienced and novice runners alike. Whether you’re looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon or simply enjoy a scenic tour of Myrtle Beach, the Myrtle Beach Marathon is an event you won’t want to miss.
References:
– Myrtle Beach Marathon Course Maps and Elevations
– Myrtle Beach Marathon Event Information
– Myrtle Beach Marathon Race Details
– Myrtle Beach Marathon on Visit Myrtle Beach
– Myrtle Beach Marathon Course Information