Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is North Carolina's flagship city race, a rolling course through the Piedmont metropolis on the undulating terrain typical of the region. The hills make it more demanding than a flat course, rewarding disciplined pacing. Held in November, it offers crisp autumn conditions ideal for racing. The crowds are warm and the route tours the city's neighborhoods and uptown core. It suits runners who want a cool-weather Southern city race and accept the rolling terrain over a fast personal best.
Course Insight
Charlotte rolls through November on North Carolina terrain with enough honest undulation to reward steady strength over a fixed pace. Run the hills by effort and bank nothing on the descents you'll repay later. Crisp autumn air suits fast running. The rollers never quite let you settle. Pace with restraint and the course stays manageable to the finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (330m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 330m
- Elevation loss
- 321m
- Highest point
- 235m
- Lowest point
- 188m
- Net elevation
- +9m
- Start
- Uptown Charlotte (525 South Tryon Street)
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Race History
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon grew into North Carolina's flagship city race in the 2000s, a rolling course through the Piedmont metropolis. Its undulating terrain made it more demanding than a flat course. From its founding it became the region's signature marathon. Held each November, it draws a field to the uptown core in crisp fall air.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Charlotte Douglas (CLT)
- Best area to stay
- Uptown for proximity to the route and full hotels, South End for trendy, walkable stays, and Plaza Midwood or Dilworth for characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is uptown near the stadium; walk from uptown hotels or take the LYNX light rail to a central stop.