The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has sold out earlier than any year in its history, with more than 13,250 runners now registered to race through Uptown and several Charlotte neighborhoods on Nov. 14. Organizers say the early sellout points to a record-breaking field for the 22nd annual event, which includes a full marathon, a half marathon and the Chick-fil-A 5K.
The milestone comes from the Charlotte Sports Foundation, which acquired the rights to the race in January 2026, according to Axios Charlotte. Registration on runsignup.com now shows the race full, with a waitlist open for all three distances. As the Fort Mill Sun first reported, interested runners can still join that waitlist even though the main registration window has closed.
Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, said the early sellout demonstrates momentum for the marathon and support from the community. “We’re proud to build on the race’s legacy and create an experience that brings thousands of runners and spectators together to celebrate our city,” Pitts said.
A Field Already Bigger Than Last Year's Record
The 2025 Charlotte Marathon was the largest in the event's history, with over 11,000 runners, the Charlotte Sports Foundation has said. Running USA put the final number even higher, reporting a record-setting 11,500 athletes across the marathon, half marathon and Chick-fil-A 5K events, with runners representing all 50 states and 19 countries. That race also sold out, but only a few days before race day, according to the Charlotte Observer.
This year's sellout happened sooner, and organizers are leaning into the growth. K 104.7 reports that the Charlotte Sports Foundation expects more than 13,000 runners across the three races in 2026, while the Charlotte Business Journal reports the foundation is targeting a 25% jump in participation and pushing to attract runners from across the Eastern Seaboard. Chris Bowe, senior vice president and president of Novant Health's Charlotte region, said more than 13,000 runners will come to Charlotte for the marathon.
New Course Winds Through Eastover, NoDa and Plaza Midwood
All three distances begin at 525 S Tryon Street, between Brooklyn Village Avenue and Levine Avenue of the Arts, with corrals opening at 6:30 a.m. The marathon and half marathon courses pass through Eastover, Myers Park, South End, NoDa and Plaza Midwood before climbing back uphill toward Uptown, per K 104.7's report on the 2026 course changes. The outlet notes the changes are part of a steady push to make the race better for runners as it grows.
Mayor Rob Harrington urged Charlotte residents to line the streets on race day, saying the marathon benefits a meaningful cause and stands as a marquee event for the city. Bowe echoed that call, urging supporters across Charlotte to cheer along the course. Community members can also support the race by volunteering in addition to cheering runners on.
Cheer Stations, Prize Money and a Waka Flocka Flame Concert
The Charlotte Sports Foundation has launched an enhanced cheer station program this year, with grants available to local businesses, running clubs and community groups that want to energize the route, according to K 104.7. The foundation has also commissioned a local artist to paint a motivational mural live along the course and partnered with Grammy-nominated recording artist Waka Flocka Flame, who is bringing his Flock Run series, a post-race party and a concert to Charlotte.
For the first time, the foundation has established the event's first prize purse for top-qualifying runners, offering cash prize money to the top overall male and female finishers in the full and half marathon along with a bonus for the fastest Charlotteans, per the Charlotte Sports Foundation's runner information page. The purse includes awards for the overall top five finishers and the top male and female finishers in Charlotte for both the full and half marathon.
Race Proceeds Benefit Hemby Children's Hospital
The marathon supports Novant Health's Hemby Children's Hospital, benefiting the hospital's youngest patients and their families, according to thecharlottemarathon.com. Running USA reports the event and its participants have contributed more than $600,000 to support programs at the hospital over the years.
The Charlotte Sports Foundation itself is a 501(c)(3) organization created in 2013, formed from Charlotte Collegiate Football and the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission. It traces its origins to Charlotte civic leaders' vision following the 1994 NCAA Men's Final Four, and today it spearheads the city's growth as a host for national and regional sporting events, supporting the Dick Vitale Invitational presented by Belk and Ally Tipoff, Duke's Mayo Bowl, the ACC Football Championship Game, Duke's Mayo Classic and the Charlotte Invitational alongside the marathon.
