5 Reasons to Run the 2017 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is celebrating its 13th year in Charlotte. While the race continues to grow, it stays true to local roots with the authenticity you only find in a locally run race. We asked Tim Rhodes, Charlotte Marathon race director and Run For Your Life owner, why this race should be a staple on your fall calendar.

Charlotte’s Best Neighborhood Tour, Improved

The best way to experience Charlotte’s unique and diverse neighborhoods is to run them. With cheer stations at every mile, you’ll see our city come out to dance, high-five, and encourage runners all the way to the finish line festival in Romare Bearden Park. This year’s course is getting even better, with an exciting new route including the Central Ave bridge overlooking the stunning Charlotte skyline.

Mileage Options for All

With a variety of running mileage options including a 5k, half marathon, full marathon, relay, and kid’s 1-mile marathon program, our distance options allow everyone to join in. This year we are excited to partner with F3 on Speed For Need, a charity to empower children with disabilities through participation in fitness events.

Local Partners, Local Beer

When we rebranded from Thunder Road to the Charlotte Marathon in 2016, we wanted to continue our push to be Charlotte’s hometown race. One of the ways we do this is through local partners such as NoDa Brewing Company, our new official beverage provider. NoDa Brewing will be releasing a special edition marathon can, available only for Charlotte Marathon runners, at the finish line.

Race Technology

Did you know that the Charlotte Marathon has an app? The app features course maps, travel information, race day offerings, course entertainment, parking and runner tracking. We are also partnering with RaceJoy, to provide course-tailored tracking and motivation along the routes.

Running Fellowship including Friend and Team Perks

We love seeing groups of colleagues, neighbors, family members and fitness groups experiencing race day together. To encourage teams, we offer special race weekend perks, such as bag drop areas, race swag and charity donations.

We are also excited to offer a new friend referral program. If you registered for the marathon, half marathon or marathon relay, then for every three friends you refer, regardless of their distance, you get a partial refund of your registration fee. Refer enough friends and run for free!