COURSE DESCRIPTION
In addition to the challenge of running 26.2 miles, the Thunder Road Marathon will feature a mixture of the old and the new in Charlotte. From the start in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, you will quickly transition away from town on Randolph and Providence Roads.
You will be heading back to Uptown after touring the oak-lined Foxcroft community near Sharon Road and Arbor Way. As you near the Uptown area, you will pass through historic Myers Park, where you will see Queens Road meet Queens Road (West). Then it’s on to the edge of the revitalized Dilworth community, and then through the South End before catching a glimpse of Bank of America Stadium, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
Now it’s time to travel through the energetic North Davidson area (NoDa to Charlotteans), where people find a rich diversity of art, music, and night life.
From NoDa, you will turn back after running along 35th Street, and then come back toward Uptown with a view of the historic Plaza-Midwood area, where early settlers to Charlotte made their homes.
You are nearing the home stretch as you travel on one of the oldest thoroughfares in Charlotte, Central Avenue.
As you turn right onto 7th Street and its wide array of restaurants and antique shops, you will know that your journey has almost concluded.
A short journey on McDowell and a right turn on 2nd Street bring you to the coveted finish, where you will be greeted by cheering spectators, a finisher’s medal, and the satisfaction of knowing you have completed the Thunder Road Marathon!
COURSE LANDMARKS
Start (CourseFeature1)—Revving Engine of authentic race car starts the race
Mile 16.5—Bank of America Stadium—Home of the Carolina Panthers
Mile 18—Time Warner Cable Arena—Home of the Charlotte Bobcats
Mile 20ish (CourseFeature2)—NoDa’s “The Wall”—I’m sorry it’s not the most zoomed in photo, but the NoDa Neighborhood Association constructed a “wall” for the runners to run through when they reach their neighborhood.
Finish Line—NASCAR Hall of Fame®
THUNDER ROAD MARATHON PACKET PICK-UP & EXPO
Location
Packet Pick-Up will run during the Thunder Road Marathon Health & Wellness Expo held at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Hours
Thursday, December 9, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday, December 10, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
There will be NO race day packet pick-up and ID is required for packet pick-up.
Directions
Directions from I-85
Driving south from points North of Charlotte.
Take Brookshire Freeway (Highway 16 South), Exit 36.
Merge right onto the I-277 loop (John Belk Freeway).
Take Stonewall Street, Exit 1E.
Turn left on Stonewall Street and proceed 3 blocks.
The Charlotte Convention Center will be on your right after you cross Brevard Street.
Driving north from points South of Charlotte.
Take Little Rock Road, Exit 32.
Turn right at the bottom of the ramp.
Turn right at the first traffic light.
Turn left at the 2nd traffic light onto Wilkinson Boulevard (Hwy 74 East).
Follow Wilkinson Boulevard as it becomes the I-277 loop (John Belk Freeway).
Take College Street, Exit 1E.
The Charlotte Convention Center will be on your right after you cross Stonewall Street.
There are two entrances to the Charlotte Convention Center; one is located on College Street, and a second on East Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd. The NASCAR Hall of Fame parking deck, located on South Brevard Street is also connected to the Charlotte Convention Center via a convenient over-street walkway.
Directions from I-77
Driving south from points north of Charlotte.
Take the 1–277 loop (John Belk Freeway), Exit 9.
Take College Street, Exit 1E.
The Charlotte Convention Center will be on your right after you cross Stonewall Street.
Driving north from points south of Charlotte.
Take the 1–277 loop (John Belk Freeway), Exit 9B.
Take College Street, Exit 1E.
The Charlotte Convention Center will be on your right after you cross Stonewall Street.
There are two entrances to the Charlotte Convention Center, one is located on College Street, and a second on East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The NASCAR Hall of Fame parking deck, located on South Brevard Street, is also connected to the Charlotte Convention Center via a convenient over-street walkway.
SPECTATOR INFO
Spectators can purchase $15 VIP SEATING at the Finish Line! Don’t miss this opportunity to see your loved ones finish! VIP FINISH LINE SEATING includes: reserved seating at & exclusive views of the finish line, access to the heated VIP tent, heated restrooms, snack bar with food and drinks. Pricing goes up to $25 on November 22.
For views along the course, check HYPERLINK “http://runcharlotte.com/entertainmentzones.htm” www.runcharlotte.com for the Entertainment & Spectator page. You will be able to see the entertainment and party locations along the course, all of which welcome you to join in the fun!
ON-COURSE NUTRITION
Water Stations
Diamond Springs Water Stops at Miles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23.5, and 25.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes at Mile 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23.5, and 25.
Energy Stations
Cliff SHOT BLOKS for the course at 16 and 20
And, perhaps more importantly for some, Porta-Jons will be stationed at the water stations about every two miles along the course.
OTHER DISTANCES
Amica Insurance Half Marathon—starts with and runs alongside the marathon.
Presbyterian Hospital Jingle Jog 5K—3.1 mile fun run starting 30 minutes after the half and full
PARTICIPANT QUOTES
Courtesy of Marathonguide.com
David Terrill, Sr. from Tarentum, PA
“Race director Tim Rhodes and his staff have breathed new life into this race, and it is growing quickly into the premier marathon in NC. Fifty-staters, this one will not disappoint you.”
E. S. from Chicago, IL
“Race start is very easy with the Convention Center right there. You can stay warm and use the facilities inside until 10 minutes before the start time. For out-of-towners, the hotels are very conveniently located right by the Convention Center.”
Calico Racing from Las Vegas, NV
“This was my 47th marathon and I am also an RD for 6 marathons—so I have a lot to compare a race to. This ranks among my top races!”
R. S. from Raleigh
“I have run this race 3 times and love it. It is one of the best organized marathons I have done.”
K. S. from Goode, VA
“Organization is top-notch!”
