7th Annual Mangum Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

7th Annual Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon — 2027

Kick off 2027 with one of North Carolina’s most challenging and rewarding road races — the 7th Annual Mangum Marathon & Half Marathon!

Race Overview

• Scenic Course: True runner’s race featuring scenic, quiet country roads.
• Terrain: Rolling terrain with a legendary hill that will test your grit.
• Date: January 16, 2027.
• Location: Intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road, Ellerbe, NC.

Time Limits

• Marathon: 7-hour time limit.
• Half Marathon: 5-hour time limit.
• Timing: Both events are chip timed.

Awards & Finisher Swag

• Finisher Medals: For ALL who finish.
• Overall Winners: Custom Engraved Tumblers for Overall Male & Female winners.
• Awards Categories: Overall Male & Female.
• Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male & Female in each age group: 0–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60+.

Course Description

• Start Location: The course starts at the Dog Pen outside Ellerbe, NC.
• Marathon Route: Run 2 miles → turn right, continue 11.1 miles to turnaround, reverse course to finish.
• Famous Climb: Around mile 22, face the climb to Bethel Church, Mangum’s equivalent to Heartbreak Hill.
• Half Marathon Turnaround: Participants will turn around at approximately mile 6.55.

Start / Finish Location

• Closest Address: 869 Holly Grove Church Rd., Ellerbe, NC 28338.
• Intersection: Located at the intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road.
• Google Map: Google Maps Pin Drop.

Course Support

• Support Type: This is a MINIMALLY SUPPORTED COURSE.
• Hydration: Please plan accordingly and bring everything you need to be successful.
• Water Stops: 1 bottled water stack on Mangum Heartbreak Hill: 2 manned water stops at ~6.5 mile mark and Half Marathon turnaround.
• Advice: Do not rely solely on aid stations. Carry hydration, nutrition, and gear appropriate for the distance.

Race Shirts

• Shirt Type: All participants will receive a special technical performance shirt.
• Details: Shirt style TBD (¼ zip / full zip / performance option).
• Registration Deadline: Shirts and medals are NOT guaranteed for registrations after January 9.
• Late Registrants: May pick up shirts/medals after race day (1-week processing time).

Packet Pickup

• Option 1: Pre-Race Packet Pickup at Uwharrie Brewing, 121 N 3rd St, Albemarle, NC 28001, Friday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
• Option 2: Race Day Packet Pickup at Mangum Start/Finish (Dog Pen) starting at 7:00 AM.
• Note: NO packet pickup at Uwharrie Brewing on race morning.
• Race-day pickup: ONLY at the Mangum Start/Finish.

More Information

• Website: For more information, visit Mangum Marathon Official Site.