Intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road outside of Ellerbe, NC, Ellerbe NC
Saturday, January 16th, 2027
🏃♂️ 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!
This is a true runner’s race: scenic, quiet country roads, rolling terrain, and a legendary hill that will test your grit.
⏱️ Time Limits
Marathon: 7-hour time limit
Half Marathon: 5-hour time limit
Both events are chip timed.
🏅 Awards & Finisher Swag
Finisher Medals for ALL who finish
Custom Engraved Tumblers for Overall Male & Female winners
Awards Categories
Overall Male & Female
Top 3 Male & Female in each age group:
0–19,20–29,30–39,40–49,50–59,60+
🗺️ Course Description
The course starts at the Dog Pen — out in the boondocks just outside Ellerbe, NC — and delivers quiet roads, long stretches of solitude, and one unforgettable climb.
Marathon:
Run 2 miles → turn right
Continue 11.1 miles to the turnaround
Reverse course back to the finish
Around mile 22, you’ll face the famous climb to Bethel Church
Boston has Heartbreak Hill — Mangum has its own.
Half Marathon:
Turn around at approximately mile 6.55
Reverse course back to the Dog Pen finish
📍 Start / Finish Location
Closest Address:
869 Holly Grove Church Rd.
Ellerbe, NC 28338
Located at the intersection of Carthage Creek Road and Holly Grove Church Road in Richmond County.
📌 Google Map Pin:
Google Maps Pin Drop
💧 Course Support (IMPORTANT)
This is a MINIMALLY SUPPORTED COURSE.
Please plan accordingly and bring everything you need to be successful.
We will supply the following:
1 bottled water stack on Mangum Heartbreak Hill
2 manned water stops at the following locations:
~6.5 mile mark and Half Marathon turnaround
⚠️ Do not rely solely on aid stations. Carry hydration, nutrition, and gear appropriate for the distance.
👕 Race Shirts
All participants will receive a special technical performance shirt.
Shirt style TBD (¼ zip / full zip / performance option)
Shirt details will be announced in the coming weeks
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)
🚽 Porta-Johns
NEW & IMPROVED!
2 porta-johns will be provided if registrations exceed 150
Otherwise, 1 porta-john at the start
Locations:
Start/Finish
Near the bridge (site of prior construction)
Yes — we listened 😄
🎽 Packet Pickup (VERY IMPORTANT)
You have TWO options:
Option 1: Pre-Race Packet Pickup
📍 Uwharrie Brewing
121 N 3rd St, Albemarle, NC 28001
🕕 Friday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Option 2: Race Day Packet Pickup
📍 Mangum Start/Finish (Dog Pen)
🕖 Starting at 7:00 AM
🚫 NO packet pickup at Uwharrie Brewing on race morning
Race-day pickup is ONLY at the Mangum Start/Finish.
Course Map
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