In 81 days · Sat, Dec 5, 2026
Don't let race day sneak up
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When
Saturday, December 5th, 2026
Where
10 Cowan St., Wilmington NC
Distances
10K · Half · 5K
Typical weather
43–59°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 4 of the last 10 years
2025
43–48°F
rain
2024
42–63°F
dry
2023
45–64°F
dry
2022
40–59°F
dry
2021
51–69°F
dry
2020
45–64°F
rain
2019
42–57°F
dry
2018
39–49°F
dry
2017
57–71°F
rain
2016
52–63°F
rain
Best months to race in North Carolina →
About this race
WHEN IS RACE DAY?
- Date: 12.5.2026
WHY RUN THE HISTORIC RACE?
- Voted: 2024 Best Half Marathon in NC by Race Raves!
- Options: Choose from 4 different races- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or the Challenge. The Challenge consists of the 5K followed by the Half Marathon. We are the only race in Wilmington to offer this.
- Scenic Courses: All 3 courses take runners through some amazing views in a closed course through historic downtown Wilmington.
- Bridges: Run over all 3 downtown bridges and over 1 mile along the nation’s top-rated riverwalk (Half Marathon & 10K only).
- Finish Line Party: An awesome Finish Line party is waiting for you! You’ll cross the finish line in Riverfront Park where there will be music, free beer from Wrightsville Beach Brewery and Oden Brewing Company as well as some good food!
WHERE IS THE START/FINISH LINE?
- Location: Riverfront Park | 10 Cowan St | Wilmington, NC | 28401
WHAT TIME DOES IT ALL START?
- 5K Start Time: 7:00 AM
- 10K Start Time: 7:30 AM
- Half Marathon Start Time: 7:45 AM
TAKE ON THE HISTORIC CHALLENGE
- Distance: Run both the 5K & Half Marathon and earn all the swag! (16.2 miles)
- Registration: Challenge registration includes: Race bib, Half Marathon finisher medal, long sleeve shirt, 5K finisher medal and bonus gift!
- Special Note: Challenge runners must complete the 5K under 45 min. in order to be at the Half Marathon start line by 7:45. There will be no late starts.
ARE THERE AWARDS?
- Finisher Medal: Every participant will earn a finisher medal!
- Awards Tent: We would like to celebrate some of our top runners! Stop by the Awards Tent to pick up your award! (We will not have a ceremony due to the different start times of the races. We are also unable to mail awards.)
- Age Group Brackets: The age group brackets can be found on our FAQ page.
RACE INFORMATION
- Location: 10 Cowan St., Wilmington, NC
- Race URL: Wilmington Historic Half, 10K & 5K
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Dec 4 – 6, 2026.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Wilmington to train with before race day.
See all run clubs near Wilmington →
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