Novant Health Wilmington Marathon is the largest annual running event on the North Carolina coast, celebrating its 17th year in 2027. This Boston-qualifier draws over 5,500 runners through Wrightsville Beach and downtown Wilmington across a full marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids' run. The field splits close to evenly between men and women (47/53), a health-conscious, community-rooted crowd that fills local hotels and restaurants, with coverage on local TV stations WWAY and WECT and an estimated 10M social impressions. Sponsors get visibility across media placements, newsletters, race kits, signage, and the Finish Line Festival, making this Wilmington's marquee lifestyle event with national reach.