A Runner’s Guide to the Myrtle Beach Marathon: Everything You Need to Know [2026]

Oct 24, 2025

A Runner’s Guide to the Myrtle Beach Marathon: Everything You Need to Know [2026]
By Westgate Resorts

Top Tips to Prepare for the Myrtle Beach Marathon

Planning to run the Myrtle Beach Marathon? You're in for a treat! This iconic coastal race offers runners one of the flattest, fastest marathon courses on the East Coast, making it perfect for personal records, Boston Marathon qualifying attempts, and unforgettable destination racing.

After you’ve spent weeks or months training yourself for the marathon, it’s time to prepare for the starting line. From where to go when you arrive in South Carolina to the best places to raise a glass in celebration, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about running the 2026 Myrtle Beach Marathon to the celebration at the finish line.

Whether you're a first-time marathoner seeking a fast course or an experienced runner chasing a PR, this guide will help you make the most of your Myrtle Beach running experience.

Race Overview: The Myrtle Beach Marathon 2026

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Start Time: 6:35 a.m.

Location: Starting at Grissom Parkway & 21st Avenue North

Finish Location: TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark

Course Type: Flat, fast course featuring just 110 feet of total ascent with maximum elevation under 20 feet, making it ideal for personal records and Boston Marathon qualifying

Participation: Between 5,500 and 7,500 participants annually

Race Distances: Full Marathon (42.2 km), Half Marathon, 5K, and Family Fun Run

The race follows a counter-clockwise route and includes a scenic 9-mile section from mile 8 to mile 17. In one recent year, 16% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon, making this one of the most popular qualifying races in the nation.

Where to Stay: Proximity to the Start Line

Choosing accommodation close to the start line means less stress on race morning and more time to warm up mentally and physically. Here are your best options:

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Located just two miles from the race start line, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort puts you in the ideal position for race morning. Being this close means you can walk, bike, or take a quick drive to the starting area without the chaos of dealing with crowded shuttle systems or long parking searches.

And if you’re just there to support your runner, you can sit back, relax, and catch part of the race from there!

Additionally, staying at Westgate means you have access to on-site dining for carb-loading before the race and a lazy river and heated pool to relax in afterward.

Why It's Ideal for Marathon Runners:

  • Walking distance to the start line reduces race morning stress

  • Home base to all pre- and post-race activities

  • On-site dining options, perfect for carb loading

  • Beach access for active recovery walks post-marathon

Other Nearby Accommodations

If Westgate is fully booked, other hotels within two to five miles of the start include various oceanfront and beachfront properties.

Staying anywhere along North Ocean Boulevard puts you close to the start without requiring shuttle services. Book early, as rooms fill quickly during marathon weekend.

RELATED ARTICLES:

10 Top Myrtle Beach Breweries Worth a Drink

10 Haunted Places To Visit In Myrtle Beach

10 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach in December

Pre-Race Tips and Preparation

  • Arrive Early: Plan to arrive in Myrtle Beach two to three days before the race. This allows time for you to acclimate, pick up your race packet, explore the expo, and mentally prepare without rushing.

  • Hydration: Begin hydrating well in advance. Myrtle Beach's coastal climate can be deceptive; stay well-hydrated throughout your stay.

  • Weather Preparation: Race day begins at 6:35 a.m. in early March, meaning starting temperatures will be cool. Dress in layers you can discard early in the race. Check weather forecasts closer to race day and plan accordingly.

  • Course Familiarization: Walk or drive portions of the course before race day if possible. Knowing what's coming mentally prepares you, particularly for the scenic nine-mile section.

  • Packet Pickup: Arrive at the expo with your ID and confirmation number. Pick up your bib, timing chip, and race materials. Don't skip the expo—it provides valuable race information and last-minute gear needs.

Best Places to Carb Load: Pre-Marathon Dining

Proper nutrition in the days before the marathon is crucial. Unlike the myth of "loading up" the night before, strategic carb loading actually begins three to four days before race day. This practice increases glycogen stores in your muscles, providing the fuel you'll need to sustain 26.2 miles.

Carb-Loading Strategy:

  • 3-4 Days Before: Focus on familiar foods with moderate portions. Avoid anything overly spicy or high in fiber to prevent digestive issues.

  • 2 Days Before: Increase carbohydrate intake by 10-15% above normal. Stick with low-fiber pasta, white bread, and familiar proteins.

  • Day Before: Have your main carb load meal at lunch rather than dinner. A light dinner with easy-to-digest carbs (rice, bagels, white bread) prevents morning digestive issues.

  • Race Morning: Eat a familiar light breakfast 2-3 hours before the start (bagel with peanut butter and banana, oatmeal with honey, or toast with jam).

Myrtle Beach offers excellent options for runners looking to carb load strategically with familiar, digestible foods that won't cause stomach issues on race morning.

Drafts at Westgate Myrtle Beach

Your go-to spot right at your hotel! Drafts Sports Bar & Grill offers hearty, runner-friendly options perfect for carb loading, pasta dishes, rice bowls, and fresh bread.

Dinner the night before or lunch two days before the race provides easy access without leaving your accommodation.

Other Excellent Carb-Loading Options

  • Flamingo Grill: Voted the best all-around restaurant by Myrtle Beach locals, Flamingo Grill serves steak, seafood, and pasta in a fun, art deco atmosphere. Their pasta dishes are perfect for runners seeking carbs with quality protein.

  • Sea Captain's House: A Myrtle Beach staple for more than 60 years, Sea Captain's House has been winning awards every year since 2018. Their seafood pasta and rice-based dishes provide excellent carb-loading options.

  • Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood: This award-winning restaurant offers a world-famous 170-item buffet overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, including pasta stations and fresh seafood over rice—perfect for runners who want variety and quantity for carb loading.

  • Little Italy: This cozy Italian spot offers authentic pasta dishes that are marathon runner-approved. Multiple pasta options allow you to fuel up without feeling overstuffed.

Best Spots on the Marathon Course to Cheer Your Runner

If you're running solo or want to arrange cheering sections, these are ideal spots to see your runner multiple times during the race.

Westgate Myrtle Beach

This is your prime cheering location! Drafts faces the actual marathon course and has a nice balcony to watch the event. Your crew can enjoy food and drinks while watching runners pass by during their race.

The elevated balcony provides excellent sightlines, and being right on the course means your runner will definitely spot you.

This is an ideal place for supporters to wait between runner sightings while enjoying breakfast or lunch.

Miles 8-17: The Scenic Section

The race includes a scenic 9-mile section from mile 8 to mile 17. This section offers beautiful beach town views, and multiple spectator-friendly areas allow supporters to set up signs and encouragement. The scenery in this section provides great motivation for runners hitting mid-race miles.

Pelicans Ballpark (Finish Line)

TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark serves as the finish line venue. The festive atmosphere, post-race celebrations, and food vendors create an energetic environment for supporters waiting to greet their runners at the finish.

Best Places to Celebrate After

After crossing the finish line, you've earned a celebration! Here are the best post-marathon dining and celebration spots:

Post-Race at Westgate Myrtle Beach

Return to Westgate for your post-race. Grab a bite at Drafts or rest your muscles and relax in the heated pool or lazy river with a refreshing drink from Coconut Willy's Pool Bar.

Oceanfront Celebration

Take a celebratory walk along the Myrtle Beach boardwalk or beach access. Many runners enjoy gentle movement and ocean air as part of their recovery ritual the day of the race.

Seafood Celebration Dinner

Treat yourself to a special post-marathon dinner at one of Myrtle Beach's acclaimed seafood restaurants:

  • Flamingo Grill: Its festive art deco atmosphere and celebratory vibe make it perfect for post-race revelry

  • Sea Captain's House: The oceanfront views and award-winning seafood make for memorable post-race dining

  • Wicked Tuna at 2nd Avenue Pier: The rooftop bar with water views creates a celebratory atmosphere perfect for toasting your accomplishment

  • Hook & Barrel: Known for sustainability and freshness, their fresh seafood is perfect for a special post-race meal

RELATED ARTICLES:

20 Free Things To Do in Myrtle Beach on Vacation

20 Reasons to Love Westgate Myrtle Beach

10 Things to Do at the Beach in the Winter

Frequently Asked Questions about the Myrtle Beach Marathon

Yes! In one recent year, 16% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. The flat, fast course with just 110 feet of elevation gain makes it one of the top qualifying races on the East Coast. The early spring date (March 7, 2026) also provides good weather conditions for fast running.

The course features just 110 feet (33.5 meters) of total ascent and a maximum elevation under 20 feet (6 meters). This makes it one of the flattest marathons available, ideal for PR attempts and negative splits.

The scenic 9-mile section runs from mile 8 to mile 17. This section offers beautiful beach town views and typically comes during the mid-race push—mentally helpful to have scenery to focus on.

The event includes 5K, half marathon, and family fun run options in addition to the full marathon. Bring family members or friends who want to participate at different distances.

Plan to arrive 2-3 days before the race (by Thursday, March 5 for the March 7 race). This allows time for travel, hotel settling, expo attendance, and mental preparation without rushing.

Entry fees are $89 until October 6, $109 until November 17, $119 until January 12, $129 until February 9, and $134 after February 9. Register early to secure lower entry fees and ensure your spot, as registration closes when the race reaches capacity of 1,400 spots.

The race begins at 6:35 a.m. Plan to wake up 2-3 hours before, have your breakfast, and arrive at the start line by 6:00 a.m. to allow time for parking, porta-potty lines, and warm-up.

The race follows a counter-clockwise route, starting at Grissom Parkway & 21st Avenue North and finishing at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark. It's a point-to-point course that starts and ends near the oceanfront.

Yes! Westgate Myrtle Beach is just 2 miles from the race start, making it feasible to walk (though most runners prefer a short drive or shuttle). Being this close eliminates the stress of distant parking and provides easy access to pre-race meals and post-race recovery.

The night before, eat a familiar meal that's moderate in carbohydrates, low in fiber, and easy to digest. Examples: pasta with light sauce and grilled chicken, rice with baked fish, or white bread with lean turkey. Avoid anything spicy, fatty, or high in fiber. Eat dinner earlier (by 7:00 p.m.) rather than late.

The event includes two post-race celebrations with local food and drinks, a recovery lounge, and entertainment. Finishers receive their medal immediately, followed by food stations and a festive finish line atmosphere.

Yes, aid stations are positioned throughout the course providing water and electrolyte drinks. Take advantage of these early and often—dehydration impacts performance more than hunger during a marathon.

The Medical Team will be available to assess any race day medical needs and administer acute first aid when necessary. Race volunteers and medical personnel are positioned throughout the course. Alert any volunteer immediately if you need assistance.

Absolutely! Many runners participate with friends or training groups. The beachfront race atmosphere creates community and shared support among runners. Run at your own pace or together—the flat course accommodates all strategies.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

The Myrtle Beach Marathon awaits! Whether you're chasing a Boston qualifier, attempting your first marathon, or running a destination race with friends, this flat, fast coastal marathon offers the perfect combination of competitive excellence and vacation atmosphere.

Get ready to start carb loading, training, and preparing to run one of the East Coast's most iconic marathons!

Looking to turn your marathon into a staycation? See the best restaurants, attractions, and activities in Myrtle Beach on our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog!


RELATED ARTICLE:

Myrtle Beach Itinerary: Perfect 2, 4, 5 and 7-Day Vacation Plans

At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

When You Check-in, There's a Lot to Check Out

Sign up for our newsletter and check-in to great offers, secret stuff, and special events.

Thank You for Signing Up!

Exciting things are headed your way soon!

Read Our Privacy Policy