You are here:
Ocean City Running Festival Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Ocean City, MD, USA
- Race Date: 11/14/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
Ocean City Running Festival Marathon Description
The Ocean City Running Festival Marathon runs a flat, fast coastal course through Ocean City, Maryland, tracing the boardwalk, beachside roads, and quiet neighborhoods each October. Cool fall temperatures and steady ocean breezes make for ideal racing conditions in this popular beach destination. A half marathon, 10K, and 5K run the same weekend, rounding out a family-friendly coastal race weekend on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
Share This Race
Shop This Race
Handpicked for runners toeing this line.
Ocean City Running Festival Marathon Additional Details:
The marathon’s signature moment happens well before the finish: the course pushes out to Assateague Island National Seashore, where runners get sweeping coastal vistas and a real shot at spotting the island’s famous wild ponies grazing just off the road. Ten water stops keep hydration steady along the way, each staffed by local volunteer groups who bring their own community spirit to the aid station experience. The finisher medal earns its own reputation too, designed as an oyster shell that slides open to reveal an iconic Ocean City image tucked inside, a genuinely clever keepsake rather than a standard disc on a ribbon. It’s a fitting souvenir for a race built entirely around this stretch of Maryland coastline.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 6 hr (full), 4 hr (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 800-900
Marathon: 200-300
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 9 ft (2 m)
Elevation Loss: 203 ft (61 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 48°F
- High: 68°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Ocean City, MD, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Sports & Entertainment
Jolly Roger at the Pier
Ride the boardwalk rides at Jolly Roger at the Pier, an Ocean City tradition — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Museums & History
Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
Learn about shipwrecks and local maritime history at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, right on the boardwalk — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Ocean City Boardwalk
Walk the three-mile Ocean City Boardwalk, an entertainment mainstay for more than 100 years — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Shopping
The Kite Loft
Browse the Kite Loft and other boardwalk boutiques for saltwater taffy and souvenirs — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Outdoors & Trails
Assateague Island
Hike or bike the trails of Assateague Island National Seashore, home to wild horses roaming the dunes — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Northside Park
Take in bay views and walking paths at Northside Park, a quieter green space away from the boardwalk crowds — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Ocean City Running Festival Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your Ocean City Running Festival Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes