Race Rules and Safety

• Only registered participants are allowed on course.  Anyone not wearing a race bib will not be allowed on course.  If an unregistered person is found to be on course, they will be removed, and risk being banned from all future CGM events.
• Bicycles, pets or animals of any kind, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters are NOT permitted in any of our events. Unofficial support bikers are NOT allowed on the course. Strollers are permitted for the 5K on Saturday, ONLY and not allowed for the 13.1 or 26.2.
• Spectators are asked to remain off the course and/or in the designated spectator areas for the duration of the event.
• Backpacks are not permitted anywhere in the starting area, on the race course or near the finish line. Bag check is available to hold participant belongings while on course. 
• You must be in good health and physically prepared to take on the challenge of the Coast Guard Marathon including the half and 5K. Please do not come to the in-person event if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.
• Because the full and half marathon course takes runners on-base, background checks must be completed prior to race day for each registered runner. If you do not wish to participate in the background check, we encourage participation in the 5K which does not run on-base.
• Bib numbers are NOT transferrable and for security purposes is considered a serious offense. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will disqualify both people from future Coast Guard Marathon events.
• Participants understand that there are inherent dangers including but not limited to: falls, physical contact with other participants, volunteers, race personnel, contract service providers, employees, and spectators including the potential the contraction of a communicable disease resulting from contact with other participants, volunteers, race personnel, contract service providers, employees, and spectators. By registering for this event you assume all risks and agree to abide by all rules.
• The sole responsibility of knowing and following the course rests with each athlete. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for athletes who fail to follow the proper course for any reason.

*Final details and rules subject to change.

Safety and security are top priorities for Coast Guard Marathon organizers and the event’s law enforcement partners. Runners are allowed to carry, or wear, hydration backpacks (Camelbak), hydration vests and/or fuel belts while completing the Marathon, and half marathon. Please adhere to the guidelines listed below regarding hydration tools allowed on course

Offered to all Full and Half Marathon runners near the Start/Finish line

Participants should use the clear plastic bag provided at Packet Pick-up to store personal items on event day.  Please attach the tear-off tag on the runner’s race bib to the bag.

The Coast Guard Marathon is not responsible for unclaimed baggage.

All races are planned to take place rain or shine. Races will be cancelled only if absolutely necessary for the safety of participants, volunteers and event staff in the case of an extreme weather event. In this case, there will be no refunds of race entry fees. Each athlete accepts any such risk during registration. We encourage you to check our website, and social media throughout the weekend for the latest information.

5K – We will have 2 bike medics along the race route and the main Medical will be positioned at the Start/Finish lines in their base tent.

Half – We will have 2 medical tents set up around the halfway point and a few miles from the finish line.  Each medical location will have basic medical supplies, 2 EMTs + an ambulance.  We will have a full base tent setup at the start / finish and all will have radio communication with all medical personnel and police.

Full – We will have 4 medical tents evenly dispersed along the race route.  Each location will have basic medical supplies, 2 EMTs + an ambulance.  We will have a full base tent setup at the start / finish and all will have radio communication with all medical personnel and police.

5K – We will have 1 water station at approximately the halfway point.

Half – We will have 6 water stops with replacement drinks dispersed evenly along the route.  In addition, we will have 1 food stop positioned around the halfway point on the course providing a Gel or Block item.

Full – We will have 13 water stops with replacements drink dispersed evenly along the route. In addition, we will have 2 food stops positioned on the full course, 1 around the halfway point and 1 a few miles before the finish line.

We encourage the seasoned and first time marathoners (including walkers) alike to take part.  There will be a cut-off pace of 16 minutes/ mile for the full and half marathon. For the safety of our participants, any runner who is unable to maintain that pace will be picked up and brought back to the start/ finish area.

There will be a 1 hour cap on the 5K.

Course limits are set based on permits obtained by agreements with the City of Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, Base Elizabeth City, and Department of Transportation. Once the course limit expires, the roads that the race route follows are no longer closed to traffic and race service cannot be guaranteed.

The Coast Guard Marathon is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all participants, spectators, volunteers, and the surrounding community, while also facilitating efficient entry into designated event areas and venues.

Accordingly, the Coast Guard Marathon has adopted a clear bag policy. Unless otherwise noted, all attendees are required to comply with this policy and are subject to the restrictions on bag size and type permitted within event spaces.

This policy aligns with security measures implemented at major events and venues across North Carolina and nationwide, and supports the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign.

This policy will apply to the following venues:
a. Health and Fitness Expo
b. Coast Guard Finish Festival

Any large venue or gathering as determined by the Coast Guard Marathon Oganization.

Approved items include:
a. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12 inches in height, 6 inches in depth and 12 inches in width;

B. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar);

C. Small clutch purse, approximately the size of an average adult hand, 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or smaller; and

D. Diaper bags are subject to search and the infant for which the bag is being carried must be present (up to 36 months).

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
a. Purses larger than a clutch bag, exceeding 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches;

b. Coolers

c. Briefcases

d. Backpacks, drawstring bags, cinch bags or fanny packs;

e. Tinted or printed pattern plastic bags;

f. Large purses, oversized tote bags and mesh bags;

g. Luggage

h. Computer bags, camera bags, binocular cases or any bag larger than the permissible size; and

i. Air horns, bull horns, and/or any other disruptive noise makers.

Each attendee can enter with one clear bag and a clutch purse as long as both meet the requirements as stated in above. The clutch purse can be carried separately from the clear bag and will be subject to search. Each attendee is permitted to carry items such as keys, phone, wallet, credit cards, etc. if they choose not to put them inside a clear bag or clutch purse. Extra jackets, blankets, and cameras without cases can be carried into the venue. Jackets and blankets with pockets will be subject to search prior to entry.

Prohibited bags and items cannot be placed in a clear bag in order to gain entry. The clear bag is
to be used as a substitute for any prohibited bag.

Exceptions may be granted for medically necessary items, event personnel and credentialed media.
However, all attendees are strongly encouraged to place items in a clear bag for easier entry. These
exceptions will enter through designated gates or checkpoints and are subject to screening and/or
bag inspections. Entry may be denied for individuals who fail to comply or allow inspections.

Coast Guard marathon Organization reserves the right to deny entry of any item deemed inappropriate.