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Delaware Marathon Running Festival 2024

The largest running event in Delaware takes over the streets of Wilmington

Dates: April 21, 2024

Delaware Marathon is held every April at Wilmington, Delaware. Its beautiful course lies through historic downtown giving runners a tour of some of the most interesting spots in the city. The running festival includes a classical marathon, half marathon, four-person relay, 5K, and kids fun race. All of these races start and finish at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park on Rosa Parks Drive on the Wilmington Riverfront. The park can be easily accessed from the Wilmington AMTRAK station and I-95. The intersecting streets are South Market Street and South French Street.

Delaware Marathon course goes through scenic Brandywine Park on the Brandywine River, a few Wilmington historic neighbourhoods and sites such as downtown’s Rodney Square. The highlights of the course include the Kalmar Nyckel Tall Ship, the Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park Welcome Arch, and The Brandywine Swinging Bridge. Runners usually turn around at New Castle Elementary School. There are about 15 water stops along the way to​ keep the participants hydrated.

The Delaware Marathon and Running Festival sees about 3,000 runners in a marathon, half-marathon, relay, and 5K race. Marathoners are required to complete a 42-km (26.2 mi) course in 6 hours. The race starts at 7 a.m. The Running Festival and the awards ceremony for the race is held in Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park starting from noon. Prizes are awarded to the winners of marathon, half marathon, team relay, Dare Devil, and 5K winners.

Delaware Marathon is a USATF certified Boston Marathon Qualifier. About 10-12% of runners qualify for the Boston Marathon every year. The marathon began in 2004 as the Mother's Day event. It soon grew into a massive running festival with a beautiful loop course and a grand post-race celebration. Proceeds from the marathon benefit the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, the Mike Clark Legacy Foundation, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and Girls on Run Delaware.

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Last updated: by Olha Savych