City of Oaks Marathon guide: Everything you need to know before Sunday's races
The annual City of Oaks Marathon kicked off Sunday morning with massive cheering crowds and inspiring dance music as the runners took off from the starting line at 7 a.m.
Runners were bundled with warm hats and hoodies to combat the chilly 41 degree temperatures.
Crowds and runners alike got pumped up, singing to 'Sweet Caroline' as the race began.
Races are held rain or shine unless weather conditions are too dangerous to hold the event.
However, Sunday’s forecast is expected to be partly cloudy with lows in the 40s and highs reaching 70 degrees.
Male runners aged 18-34 who complete the full marathon in 3 hours qualify to run the prestigious Boston Marathon in the spring. Female runners aged 18-34 who complete the full marathon in 3 hours and 30 minutes qualify for Boston.
Road closures for the City of Oaks Marathon
Road closures begin at 6:45 a.m. Sunday in downtown Raleigh and along Hillsborough Street.
Most road closures occur between 7 a.m. and 9:45 a.m.
There are 29 specific areas of closures detailed on the City of Oaks website.
The closures include Glenwood Avenue from Peace Street to Hillsborough Street from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. It also includes portions of Hillsborough Street, West Morgan Street, Wilmington Street and Salisbury Street throughout the event. Visit the City of Oaks Marathon website for a complete list and timing of closures.
City of Oaks Marathon course map
Click or tap around in the top left corner of the map to view the routes for the full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races. The map also shows hydration stations.
The full marathon starts at 7 a.m. at 400 Glenwood Ave. Runners go down Glenwood Avenue turning east on Hillsborough Street. Then, they run up North Salisbury Street before turning south onto North Wilmington Street.
Runners go by the North Carolina State Capitol down Fayetteville Street and traverse downtown Raleigh. Then, they go down Hillsborough Street to West Morgan Street past Irregardless Cafe and then past Trophy Brewing and Pizza. Runners go south on Boylan Avenue to Western Boulevard.
Western Boulevard takes runners past Pullen Park north to Hillsborough Street, where runners go west. Runners then north on Faircloth Street and then to Ready Creek Trail. Eventually, it becomes House Creek Greenway Trail. The trail goes as far north, past Shelley Lake, to the Greenway Trail just west of North Hills Drive.
Runners then make the trek back to downtown Raleigh following the same route back.
The race finishes just east of the starting line. The finish line is at 500 North West St.
The marathon ends at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Start line location: 400 Glenwood Ave.
Finish line location: 500 North West St.
Post-race party location: 500 North West St.
Portable toilets: There will be portable toilets available near the start line on race day.
Hydration stations: The course also has 10 hydration stations – near miles 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23 and 25.
Each hydration station has water, sports drinks and portable toilets.
Best places to watch the City of Oaks Marathon
There are several areas for friends and family to cheer on their runner. Some suggestions include the NC State Capital, the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Hillsborough Street or near the Bell Tower.
Starting times
6:55 a.m.: Wheelchair/handcyclists start the full, half or 10K
7 a.m.: Full marathon, half marathon and 10K start
7:15 a.m.: Wheelchair/handcyclists start the 5K
7:20 a.m.: The 5K starts
9 a.m.: The 10K and 5K overall awards ceremony takes place at Smoky Hollow
10 a.m.: Half marathon overall awards ceremony at the stage at Smoky Hollow
11 a.m.: Marathon overall awards ceremony at the stage at Smoky Hollow
1 p.m.: Full marathon course closes
1:30 p.m.: Post-race party ends
Parking on race morning
Participants in the race are encouraged to arrive between 6 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.
The event organizers recommend using three parking lots: Broughton High School, Raleigh Charter School or the Village District.
There is also street parking available at Fred Fletcher Park and in the Forest Park neighborhood.
People using Uber or Lyft are encouraged to set their drop-off location on Peace Street near Glenwood Avenue.
Gear check
Participants are encouraged to leave personal items at home or their cars. However, runners can check a bag at the gear check area located at Smoky Hollow across from Hause of Dogs. Gear check opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 1:30 p.m.
Time limits
- Marathon: Six hours
- Half-marathon: Three hours and 30 minutes
- 10K: Two hours
- 5K: Two hours
Any runners remaining on the course after the time limit will no longer be considered race participants and will be required to follow pedestrian laws.
Pacers
The event will have pacers for the full marathon and half marathon
Full marathon: 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15 and 5:30
Half marathon: 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00
Live tracking
Live tracking is not available, but there are live splits available at 10K, half marathon and 20 miles.
Starting chute corrals
Runners are divided into two corrals (A and B). Your corral assignment is printed on the front of their bibs.
Corral A is for runners who run between a 5:00 and a 9:59 minutes/mile pace. Runners will enter the chute at the intersection of Tucker Street and Glenwood Avenue. Runners whose pace is between 8:00 and 9:59 minutes/mile are asked to allow space for faster runners in front.
Corral B is for runners whose pace is between 10 minutes per mile and 15 minutes per mile. Runners enter the chute at the intersection of Johnston Street and Glenwood Avenue. Runners whose pace is between 13:00 and 15:00 minutes/mile are asked to allow space for faster runners in front.
Post-race party
After finishing the race, enjoy:
- A live concert in Smoky Hollow Free beer (21 years and older; you must bring your photo ID) Alcohol must remain in Smoky Hollow.
- Finisher snacks for runners
- Overall Award Ceremony
- Coffee from Sip Sip Coffee Bar (available for purchase)
- Nutritious smoothies from Dose Yoga (available for purchase)
- Checking out our sponsors and race partners
Finisher medals: All participants will receive a finisher medal after crossing the finish line.
Results
Runners will receive a text message with a link to their individual results upon crossing the finish line.
Results are posted online as they become available.
Overall awards
Overall Awards Medals are presented to the top three male and female finishers in the full, half 10K and 5K based on gun time.
Age group awards
Age group award medals are given to the top three male and female finishers in the full and half marathon based on chip time.
Age group medals are only given to the first place finisher in each age group for the 5K and 10K.
Age groups
- 14 and younger
- 15-19
- 20-24
- 25-29
- 30-34
- 35-39
- 40-44
- 45-49
- 50-54
- 55-59
- 60-64
- 65-69
- 70 and older
Packet pickup on Saturday
Bib mailing closed on Oct. 6.
Packet pickup is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Martin Middle School, located at 1701 Ridge Road in Raleigh.
Participants will receive a bib, safety pins, a participant shirt and a participant gift. Also, runners can choose to receive a gear check bag and a tag, but it’s optional.
Someone else can pick up your packet. They will need a copy of your ID. A photo is sufficient.
There is no packet pickup on race-day.
