Delaware was the United States first State, hence it’s nickname “the First State”. But this state has more than just history sites going for it. Delaware is also home to some of the nations most beloved marathons and half marathons alike. Come check out some of the runners favorite courses.
Caesar Rodney Half Marathon-Wilmington
This is a fun course and overall, a great race. There were aid stations every 2-3 miles with lots of volunteers. Being held within the city of Wilmington, there are tons of spectators and it’s a very exciting race. Get more information here.
The Course
For this race, runners will both start and finish the race in downtown Wilmington (Rodney Square). The course will include stretches that will take the runners past Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, Brandywine Park, and Rockford Park. The course has a total gain of 312 feet. The majority of this gain happens between miles 5 and 8.
Credit: MapMyRun
“[T]his is a fun course and overall, a great race. There were aid stations every 2-3 miles with lots of volunteers. Being held within the city of Wilmington, there are tons of spectators and it’s a very exciting race. I will definitely do this race again[.]”-billsorg, beginnertriathlete.com
“I had a great time for my first half. It was well organized with a nice selection of post race food. Train for hills though. Wilmington is not as flat as you’d think.”– Diana Hartley-Kim, Facebook.com
Coastal Delaware Running Festival – Dewey Beach
This half marathon starts on Historic Tower Road which is in the beautiful Delaware Seashore State Park. If you are a first timer, don’t be worried about finishing at the front of the pack to get a medal–all finishers will get a medal and gender specific tech race shirt. The race is followed by a full post race buffet that is hosted by the Lighthouse Cove. This race has a good mix of scenery so you won’t have to worry about getting bored! From ocean views to lakes, ponds, swamps, woodlands, and farmland, there is plenty to hold your attention. Get registered here.
The Course
The Coastal Delaware Running Festival features a fast and flat course–perfect for setting a new PR. The race will take runners through Rehoboth Beach, Gordons Pond Wildlife Area, and along Dewey Beach, finishing at the Hyatt-Lighthouse Cove. Water stations feature water and Lemon-Lime Gatorade and are located about every 1.5-2 miles along the course. If you need a little extra boost, There are Boom Nutrition Carb Gels around mile 8.5.
Credit: CoDelRun
Reviews
“This race goes through a state park for many of the miles which provides fantastic scenery. Although the water/Gatorade stops were well managed (thank you to everyone), there were not stops on the trails in the park. So pack your own refreshments/fuel for that area. There are also no spectators on the trails. In the areas where there were spectators, they were great. Even on the boardwalk, people cheered for me and moved as I made my way by them. The volunteers were fantastic in the packet pick-up, dry-bag drop off and pick-up, and on the course. The weather was great too.”-N.S., Marathonguide.com
“I was highly impressed with this race. The course was excellent, and I particularly liked running on varied surfaces with a lot of different scenery coastal views, boardwalk, state park, bike trail (not paved), highway, sidewalk, city streets, neighborhoods. The organization and logistics were great too.”-M.A., Marathonguide.com
Monster Mash Marathon – Dover
The Monster Mash Marathon and Half Marathon happens every year around Halloween and never fails to be a fun and rewarding race for a great cause–the Kent County Wounded Warrior Project. If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, then this is just the race for you! Costumes are strongly encouraged! Learn more here.
The Course
The Monster Mash course is a primarily flat, loop course. The course is paved and this race provides a great opportunity for you to set a new PR. The half marathon starts and finishes in front of “Miles the Monster”–a giant 50 foot rock-like monster.
Credit: Monster Mash Marathon
Reviews
“This is my 4th year running this. It’s just special to me. Logistically, easy to drive to, packet pickup at the Monster is simple, always prime goodie bag with quality shirts and a few extras. Nicest race director ever, who takes every recommendation to heart and puts them into action for the following year. Unique venue with speedway for the first mile. Course is very flat 120 feet of elevation that you don’t even feel except the overpass at the end.”-J.E., Marathonguide.com
“[G]reat scenery, capturing the state capital, farmland, and fall colors. Course was very well marked, and there were plenty of enthusiastic volunteers and police to insure runners did not miss turns. Water/ Gatorade stops were appropriately placed and well-stocked. Maps made it very easy for supporters to find their athletes. The course was designed to capture all that Dover and environs had to offer. Great shirts and medals.”-Eric Schneider, Marathonguide.com
Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon-Rehoboth
Rehoboth is a charming town that earned the title of “Best of America” in 2006 according to Reader’s Digest Magazine. A little more than 2,000 runner participate in the marathon and half marathon combined each year. This race doesn’t have the large fan fair and resources that you could expect at a larger, city-based race so it is suggested that you bring some of your own energy gel packs and even though you won’t have swarms of people cheering you on, you can still expect a very friendly atmosphere and happy people cheering for you. Find out more.
The Course
The Rehoboth Beach Marathon and Half Marathon is an out and back course that starts and finishes along the authentic Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. During the course of this race, both marathoners and half marathoners will share the same course for the first nine miles of the race. From the mile nine marker, those running the half marathon will hit the turnaround point and head back along the route they just ran to finish the race along the boardwalk. On race day, the average temperatures range between 37 degrees and 52 degrees, so be prepared for some nippy weather!
Credit: Halfmarathon.net
Reviews
“A wonderful race, especially for 50-staters looking to cross Delaware off their lists. it’s a fast, flat course with beautiful views in Cape Henelopen State Park. The fans during the first and last few miles were very enthusiastic, and I thought the race was well organized. Parking around Rehoboth Beach is easy, and it’s a fun town to explore, even in the off season. I highly recommend this race and would definitely run it again.”-N.H., Marathonguide.com
“The course is absolutely beautiful and I love that it is so varied, running through the town of Rehoboth Beach, venturing into State Park land, and offering multi-surface running (road, gravel trail, boardwalk). It is never boring! There are lots of spectators throughout – more than I’ve seen in a number of larger races! The finisher’s medals are awesome and the finish line party is amazing! ”-L.W., Marathonguide.com