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. Come check out some of the runners favorite courses.
Delaware Trail Marathon – Newark
The Delaware Trail Marathon was formally part of the Triple Crown Trail Festival. If you are accustomed to road races, this will be a completely new experience and rather difficult. Don’t expect to P.R. on this course unless you are an avid trail runner–if you are, then this course should be a piece of cake! Get more information here.
The Course
Given that this race is held at the same time as the other traditional Triple Crown races, don’t be surprised if you encounter runners from other races. While running this course, you will run two loops and will cross White Clay Creek a couple times. When crossing the creek, the race organizers suggest that you keep your shoes on. The crossing is about 80 yards and the water will come up to your ankles or your calves.
Credit: Triple Crown Trail Marathon
“This was my 11th marathon, my slowest time, but by FAR MY FAVORITE marathon! The course was amazing – we crossed a stream 4 times (water over my knees!), and ran over several logs, lots of hills, rocky paths and through meadows. The runners were SO friendly; the camaraderie was great. I was running alone for a good portion of the race but would catch up with people or people would catch up with me along the course. Since we ran through the woods, there weren’t too many spectators, but they were very enthusiastic at the finish line. This is definitely a small race – only 83 marathon runners. I never thought I would like a small marathon or a trail marathon. I LOVED this race! There were plenty of aid stations and the organization was fantastic, as was the post-race BBQ. Really SO amazing – I can’t speak highly enough about the race!” – E.S., Marathonguide.com
“These people know how to put on a race. The organization was top notch. The trail is very scenic, challenging, well marked and so much fun. Being from out of state, I was amazed how the volunteers, other runners and even the bikers cheered me on. The aid stations were adequate and even the creek crossing was welcome. This is a peaceful race for runners who enjoy the outdoors and love running on trails.” – B.Y., Marathonguide.com
Coastal Delaware Running Festival – Dewey Beach
The Coastal Delaware Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and is followed by a full post race buffet that is hosted by the Lighthouse Cove. This marathon 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
This course is flat and perfect to set your new P.R. It starts on Tower Road in Delaware Seashore State Park at Dewey Beach then takes the runners on a mile long boardwalk that cuts through the town of Rebonoth Beach. From Rebonoth Beach, the runners will go through Delaware Seashore State Parks, Gordons Pond Wildlife Area, Cape Henlopen State Park, and then circle back using the Junction and Breakwater trail. The majority of the trail (excluding the boardwalk) will be on crushed stones and paved surfaces.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“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. The 300 or so marathoners made for a perfect size, and I liked that the marathon started 1/2 hour before the half and was generally a separate race. Beach towel was nice touch.” – M.A., Marathonguide.com
“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 broadwalk, 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. I’d recommend this marathon to anyone looking for a small, well managed race and beautiful course. The entertainment at the after party was great too.” – N.S., Marathonguide.com
Monster Mash Marathon – Dover
The Monster Mash Marathon benefits the Kent County Wounded Warrior Foundation and is held in late October. If you are looking for a purely fun marathon with a lot of great spirit, you definitely need to give this one a try. Costumes are strongly encouraged! Learn more here.
The Course
The majority of the course is a single loop with a short out and back segment of about four miles that will take the runner near the coast. Like most Delaware races, the course is fairly flat. The highest point of the race is that start/finish at around 47 feet. The lowest point is between miles ten and eleven at just 3 feet above sea level. The course takes the runner through cornfield and has every mile marked with plenty of aid and support stations along the way.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“My husband and I ran this race and we both really enjoyed it. The flat course allowed both of us to do much better than anticipated. I enjoy running by myself and this marathon gave you lots of leg room right from the beginning. It was also a nice touch to be personally greeted both at packet pick-up and the finish line by the race director. The kids at all the water stops were very enthusiastic and supportive, even for us 5 hour marathoners. Love the monster mash mug too. Neat experience running around the track as well.” – D.F., Marathonguide.com
“Everything you would want from a small marathon: great 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
Trap Pond Marathon – Laurel
Trap Pond Marathon takes place in Laurel, Delaware at the Trap Pond State Park. The proceeds of the race go to help organizations such as the SPCA, Home of the Brave, Outdoor Adventures, and Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. This race can get a bit chilly with the breeze, so make sure you come prepared. In this marathon, you will not be running with a crowd or with screaming fans–this one is more about nature and the joy of running. Find out more.
The Course
The race takes place on Loblolly Trail which features mostly flat and wide crushed stone surfaces. Marathon runners will run a counterclockwise out and back on the trail followed by five clockwise trial loops. There are three aid stations on every loop so they end up being spaced fairly evenly at a mile and a half apart. There are also two additional aid stations that will have food such as cookies, chips, water and Gatorade.
Credit – Altis Endurance
Reviews
“Course is almost flat with crushed rock – very forgiving, well marked, and easy to navigate. Some would say boring because there aren’t many fans but I found it serene and motivating to run alone and enjoy the woods which are becoming rarer experiences for me. People fishing, camping, is a really nice atmosphere. There were fewer than ten people for the marathon which made the experience wonderful for me and guaranteed by top ten finish which I’m still bragging about! These guys organize other runs too and I plan on getting to some of those. Check their website. If you want an ‘event’ with fancy stuff, huge expo, bands at each mile etc. this isn’t the one for you, but if you want the opposite – a small friendly run with good energy – I’d strongly recommend. – J.Z., Marathonguide.com
“This was my first trail marathon. There were fewer than 100 runners for the 3 events. It is a no-frills and low-key event which I enjoy from time to time. The course was crushed gravel and very forgiving. Marathoners run 5 loops, 50K run 6 loops, and half-marathoners run 3 loops. There is an out-and-back for the marathon and 50K to make up the distance. The race directors and volunteers did a great job in supporting the runners especially in the cold (real feel 15 degrees) and windy conditions.” – S.B., Marathonguide.com