Wilmington, N.C. - November 5, 2026: Wilmington and its island beaches will welcome athletes, spectators and their families for one of the region’s premier race weekends in mid-November. The 2026 Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon & GFL 10K/5K will take place on November 15 and is expected to draw thousands of participants to the destination, showcasing Wilmington's historic downtown, scenic riverfront and vibrant community.

  • 2026 Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon & GFL 10K/5K

    • Date: November 15, 2026

    • Expected Number of Attendees: 3,100

    • Known as one of the Southeast’s most iconic running events, the Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon presented by Heineken and GFL 10K & 5K presented by Fleet Feet takes participants through the heart of Wilmington for the soul of the ship. The route begins in historic downtown Wilmington and around the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, offering runners a unique course experience that combines waterfront views, local history and community spirit. The race weekend also features 10K and 5K, a race expo and a post-race celebration in downtown Wilmington. 

    • “Every runner who crosses our finish line has a story. Some are chasing personal records, others are completing a distance they never thought possible.” states Tom Clifford, who works alongside Colin Hackman to organize the race each year. “To see those moments unfold with the Battleship North Carolina in the background is what makes this event so meaningful. Reaching more than 3,000 participants this year makes it a record year for one of the oldest half marathons in the south!”

    • More event information and volunteer opportunities can be found online at https://www.battleshiphalfmarathon.com.

Athletes and their guests traveling to the area for the race weekend will stay in a variety of local lodging properties, dine at area restaurants, visit attractions and explore the destination’s historic downtown and island beaches. 

“We’re proud to host premier running events that give participants a chance to experience Wilmington’s historic charm, vibrant riverfront and warm hospitality,” states Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “Additionally, these events generate important economic benefits for local businesses and our community during our off-peak season.”

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.

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Note to Media: To arrange interviews and photo ops, event website and organizer contacts are provided below: 

2026 Parkway Subaru Battleship NC Half Marathon presented by Heineken & GFL 10K|5K presented by Fleet Feet, please contact Tom Clifford at tom@iamwithoutlimits.com  OR Beth Ann Soporowski, babssop@gmail.com; https://www.battleshiphalfmarathon.com