Wilmington, N.C. - October 30, 2025: During back-to-back weekends in November, Wilmington and its island beaches will host athletes and their guests for two major sporting events. The 2025 USTA N.C Combo Doubles State Championships will take place the weekends of November 6–9 and November 13–16. In addition, on Sunday, November 16, The 2025 Parkway Subaru Battleship NC Half Marathon presented by Heineken & GFL 10K|5K presented by Fleet Feet will attract even more participants and visitors to the area. 

At least 1,500 adult players are anticipated to participate in the first weekend and approximately 1,400 adult players during the second weekend, most of whom are traveling to Wilmington from outside the area, however, many local USTA players will also be participating. The Combo Doubles Tennis State Championship is affiliated with USTA NORTH CAROLINA and U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and hosted by the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association. 

Along with around 3,000 tennis athletes that are expected to participate in the two-weekend championship tournament, families and guests will also be traveling to be part of the event. The tournament is expected to bring close to 4,000 visitors to Wilmington and our island beaches.  

The two-weekend Championship will take place at multiple tennis facilities in New Hanover County including: Althea Gibson Tennis Center at Empie Park, Echo Farms Park, Ogden Park, Longleaf Park, Ashley High School, Hoggard High School, Laney High School, Porters Neck Country Club, Landfall Country Club, Pine Valley Country Club and at nearby St. James Country Club and Compass Pointe Club. The tournament headquarters will be located at Echo Farms. 

Winners at each level will be declared State Champions in their division and qualify to attend the USTA Southern Section Championships. Spectators are welcome at all venues with free admission. For tournament details and schedules, please visit nctennis.com/combo tournament. 

Also taking place the weekend of November 16th, the 27th Annual Parkway Subaru Battleship NC Half Marathon presented by Heineken & GFL 10K|5K presented by Fleet Feet will bring in approximately 2,500 participants representing 36 states, and 2 countries, including Active-Duty Military men and women, with Marines on-site to present the Colors and pass out finisher medals. Participants will be joined by family members, spectators and event volunteers, nearly doubling the number of attendees anticipated for the weekend. 

Race events will begin on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the Battleship NC Half Marathon Expo at the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, hosting over 20 vendors. 

The Half Marathon, 10k and 5k will take place on Sunday morning, at 7:00am November 16, starting and finishing on Water Street (between Princess St. and Market St.) in downtown Wilmington. Race events conclude with The Parkway Subaru Post-Race Celebration in the Athlete Village at Water Street Park, located adjacent to the finish line at Princess and Water Streets with live music and beer provided by Heineken. Race schedules, course maps, sponsors and other event information can be found online at www.battleshiphalfmarathon.com.   

"There's nothing quite like witnessing thousands of runners achieve their goals and cross the finish line with the Battleship North Carolina in view," said Tom Clifford, Race Director. "Having more than 2,500 participants join us this year is an incredible milestone and a reflection of how much this event means to runners and our community." 

During both weekends, most participants and their guests will stay at area hotels, shop, dine and visit attractions throughout New Hanover County. 

“We’re excited to welcome back athletes and spectators for the 2025 Parkway Subaru Battleship NC Half Marathon and the 2025 USTA N.C. Combo Doubles State Championships,” said Kim Hufham, President/CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority. “We look forward to offering a memorable coastal Carolina experience and inviting visitors to enjoy our local restaurants, breweries, and businesses throughout the area.” 

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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Contact:
Connie Nelson
Communications/PR Director
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690
cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com