Outer Banks Marathon

Outer Banks Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Outer Banks Marathon is a full marathon held in Kitty Hawk, United States of America, scheduled for Sunday 8 November 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 52m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 17m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Outer Banks Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very flat course with only 52m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 1m to 17m above sea level — a 16m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for November, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 15°C and 23°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a moderate chance of rain (34%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.

Surface Type: Trail

Outer Banks Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Outer Banks Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Outer Banks Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Outer Banks Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.