By now you’ve probably heard the news: the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is a sold out affair. That includes every one of Saturday’s events: marathon, half marathon, relay, and the Chick-fil-A 5k. Even if “must do” and “marathon” are terms you’d never utter in the same sentence, this year’s record-setting event really will be a must-see!
For starters, it’s the 20th anniversary running of the event; you’ll at least want to tell your friends, “yeah – I was there!” There’s a record number of registrants this year, representing all 50 states and 19 countries. Showing off a little local color will give them something to go home with and tell their friends. And, it truly is inspiring to see all of these athletes taking on the challenge here at the end of the year.
That being said, here’s where to see and be seen at this year’s event:
Start line: Early-risers, this one’s for you. EVERY event starts Saturday morning along South Tryon Street, between Levine Ave. of the Arts and Brooklyn Village Ave. Marathon, half marathon, and relay runners begin at 7:20am; Chick-fil-A 5k runners begin at 7:35am.
Mile 4.3: Plenty of great viewing space on both sides of Providence Road here. Runners should all still be buzzing with the excitement from the start line, and relay runners will be nearing their first handoff. Good times!
Mile 6: Our friends from Around the Crown 10k, Cross Conditioning Training, and the Ballantyne Run Club will collab at this cheer station just past the 10k mark. You’ll be happy to see them just before you make the turn to tackle that climb on Morehead Street!
Mile 9: The Charlotte Running Club hosts this cheer station along Latta Park in Dilworth. It’s really a beautiful stretch along the route. Both full and half marathon athletes are still together at this point, so everyone gets a dose of the good, local vibes here.
Mile 11: Our partners and friends from Dole will host their first-ever cheer station here. We cannot confirm or deny the presence of Bobby Banana at this location. They’re celebrating 125 years in the banana business. Expect fun to be had!
Mile 14.5: At Belmont Ave. and North Davidson, the gang from Birdsong Brewing Run Club hosts this annual cheer station. It’s a great hang, and a welcome site for marathoners who’re just over a mile into the second half of their journey.
Mile 17.5: Summit Coffee on the Plaza (2501 The Plaza) hosts this cheer station out of this popular morning run club location. If you’re local, you’ll want to add their Friday 6:15am run with the folks from Charlotte Running Club.
Mile 18: Marathon runners pass Mattie’s Diner (3100 The Plaza) two times. The Mattie’s Diner Run Club and friends will be getting loud and proud. Easy parking at the Diner, in the adjacent lot across Shamrock Drive, or across the street at the grocery store.
Mile 20: The Plaza, between Chestnut and Kensington. The people and the party in Plaza Midwood never disappoint. TBH, by the time you see them, they’ve probably been partying as long as you’ve been running. A real shot of energy and enthusiasm, and other stuff, if you’re amenable.
Mile 24.75: This is the second of two cheer stations hosted by Let Me Run. (The first is near NW corner of Latta Park, near mile 9.3) And the timing is perfect here, as marathoners have just about a mile and a half to the finish. If you’re not trying to find a runner at the finish, this is a great place to give runners one last, “you can do it!”
Mile 26: Here at South Graham Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., the finish line is literally right around the corner. An absolutely appropriate spot to yell, “you’re almost there!”
You can also find all of the cheer stations and entertainment locations along the event routes here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1d5dLYR55lRyy4dzVBg4ua_52oh1eegs&femb=1&ll=35.22828870261735%2C-80.84929656183243&z=19
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