Run Historic Wilmington

Run Historic Wilmington takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina, on December 5, 2026. Three distances are offered, a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon (13.1 miles), so you can pick the format that matches your fitness and goals. The route takes in varied scenery, moving between the waterfront, public parks, and city streets, and shows off both the coastal and the historic character of Wilmington.

With three distances on the menu, this event can serve as a first 5K, a step up to the 10K, or a full half-marathon goal race for the end of the year. The coastal setting generally means a course without major hills, which favors even pacing and time goals. For the half, plan on 10 to 12 weeks of training with a weekly long run building to 10 to 12 miles; for the 10K, six to eight weeks with a long run of about six miles is enough; the 5K needs only a month of regular running. Whatever the distance, a stretch along the water is a good place to check your form and relax your shoulders.