WILMINGTON, N.C. – Novant Health will extend its naming rights to the Wilmington Marathon through 2027. The marathon’s focus on wellness and exercise dovetails with the mission of the not-for-profit healthcare organization, which aims to improve the health of the communities it serves. 
“We are thankful for 13 amazing years of this event,” said Tom Clifford, event director. “The support of Novant Health for four more years is incredible for the race and its future.”
The 14th annual event will take place Feb. 23-24, 2024, and feature a full marathon, half marathon, relay, Fleet Feet Downtown 5K, and Lidl Free 1-mile kids run presented by Truist. Wicked Weed will continue to be the presenting sponsor for the Half and Full Marathon.
“Novant Health is such a valuable partner in events of this scale,” continued Clifford. “Our staff, volunteers, and runners can expect many more great years ahead as the Novant Health Wilmington Marathon becomes one of the top races on the East Coast.”
“A marathon is about much more than the big event,” said Laurie Whalin, chief operating officer of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. “It’s about the countless hours spent training. It’s about doing your best day after day. It requires early mornings and a commitment to persevere. Novant Health is honored to support the 4,000 thriving runners on race day, including some of our own team members, and we celebrate every mile they complete along the journey to reach the finish line.”
This will be a point-to-point race starting at the pristine waters near the famous Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier on Wrightsville Beach and ending in historic downtown Wilmington at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion. The event has raised nearly $600,000 for local charities since its inception, and the 2023 Marathon brought a record number of more than 4,000 runners and their families to the Wilmington area.
About the Wilmington Marathon
The Novant Health Wilmington Marathon presented by Wicked Weed is the largest running event in Wilmington, North Carolina, and generates over $6 million in economic impact each year. Net proceeds from the event benefit numerous local charities. For more information, visit wilmingtonncmarathon.com
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of hospitals, physician clinics and outpatient facilities that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and over 36,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, including 16 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2022, Novant Health provided more than $1.5 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, Twitte