Run for the Fun of it at Myrtle Beach Marathon

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Hit the ground running in 2019 with a trip to the Grand Strand for the 22nd Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon, and kick up your heels with a relaxing stay at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort.

Just in time for the unofficial start of spring along the South Carolina coast, the March 1-2 event offers races for runners of all distances, not just the 26.2-mile Myrtle Beach Marathon.

Other competitions include the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 3.1-mile Myrtle Beach 5k, and the 1-mile Grande Dunes Family Fun Run, which will be held Friday at the Grande Dunes Marina.

The main events are set for Saturday, with TicketReturn.com Stadium serving as the start/finish line and the headquarters for a post-race party of awards, live music, food and beverages.

But that’s only part the excitement you can expect by visiting for the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Bring the whole family to run in the races, offer support, and enjoy the fun at Compass Cove.

Rest up before the race at the beach or the resort’s indoor/outdoor pools and water slides, and recover after the race in the comfort of your oceanfront room, private balcony or hot tubs.

The weather conditions are typically ideal for the running events, with average high temperatures in the 60s for afternoon fun in the sun and morning temps in the 40s for the starting gun.

Those are perfect conditions to keep runners cool during the race and warm up afterwards, but the weather and excitement aren’t the only things that attract runners to town for this race.

With a beautiful backdrop for a distance run, the Myrtle Beach Marathon features scenic oceanfront stretches and a jog through the empty downtown streets for a unique view of Myrtle Beach.

For serious and beginning runners, the course also offers bonus benefits. Myrtle Beach’s flat coastal location is ideal for first-timers and those trying to qualify for bigger marathons.

In fact, the Myrtle Beach Marathon serves as a regional qualifier for the April 15 Boston Marathon and many finishers post personal-best times to punch their ticket to Patriots’ Day.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon course sends runners past some of the most popular attractions in town, including nearly half of the 26.2-mile layout stretching along our beautiful beaches.

In addition to oceanfront segments along the downtown district, the Golden Mile and Ocean Forest neighborhoods, the course carries runners to Broadway at the Beach and The Market Common.

Family, friends and strangers line the sidewalks and streets to offer cool water and warm words of encouragement, and fans hold signs to show support for their loved ones in the race.

Crossing the finish line can be an emotional moment for those who complete the 26.2-feat. Supporters hug finishers to keep them from collapsing, followed by a fast recovery for the party.

The Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon may be half the distance but features just as much fun. The 13.1-mile course cuts out the northern stretch of Ocean Boulevard to reach the finish line.

The Myrtle Beach 5K gives less serious runners a chance to get in on the action. The linear course starts downtown on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and finishes at TicketReturn.com Stadium.

There are live bands and DJs spread throughout the courses, and winners of each race division receive medals for their achievement. The main stage at the stadium is the big party scene.

Age and gender divisions include groups of 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 & over. Medals are awarded for each division.

For more information or to register for one of the four races, visit www.mbmarathon.com. And be sure to book your reservations with the runaway winner in Myrtle Beach accommodations – Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort.