The Charlotte Sports Foundation announced it has acquired the rights to the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, securing the future of one of the city’s most meaningful and community-driven endurance events.

The 21-year event has grown along with the city, continuing to build year after year, and CSF’s proven expertise in event operations, partnerships and national sports marketing ensures long-term stability for the race while positioning it for thoughtful growth under local, mission-driven leadership. The 2025 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon was the largest in its history, with over 11,000 runners, demonstrating the inertia the event has picked up over the last two decades.

“The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is more than a race, it’s a celebration of our city, its neighborhoods and the people who show up for each other,” said Will Pitts, CEO of CSF. “We’re honored to be at the helm of an event with such deep community roots and excited to invest in its future in a way that reflects Charlotte’s momentum and ambition.”

“Welcoming the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon into the Charlotte Sports Foundation portfolio is an exciting step for our organization and for the city,” said Andrea Smith, co-chair of the CSF Board of Directors. “This event has tremendous momentum, and our goal is to continue growing it in scale and impact. We are eager to work alongside Novant Health to enhance the runner experience and expand the marathon’s role as a signature event for our city.”

Founded to attract, create and sustain major sporting events in the Charlotte region, CSF brings over a decade of experience delivering high-impact events that showcase the city on a national stage. Under CSF ownership, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon will remain committed to runners, volunteers and community partners while focusing on elevating the overall race experience and expanding its reach. Runners can expect continuity in the elements that define the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, along with strategic enhancements designed to support long-term growth and participation.

The Charlotte Sports Foundation has previously hosted the Meck Mile presented by Albemarle, a race it founded and launched in 2024 to bring runners of all levels together for a day of inspiration and community in Charlotte. With this new running expedition, the organization will focus efforts on the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, taking what it learned from the former event to implement toward this city-favorite event.

The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon began as the Thunder Road Marathon in 2005, which paid homage to the city’s close relationship with NASCAR. It was renamed the Charlotte Marathon in 2015, adding Novant Health as the title sponsor in 2016. In addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, the event also offers a half marathon and a Chick-Fil-A Marathon 5k.

Registration for the 22^nd annual race – taking place on Nov. 14, 2026 – is now open. Additional details about this year’s event will be announced in the months ahead.