Registration now open for the 2027 race series following a successful inaugural event in 2026
Durham, N.C. (September 10, 2026) – Today, the Durham Sports Commission announced the Garmin Marathon Series will return to Durham, North Carolina, following a highly successful inaugural event in 2026. The 2027 series will take place on Saturday, May 1, 2027. Registration is now open with runners able to choose from four race distances: a Boston Marathon qualifying marathon, USATF-certified half marathon, 10K and 5K.
The inaugural Garmin Marathon Series Durham, held in May 2026, welcomed more than 6,000 registered participants to the Bull City – a record for first year event in the series. Runners traveled from 48 states and 17 countries and produced over $4 million in economic impact1, further establishing Durham as a premier destination for road racing and sports tourism.
“From running on the field of Durham Bulls Athletic Park to finishing on Wallace Wade Stadium at Duke University, our inaugural Garmin Marathon Series in Durham delivered an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the country, as well as the local running community,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing. “We are excited to be returning in 2027 and look forward to celebrating Durham and the sport of running in a uniquely Garmin way.”
The 2027 course will continue to take runners through some of Durham’s most recognizable destinations including the American Tobacco Trail, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and Duke University’s campus. Participants will experience the character and culture of Durham as they run through a unique mix of urban streets as well as rolling hills and trails. The return of the Garmin Marathon Series is another major opportunity to showcase Durham on a national and international stage while bringing thousands of visitors, runners, and spectators to the community.
“The inaugural Garmin Marathon Series proved what is possible in Durham on not only a national but on an international scale,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the Durham Sports Commission. “Welcoming over 6,000 runners in year one took a collective effort, and we are excited to build on the momentum as the series returns to the Bull City. Durham looks forward to once again showcasing its vibrant culture, iconic destinations and welcoming community to thousands of visitors this May.”
In addition to race day, the Garmin Marathon Series Durham will once again bring runners and the community together through event experiences and activations at a two-day expo and a finish line festival. These events are open to the public with family-friendly activities, limited edition race gear from Garmin, and the chance to meet Garmin-sponsored professional athletes.
Registration for the 2027 Garmin Marathon Series Durham is now open. For additional information and registration visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Durham/GarminMarathonDurham
1Economic impact was calculated by the Durham Sports Commission using the industry standard Tourism Economics Event Impact Calculator.
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About the Durham Sports Commission
The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.
About Garmin Marathon Series
The Garmin Marathon Series is a bold new chapter in road running events, wholly owned and produced by Garmin, a global leader in fitness technology and pioneer of the first running smartwatch. It launched in fall 2025 with events in Toledo, Ohio, and Tucson, Arizona. Durham, North Carolina was added as a third location in 2026. The Series offers four race distances: a Boston Marathon qualifier marathon, USATF-certified half marathon, 10K and 5K. For additional information about the cities, races, community engagement opportunities and future locations, please visit garmin.com/marathons.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Visit the Garmin Newsroom, email our media team, connect with @garmin on social, or follow our blog.