FAQs & Contact Us

This page is a reflection of the 2023 race. Information about the 2024 race will be added closer to race day!

Have a question?

We are here to help!  But first, your question may have already been answered! Check our FAQs below for answers to common topics.

Not sure how to use the FAQ page?

There are several ways you can find the answer to your question!

  1. Use the “Enter your keyword here” search bar at the beginning of each section. Begin typing keywords (ex: defer, change distance, packet pick-up, pacer) and articles will automatically populate for you to click through.
  2. Use the sections – Pre-Race Questions, Race Day Questions, Post-Race Questions – to find your answer. Once you find the question you are looking for, click the question to open the answer!

General Questions

What is Worry Free Registration?

Although we are hopeful COVID-19 will be well behind us come race day in 2024, we want all of our runners to feel confident in their registration. We have brought back Worry Free Registration for all 2024 participants. Should the 2024 Myrtle Beach Marathon event be cancelled due to COVID-19, with Worry Free registration, you will have the option of receiving your money back in form of race credit or joining the virtual edition and receive your swag via mail.

What safety precautions are taking place?

We’ve brought back Worry Free Registration and the Virtual 10k!

Will there be a Health & Wellness Expo?

2024 Packet Pick-Up Information will be available closer to race day.

When will I receive my race bib in the mail?

You should receive your race bib in the mail about one week before the race and no later than March 2nd, 2023.

If you do not receive your race bib by March 2nd, you MUST attend the in-person Packet Pick-Up to receive your race bib.

Will the 2024 race have a Finish Line Festival?

Yes! We will have the Finish Line Festival!

Will you ship virtual swag internationally?

Unfortunately, we are only able to ship within the 48 contiguous United States.

What do I get for running the in-person race?

Aside from our incredible course and running atmosphere, you’ll also get a physical race bib, participant shirt, medal, and finisher gift.

What distances are offered?

We will have the following in-person race distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, and Family Fun Run.

We will offer a Virtual 10k for participants that want to run from the comfort of their own home.

We’ve also brought back the Myrtle Beach Double. You can register for an in-person distance (excludes Family Fun Run) and the Virtual 10k to earn the Virtual 10k medal along with your in-person distance medal. Think of it as extra training motivation for you!

Can I get my race bib mailed?

Yes, you can select bib mailing when you register for the event. If you decide after you’ve registered that you would like your bib to mailed to you, you can do so here.

What do I receive for running both the Virtual 10k and the in-person race?

For running the Virtual 10k, you’ll receive a downloadable race bib via email. You will  receive your participant shirt and Virtual 10k medal at the Finish Line Festival at the in-person race.

For running the in-person race, you’ll receive a race bib, participant shirt, finisher gift, and finisher medal.

If you participate in the Myrtle Beach Double (Virtual 10K and in-person race), all of your race swag (medals and finisher gift) will be picked up after the in-person race at the finisher festival.

Race swag will not be mailed for Myrtle Beach Double participants.

If you’ve already registered, you can add on the Virtual 10k by completing the Virtual 10k form on this page.

What is a virtual race?

A virtual race means that you can run your selected distance on your own time and wherever is convenient for you. If you elect to run the Virtual 10k, you’ll still receive the participant tee and finisher medal delivered right to your door.

Can I register for both the in-person and virtual race?

Yes, you can register for both the virtual 10k and the in-person race.

If you’re already registered for the in-person race, you can add the virtual race to your registration by filling out the form here.

What do I get for running the virtual race?

Your bib will be emailed to you to wear during your virtual run. You will be mailed your race shirt and Virtual 10k medal after the race.

When will my virtual race swag be delivered?

All virtual race swag will be mailed to runners following the in-person race. We will reach out to all virtual race participants about the status of their swag closer to race day.

Are there awards for Virtual 10k participants?

No, there will be no awards for the Virtual 10k participants.

Will there be a Family Fun Run this year?

Yes! The Family Fun Run will be back again this year live and in person. More information about the Family Fun Run can be found here.

How can I volunteer for the race?

Thanks for your interest in volunteering. We will be opening the volunteer registration soon, which you can access this page!

PRE-RACE QUESTIONS

Am I registered for the race?

Visit our participant page, click here, to see if you’re registered.

When does registration close?

Registration will close Friday, March 3 at 7 PM. All participants MUST attend Packet Pick-Up to receive their race bib. There will be NO RACE DAY pick-up.

How can I change my race distance?

Runners with bib mailing have until February 10 at 12 PM to change distance in order to receive the correct bib in the mail. After this deadline, you will still be able to use this form to change distance, but you MUST attend packet pick-up to receive your new bib.

Runners WITHOUT bib mailing have until Thursday, March 3 to change their distance. After this deadline, you will need to make your changes during the expo/packet pick-up at the customer service desk.

The change distance form is linked at the top of this page!

Please note: Anyone who runs a distance with the incorrect distance timing chip will be disqualified from the race.

Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes, you can have someone else pick up your packet if you are unable to make it to the bib pick-up.  They will need a picture of your photo ID in order to claim your packet.

When does the race start?

  • Family Fun Run  (Held Friday, March 3rd): 5:30 PM
  • Wheelchair and Crankchair at 6:55 AM
  • Marathon & Half Marathon at 7:00 AM
  • 5K: 8:00 AM

What is your refund policy?

The Myrtle Beach Marathon reserves the right to reject any entry. Also, we adhere to the standard running industry policy. All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is noted on our registration application and when you register for our events you must agree to this policy. You may not give or sell your number to another individual – if you do, this will result in your disqualification as well as the runner who uses your race number. This policy stays in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected business or family emergency, pregnancy, etc. There are no exceptions!

Is there a Relay race?

No, we are no longer offering the Relay race option. You can choose from the marathon, half marathon, 5k or Family Fun Run.

How do I defer my registration to next year's event?

All of our in-person race participants can defer their registration for race credit by completing the the 2023 deferral form linked at the top of this page.  The deferral deadline is Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 11:59 PM. There is no deferral option for the Virtual 10k race.  

Runners that are deferring their registration and have the Virtual 10k add-on will receive credit for their in-person race registration and will still be registered for the Virtual 10k.

How do I redeem my race credit? Or complete my deferral?

When next year’s race opens, you must register for the event to complete your deferral. You must use the email address you deferred with (and select a distance at the top of the page) in order for your prior year’s race credit to be recognized and applied. When registering, you should see your credit appear under the “Payment Summary” and will subtract from the price.

If you do not see your credit appear, please contact info@mbmarathon.com.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?

Sorry, we do not allow transfers from person to person.

Do you offer a student discount / military discount?

Yes, we offer both a student and military discount. Please email us at info@mbmarathon.com and we’ll send you a unique code for 10% off your registration. We ask that all students email a valid student ID to receive the code.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, it is USATF certified.

Full Certification Number: #SC21012BW

Half Certification Number: #SC21011DW

Is this course a Boston qualifier?

Yes! you can find the official certifications below.

  • Certification #SC21011DW

Does the Myrtle Beach Marathon allow elite athlete entries?

Prize money is not offered for this race.

An elite athlete may receive one comp entry if he or she meets the standards listed below:

    • Marathon – Men: 2:46:00
    • Marathon – Women: 3:18:00
    • Half Marathon – Men: 1:13:00
    • Half Marathon – Women: 1:25:00
  • Runners must have proof of their time.
  • All results must be officially timed and within the past year.
  • We will not accept virtual race results for elite entry.
  • All elite athlete requests must be submitted at least 10 day prior to race day to info@mbmarathon.com.

Will there be pacers?

We plan to offer pacers for the Marathon and Half Marathon.

Marathon: 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30

Half: 1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00

RACE DAY QUESTIONS

Where can I view a map of the course / see the course elevation?

All course maps can be found on our course webpage – click here!

Is there a time limit?

Yes, time limits depend on the distance.  Marathon – 1:30pm; Half Marathon – 10:15 am; 5k – 10:15am.

Any runners remaining on the course after the time limit will no longer be considered race participants and will be required to follow pedestrian laws. Official times and post-race amenities cannot be guaranteed for runners who finish after the time limit. Please note, there will not be a sag wagon available to pick up runners who are unable to meet this time limit.

Where are the spectator locations?

Start line spectators will need to set up off Mr. Joe White Rd. Only runners will be able to access the start line from Robert Grissom & 10th Avenue.

The finish line is always the best location to see your runner

You can also view your runner on course at the following locations:

  • Warbird Park on Farrow Pkwy (Full/Half)
  • 1220 Moser Dr Parking in The Market Common (in front of 810 Billiards & Bowling) (Full/Half)
  • Pavilion Park (9th Ave and N. Ocean Blvd.) (all distances)
  • Plyler Park (N. Ocean Blvd./Mr. Joe White Av.) (Full/Half)
  • 29th Av. N. and Ocean Blvd. (Full)
  • 76th Av. N. and Kings Hwy. (Full)
  • Grand Dunes Blvd. (approach from 82nd Pkwy. and park on Cipriana) (Full)
  • Grissom Pkwy. from London St. to 21st Av. N. (Full)
  • The finish line area near TicketReturn.Com Stadium (all distances)

Are spectators allowed at the finish line?

Yes, participants are allowed at the finish line this year.

Can I wear headphones?

It is unsafe to wear headphones while running. Event organizers will not restrict headphone use and leave it up to the athlete on his/her ability to follow direction while wearing headphone devices. If you do choose to wear headphones, please keep the volume level down so you are able to hear and follow the direction of course volunteers.

Can I run with a backpack or hydration pack?

Yes. Please remember that all runners are completely responsible for any and all of their belongings. Any belongings shed throughout the course are still the runner’s responsibility.

Are strollers allowed on the course?

Yes, strollers are permitted in the half marathon, 5k, and Family Fun Run events. Participants with strollers will need to start in the back for each event.

What kind of hydration / food will be available on the course?

We highly recommend that all runners bring their own hydration packets. Hydration station locations for each distance are listed below:

Marathon: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11.5, 14, 16, 18.5, 21, 23, 25

Half Marathon: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11.5

5k: 1.5

Gu will be offered at Mile 8.5 (Half and Full) and Mile 20 (Full Only).

Are pets allowed on the race course?

Pets are not allowed on the race course for the safety of race participants, spectators and the animals.

However, service animals as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted on course. Should you decide to run the race with a service animal, please email your information to email. Runners with ADA service animals will be placed in the last corral behind individual runners for safety purposes.

Are pets allowed in the post-race area?

Yes, pets are allowed in the post-race area. However, it is not recommended due to the large crowds, amplified sound and lively atmosphere.

Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Where should I park on race morning?

There will be ample parking at Broadway at the Beach (1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577).

What roads will be closed on race day?

You can view our road closure on this free downloadable PDF file here.

Will there be shuttles from host hotels?

No, we will not be offering shuttles this year.

What is your weather policy?

Races are held, rain or shine, unless we determine that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Race Officials and local law enforcement officials. If the race is cancelled due to inclement weather there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Capstone Event Group reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.

Will a gear check be offered?

No, there will be no gear check for this event. There’s plenty of parking near the start and finish area at Broadway at the Beach so we ask that you leave your gear in your vehicle.

All Saturday spectators’ bags are subject to search by Myrtle Beach police officers. We highly recommend that spectators do not bring bags to the event.

How will I receive my bib before physical race day?

All participants that purchase bib mailing will receive their bib approximately one week prior to the race. 

If you purchased bib mailing and do NOT receive your bib by  March 2, 2023, you will need to attend Packet Pick-Up to get your bib.

If you purchased bib mailing and changed your race distance after noon on February 10, 2023, you will need to attend Packet Pick-Up to get your correct race bib.

I want to find my runner. Is there a live tracking option available?

We will not be offering live tracking for the race.

POST-RACE QUESTIONS

Where can I find my results?

All results can be found on our results webpage. 

There will be no results tent at the finish line.

My results were wrong. How do I get them corrected?

If there is anything wrong with your result, such as a missing time, incorrect age, gender, etc., please complete the results correction form, which will be posted after the race. If your results are not displaying properly, we will get it fixed and updated as quickly as possible.

Why does my GPS say the course was off?

Our course is USATF certified. Courses Certified by USATF are measured by a proven method that incorporates the calibration of measuring devices against a steel tape and are verified by multiple measurements.

Race courses are measured along a well-defined path called the “SPR”—the Shortest Possible Route that a runner can possibly run. Most runners don’t actually run the SPR, so the distance recorded by their GPS device will usually be longer than the certified length of the course, even though the course was properly measured along the SPR according to USATF rules.

How do I get my photos / where do I get my photos after the race?

All runners will receive an email from our photography partner 2-3 days after the race with a link to view / purchase their photos. We will post a link to race photos when they become available!

How are awards determined?

Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall winners based on gun time. Age group awards will be given to the top 3 male and female overall winners based on chip time.

Awards will not be given out for the Virtual 10k and the Family Fun Run.

Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out. 

What are the age groups for age group awards?

Awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers male and female, and the top three age group finishers male and female in the Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k in the following age categories:

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

Where do I receive my overall award?

Overall awards will be announced after the race, and overall award winners can pick up their award during the announcement.

Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.

Where do I receive my age group awards?

Age group awards will NOT be announced on stage. Please visit the Customer Service Tent following your distances Overall Award announcement to receive your age group award.

Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.

I didn't pick-up my award following the race. Where can I get it?

Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.

Is there a lost & found?

We encourage anyone who finds something on the course or in Runners’ Village to bring lost items to the Customer Service Tent. If you lose something during the race, please check with the Customer Service Tent for the item. You can also email info@mbmarathon.com if you realize you lost something after the race.

Still have a question?

Send us an email at: info@mbmarathon.com

I lost, forgot or misplaced my race bib. What do I do?

Firstly, don’t panic. It’s okay we can get you a new race bib during our Bib Pick-Up on Friday, April 30! Come by the pick-up and stop by our Customer Service Tent. We’ll be able to assist you.

Here are the details:

Date: Friday, April 30

Location: Fleet Feet (7931 N Kings Hwy #120, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572).

Time: 9 AM – 4 PM (during selected time slot)

There will be no race morning bib pick-up.

Please make sure you come to the bib pick-up during your selected time slot. Click here to reserve your Bib Pick-Up Time Slot.

Can I register at the expo / packet pick-up?

Yes! Please stop by the registration booth or customer service table and we will help you get registered.

How are awards determined?

Awards will not be handed out at the finish line in 2021. The top three overall awards for each distance will be mailed to winners following the event. Awards will be given based on chip time.

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

Awards will be given out based on chip time. Please note, with wave starts, runner placements may change as more runners cross the finish line and may delay the award process.Winners must be present to receive their prize; awards will not be mailed out.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to stay for the award ceremony and believe you won an overall award please see the Customer Service Tent race day to ensure you receive the medal. Overall Award or Age Group medals will NOT be mailed out after the event.

Has the race been postponed?

Yes, the 2021 Myrtle Beach Marathon has been postponed from it’s original date of March 6 to May 1. Click here to view our official statement and what this postponement means for you.