The launch of the exclusive competition will bring world-class racing to the Grand Strand
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Myrtle Beach Marathon has announced the introduction of the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational ahead of their 29th annual event taking place on March 7, 2026. Referred to as the Myrtle Beach Elite, this new, exclusive competition will welcome the fastest marathoners in the Southeast. Current pros, aspiring athletes and potential future Olympians can go head-to-head on a flat and fast course, racing for prestige, personal bests and a chance at winning a portion of the $17,500 prize purse. Applications for the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational are currently open.
“The Myrtle Beach Marathon provides an optimum opportunity for Southeast elite runners to showcase some of their best performances. The flat course and favorable March weather patterns are ideal conditions for personal bests,” said Charlie Mercer, CEO of Capstone Event Group, producer of the Myrtle Beach Marathon. “The elite program will make the event even more indispensable to the Myrtle Beach community, as well as the broader Southeast running community, by adding new elements of entertainment and excitement for everyone on and off the race course.”
Participants of the elite field will follow the Myrtle Beach Marathon course, which features nine miles of beachfront, scenic residential areas, key city landmarks and wraps up in Pelicans Ballpark.
The Myrtle Beach Elite will host runners who currently reside in, or have ties to, the Southeast. Eligible states include:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Athletes must also meet the following time criteria in an NCAA or USATF-sanctioned track meet or USATF-sanctioned road race with a certified course since January 1, 2024:
Men:
- Marathon 2:29:59 or faster
- Half Marathon: 1:09:59 or faster
- 10k/10,000m: 29:59 or faster
- 5k/5,000m: 14:29 or faster
Women:
- Marathon: 2:49:59 or faster
- Half Marathon: 1:19:59 or faster
- 10k/10,000m: 34:59 or faster
- 5k/5,000m: 16:59 or faster
Athletes with times near these standards or performances of similar quality at distances not listed above may be considered at the Myrtle Beach Elite Program Coordinator’s discretion. Athletes will be asked to share other personal insights and more about their connection to the region as part of their application.
For more information about the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational, visit www.mbmarathon.com/elite-invitational/ and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT MYRTLE BEACH MARATHON
The Myrtle Beach Marathon is an East Coast destination event that has been delighting runners for nearly 30 years with the perfect blend of performance opportunity and beach vacation experience that only Myrtle Beach can provide. From the iconic SkyWheel and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk along the course to Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex and championship golf courses, the Grand Strand offers an unmatched concentration of attractions that make it America’s premier beach playground. Beginning in 2026, the introduction of the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational with a $17,500 prize purse elevates the event to championship-caliber competition, attracting current pros, aspiring athletes and potential future Olympians to compete alongside recreational runners.