Durham, N.C. — The Durham Sports Commission recently announced the Garmin Marathon Series will return to Durham, North Carolina in 2027, 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 the first-year event in the series. Runners traveled from 48 states and 17 countries and produced over $4 million in economic impact.
“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,” says 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, rolling hills, and trails. Organizers say 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,” says 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, featuring 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
