The Rehoboth Beach Marathon was the 85th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 82nd largest in 2022.
Last year 12.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 14.5% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Rehoboth Beach Marathon the 142nd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 99th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 99.41 ranks it as the 117th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 1st fastest course in Delaware.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Rehoboth Beach Marathon a PR Score of 99.41. This PR Score ranks it as the 82nd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Delaware.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Rehoboth Beach Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 47 feet (14m) Min Elevation: 1 feet (0m)
The scenic course starts by the ocean, and is a mixture of road, some boardwalk, and a decent amount of crushed gravel/stone dust trail (more off-road trail than I expected). The course is mostly flat with some minor inclines and declines. There were well stocked aid stations approximately every two miles (the volunteers were fantastic). The race website said they'd have water and Powerade, but in 2023 the aid stations actually had water and Gatorade.
There are several sharp turnarounds.
At about the 21st-ish mile the marathon and half marathons converge on a stone dust out-and-back trail. It can get quite congested in places, so be prepared.
Also note that it can be quite humid in Rehoboth, even in December.
The post race food and after party are excellent. The party tent was buzzing!
Race Tips
The course is well marked and traffic control is excellent. Just note that there is a decent amount of crushed gravel/stone dust trail and be prepared for congestion with the half marathon in the last five-ish miles.
Like most races, the bathroom lines explode closer to the start time. Getting to the start early is beneficial. The difference between the bathroom lines at 6:00 am and 6:15 am is huge.
I'd recommend parking on Rehoboth Ave between the start and finish line (between Rehoboth Running Company and the ocean). There seemed to be ample parking in that area when I arrived at 5:50 am with no congestion or logistical issues to worry about.
Dena D's review of 2022 Rehoboth Beach Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
First of all, it rained almost the entire race. That said, everything else was excellent--who can control the weather? The course was beautiful-at times a beautiful view of the ocean, other times running through a forested park and sometimes there were lovely mansions along the course. The volunteers were all helpful and friendly.
Race Tips
If you have a car you can save $$ booking a room a couple miles down the road. We stayed at the Comfort Inn and it was fine. The town of Rehoboth Beach is cute and touristy. So many good places for seafood, mexican or Italian food. The course really is almost flat. I got 129' gain on my Garmin. Lots of BQ's can be had here!
If you drive a few streets over you can find lots of free parking. There's no actual parking lot.
MS's review of 2022 Rehoboth Beach Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course is generally flat, so if you are looking for something fast this will fit the bill. Large sections are out and backs on park bike trails. That will help or hurt depending on your preferences. Pre race communication is, ahem, extensive. There were more emails from the race director for this marathon than any other race (marathon or otherwise) that I have ever run.
Race Tips
The race has an 'informal drop off' for clothes you want for the finish line. At the start, there are no signs for where to find it nor does anyone associated with the race seem to know where they are. After asking quite a few people and getting increasingly frustrated and closer to the starting time we finally got an answer. They are along the road near the pavilion towards the beach. You might want to note that if you plan to run this race.
Personally, I like staying within walking distance of the start/finish. In Rehoboth there are a lot of options that will let you do that.
CS's review of 2017 Rehoboth Beach Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course is flat, the "hills" are not really hard. If you can't BQ on that course you were not up to it.
Plenty of water and aid stations. (Even some ice cream at a DQ!) Awesome after party with tons of food and proper beer from Dogfish Head.
The signup fee is quite high, but considering the after party, you get what you pay for.
Would I do it again: Totally! If the weather is in your favor (manly risk strong wind at the coast) this is a perfect race to PR/BQ.
Race Tips
- Do not expect Hugh crowd support. People are very supportive but it is a small town.
- If you have stormy weather, that might be an issue as there is not much protection from buildings.
- Pacing: I paced even effort to compensate for the "hills".
- If it is around/below 32F be prepared that a raised walkway in the state park might be icy. Just don't slow down ;-)
- On the greenway at mile 20 and coming back at 24 are several sharp turns on gravel and some slower HM runners that you have to pass. Not ideal. Maybe plan for some impact on your pace.
- There is plenty of parking close to the start line. You can easily get a hotel in Dewey Beach and drive. There was no traffic jam, and plenty of parking with in a quarter mile of the start.
- Not enough Port-o-Poties at the start! Be there early or go in your hotel! I waited 25min!
- Plenty of Hotels.
sc's review of 2016 Rehoboth Beach Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Nice flat, fast course. gGood scenery. Great after race events.
