While the Myrtle Beach area is well-known as a great place to kick back and relax while taking a family beach vacation, not everyone who visits the Grand Strand’s 60 miles of coastline is looking to veg out for their entire getaway. A case in point – on Saturday, March 3, 2018, hundreds of runners will lace up and pound the pavement while running 26.2 miles along the beautiful Carolina coast in the Myrtle Beach Marathon.
The marathon may be the event’s main attraction, but a number of other options will be on tap for those who aren’t exactly gung ho about covering 25-plus miles on foot. A half-marathon, 5K race and marathon team relay are also set for Saturday, March 3, and a family fun run will be held on Friday, March 2, as a lead-in to the big day. In addition, the Myrtle Beach Marathon Health and Wellness Expo will be presented on Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2, at the nearby Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.
Whether you’re running in the race, making the trip to cheer on a loved one or simply vacationing with the family, The Breakers Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront offers plenty of ways to get involved in the action or to relax and unwind. First and foremost, the resort is located right in the heart of all the event action – it’s directly on the course route and a straight shot down 21st Avenue North from where the races start and finish. Further, the resort features an on-site oceanfront pool deck where you can soak up some sun or splash around in the eight outdoor pools and four outdoor hot tubs, as well as lounging areas where you can cool off in the shade. The Sunken Pirate Ship splash park offers a place for the kids to have an aquatic adventure, and the lazy river and indoor pools provide even more options for wet relaxation and recreation. On-site dining options include Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen, Papa’s Restaurant, The Rusty Reel Oceanfront Bar & Grill, Starbucks and Ben & Jerry’s.
For the hard-core runners and casual race participants alike, the Myrtle Beach Marathon offers a great way to kick off your spring race season. The Grand Strand’s flat, coastal terrain makes this one of the fastest and least-taxing races on the East Coast, and the area’s temperate March weather typically delivers spectacular conditions for a run. Participants can expect temperatures in the 40s as the races begin, with an anticipated climb into the 60s as the day progresses.
While the day might be a tiring one for the marathon runners, fun entertainment will be staged at several mile markers along the course to keep spirits high. After the last runner has crossed the finish line, there will also be a post-race party held at the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing from 5 to 7 p.m. For all involved – whether they win an award, set a personal best time, simply finish or just cheer a loved one along from the sidelines – it’s sure to be an incredible day.
While any time of year is a great time to visit the Grand Strand, the Myrtle Beach Marathon ranks high on the list of the area’s most exciting annual events. Click here to register for the race, then book your stay at The Breakers Resort and start planning for an exhilarating Grand Strand getaway.
