‘For the Soul of the Ship’: 2026 Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon to honor ship history

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Runners will fill the streets across Wilmington this fall for the 2026 Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon event.

The event will feature multiple races, including the half-marathon, 10K, and 5K with updated routes along the Cape Fear River, around the Battleship North Carolina Memorial and through historic downtown Wilmington.

“This year’s course honors the history of the ship and the people who served on her,” Race Co-Director Tom Clifford said. “Our theme, ‘Through the Heart of Wilmington for the Soul of the Ship,’ describes exactly what this race is. Runners get to run for a purpose — to honor the Battleship, those she represents, and this year’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.”

Race day is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, starting at 6:45 a.m. in downtown Wilmington.

A portion of every registration will support upgrades and repairs to the SECU Memorial Walkway, and the race team will announce additional fundraising details in the coming weeks.

Click here to register.