The Marathon That Humbled a Marine: What Myrtle Beach Taught Me About 26.2

In the spring of 2007, I stood at the start line of the Myrtle Beach Marathon with two buddies from my unit at Camp Lejeune. Only one of us had run a marathon before, but we were Marines—young, fit, and convinced that grit could cover whatever our training lacked. I had an edge, or so I thought: I grew up in Myrtle Beach and knew the course well.

I felt invincible through the first half. The oceanfront miles flew by. Then mile 18 arrived, and the wall hit me like a freight train I'd been running toward the whole race.

Both calves seized at once. Not the kind of cramp you can shake off, but the kind that drops you mid-stride and doesn't let go. The next eight miles became a slow unraveling—walking when I had to, limping when I could, occasionally breaking into something that resembled running. I crossed the finish line in 4:19:17, gutted and humbled in my own hometown.

I still finished ahead of my buddies who talked me into it by over an hour.

That was eighteen years and four Myrtle Beach races ago. I've come back once more for the full, twice for the half. But that first disaster stuck with me longer than any finish since—not because of the pain, but because of how avoidable it was.

If you're toeing the line in Myrtle Beach this March, here's what I wish someone had told me before I learned it the hard way.

Why Myrtle Beach Is a PR Course (If You Run It Smart)

The numbers don't lie. The Myrtle Beach Marathon is one of the flattest courses on the East Coast. The maximum elevation is around 50 feet above sea level, with a total elevation gain of only 180 feet across the entire 26.2 miles. For comparison, that's less climbing than most runners do on a typical training run.

The course holds a PR Score of 99.42 out of 100, ranking it as the 85th fastest marathon in the United States and the 2nd fastest in South Carolina. Historically, 8-13% of finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon each year—strong numbers for a race this size.

Early March weather typically cooperates too. Average race day temperatures sit around 49°F at the 6:35 AM start, climbing to the low 60s by late morning. Cool enough for fast running, warm enough that you're not freezing at the start line.

The Course: Broadway to Pelicans Ballpark

You'll start on Robert Grissom Parkway near Broadway at the Beach at 6:35 AM. The course runs south along Ocean Boulevard, giving you roughly nine miles of oceanfront running before looping back through neighborhoods a few blocks inland. You'll finish at Pelicans Stadium.

The half marathon shares the first 12.1 miles with the full, which creates both energy and danger. The crowds are thick, the pace feels easy, and it's tempting to ride that wave faster than you should.

Aid Stations and On-Course Support

Hydration stations are well-spaced throughout the course at miles 1.5, 3.5, 6, 7, 8.5, 10.5, 11.5, 14.5, 16, 18.5, 20.5, 22.5, and 25. Each station has water and Gatorade—look for orange tablecloths for Gatorade. Portable toilets are available at every station.

GU gels are provided at miles 8.5, 14.5, and 20.5. If you're relying on course nutrition, plan around these locations. If you prefer your own fuel, carry it.

Medical support stations are positioned at miles 8.5, 11.5, 14.5, 18.5, and 22.5—notice how they cluster in the back half where runners are most likely to need help. I could have used one at 18.

Pace Groups

The race offers official pace groups for the marathon: 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, and 5:30. Pacers wear bright yellow shirts and carry flags. In 2007, I didn't even know pace groups existed. I just ran.

A word of caution: race reviews mention some pacers going out faster than goal pace to "bank time." If you're following a pacer, check your watch at mile 1. If they're running fast, don't follow—stick to your plan.

Miles 16-22: Where Marathons Are Won and Lost

This is where I fell apart in 2007, and race reviews consistently identify this stretch as the hardest part of the course. Here's why:

My 2007 cramps at mile 18 weren't bad luck. They were the predictable result of poor fueling, no pacing strategy, and the arrogance of thinking Marine fitness would carry me through.

What I'd Tell My 2007 Self

March Weather: What to Expect

Myrtle Beach in early March is transitional. The historical average shows temperatures between 42°F and 62°F on race day, with morning starts around 49°F. Humidity averages around 70% at race time.

Most years, this is nearly ideal running weather. But I've also seen warmer years where temperatures push into the 60s by mid-race, which changes everything. Check the forecast the week of the race and adjust your pace expectations if it's trending warm.

Dress for the temperature you'll be running in after mile 10, not what it feels like at 6:30 AM.

The Finish at Pelicans Ballpark

You'll finish at Pelicans Stadium, home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans minor league baseball team. The post-race party happens on the field inside the ballpark—pizza (included with your bib), two beer tickets if you're 21+, and a DJ keeping the energy up. You'll also pick up your finisher shirt there, so don't leave without it.

After my first marathon disaster, I didn't feel like celebrating. But coming back and running it right in later years? That finish felt earned.

Plan Your Pace

The biggest mistake I see runners make at Myrtle Beach is going out too fast in the first half. The course is so flat that it feels easy early—until it doesn't.

I built a free pace band tool that lets you create mile-by-mile splits for any marathon distance. You can print it, cut it out, and tape it to your wrist. It's the kind of simple thing that would have saved me a lot of pain in 2007.

For a 3:30 marathon at Myrtle Beach, that's roughly 8:01 per mile—consistent from start to finish. For a BQ attempt, know your exact qualifying time and run disciplined splits.

Is Myrtle Beach Worth It?

For me, it's personal. I grew up here. But even setting that aside, Myrtle Beach has quietly become one of the best BQ courses on the East Coast. The course is legitimately fast, the volunteers are incredible, and the organization is reliable. Early March timing means you can target it as a goal race without conflicting with major spring marathons. And there's something special about finishing on a baseball field with pizza and beer waiting.

The race is also growing. For 2026, they're introducing an Elite Invitational with a $17,500 prize purse for top finishers from the Southeast. It's a sign the race is leveling up while keeping its community feel.

If you're chasing a PR or a Boston qualifier, Myrtle Beach deserves serious consideration. Just don't make the mistake I made.

Respect the distance. Run your own race. And whatever you do, have a plan for miles 16-22. Your buddies won't wait for you at mile 18.