The Durham Race is coming in 2026 as newest event to the Garmin Marathon Series

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Runners, prepare - the Garmin Marathon Series is coming to Durham next year.

"I think it's really exciting," Race Harrison said.

Harrison, who runs the American Tobacco Trail in downtown, said he hopes Garmin's presence will attract more runners.

"We just saw runners everywhere," Garmin's Steve Lovell said. "We knew this was a very active community, and it really showed just from our very first trip here."

The global tech company announced on Thursday. The Durham Race will be held on May 2, 2026, starting at the historic American Tobacco Campus and ending at Duke University.

"Durham certainly brings some rolling hills to the mix, which makes it great. But I think ... what's going to make this great is, it's a unique experience with Durham has never had a race quite like what we're doing," Lovell said.

Organizers said not only do they want to highlight the Bull City, but they also want to attract the running community and hopefully bring 10,000 participants to the area.

In addition to the full marathon, Garmin is offering a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon race. Registration opens on Oct. 2.

"That type of economic impact has the opportunity and potential to be significant," Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. "We're scratching the surface in terms of being one of the best sports destination hubs in the country. And again, an event like this elevates."

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