Inaugural Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational Field Announced

February 23, 2026

The exclusive competition will welcome some of the fastest marathoners in the Southeast while also introducing a gamification program for fans

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Myrtle Beach Marathon has released the list of competitive, elite athletes slated to take part in the inaugural Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational, also referred to as the Myrtle Beach Elite. The exclusive, invitation-only competition will welcome the fastest marathoners in the Southeast, who will compete for a portion of the $17,500 prize purse at the race taking place on March 7. Fans also have their own unique opportunity to get involved through the Elite Invitational Fan Challenge, designed to increase pre-race and race-weekend engagement among runners and spectators while spotlighting elite athletes and key event partners.

Six Southeast states will be represented in the elite field, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. A fan-favorite for the men’s field will be James Quattlebaum, representing South Carolina. James is a three-time Olympic Trials Qualifier (OTQ), twice in the marathon and once in the steeplechase, and is looking to secure his fourth OTQ at this year’s Myrtle Beach Marathon. A notable mention from the women’s field includes Cassidy Heaton, who finished with an OTQ time and 8th overall female at the 2025 Indianapolis Marathon. A total of 22 runners are currently a part of the elite field.

The Elite Invitational Fan Challenge is a new Myrtle Beach Elite gamification program launching alongside their first-ever Myrtle Beach Elite Invitational at the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Through a simple, interactive prediction game, participants select one male and one female elite athlete they believe will win the Myrtle Beach Elite Invitational. Selections are translated into raffle entries for premium prizes based on the athletes’ final placements. Raffle prizes include the following items:

• 3 × $750 Delta Airlines flight vouchers
• 3 × Free years of racing from Capstone Events, producer of the Myrtle Beach Marathon
• 3 × Free pairs of shoes from Black Dog Running Company
• 3 × Free 2-night offseason stays at HotelBLUE, courtesy of Vacation Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach Marathon will welcome over 5,000 participants across its two events, which include a marathon and half marathon. The fast and flat courses provide participants with scenic routes along the Grand Strand. The coastal race experience features miles of oceanfront running, lively beachside neighborhoods and local historic landmarks. After crossing the finish line, runners have access to the finisher festival with food, drinks and live music at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark. Registration for the marathon and half marathon is currently open.

For more information about the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational, visit www.mbmarathon.com/elite-invitational/ and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MYRTLE BEACH MARATHON

The Myrtle Beach Marathon is an East Coast destination event that has been delighting runners for nearly 30 years with the perfect blend of performance opportunity and beach vacation experience that only Myrtle Beach can provide. From the iconic SkyWheel and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk along the course to Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex and championship golf courses, the Grand Strand offers an unmatched concentration of attractions that make it America’s premier beach playground. Beginning in 2026, the introduction of the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational with a $17,500 prize purse elevates the event to championship-caliber competition, attracting current pros, aspiring athletes and potential future Olympians to compete alongside recreational runners.

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