Charlotte Marathon 2025: Road Closures, Routes, and Neighborhoods to Avoid This Weekend

Charlotte is gearing up for one of its biggest annual events — the 2025 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, taking place on Saturday, November 15. With more than 11,500 runners taking part in the full marathon, half marathon, rucking half marathon, and 5K, the city will see major road closures and traffic delays across multiple neighborhoods.

Whether you’re a participant, spectator, or commuter, here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead.

Race Start Times

All events begin early in the morning:

• Full Marathon – 7:20 a.m.
• Half Marathon – 7:20 a.m.
• Rucking Half Marathon – 7:20 a.m.
• 5K Race – 7:35 a.m.

Races begin on South Tryon Street and wrap up behind Truist Field, with activities continuing into the early afternoon.

Major Road Closures: What Drivers Should Expect

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has announced significant closures, some beginning Friday afternoon.

Roads Closed from Friday, Nov 14 at 1 p.m. to Saturday, Nov 15 at 3:30 p.m.

• West Fourth Street (South Graham Street → South Poplar Street)
• South Mint Street (MLK Jr. Blvd → West Trade Street)

Roads Closed on Saturday, Nov 15 from 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• South Tryon Street (West Fourth Street → West Brooklyn Village Avenue)

These areas represent the heart of Uptown, and drivers should avoid these sections entirely if possible.

Street-by-Street Closures Based on Race Progress

Even roads that are not fully closed will see major delays, with officers giving runners the right of way. Here’s when each part of the city will experience disruptions.

Uptown Charlotte (7:00 a.m. – 7:40 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)

• South Tryon Street
• Morehead Street
• College Street
• Fourth Street
• McDowell Street
• Charlottetowne Avenue
• Kings Drive
• Brevard Street
• MLK Jr. Boulevard
• Caldwell Street

Expect the highest traffic delays here, especially early morning.

Eastover (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.)

• Randolph Road
• Colville Road
• Scotland Avenue
• Providence Road

Myers Park (7:45 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.)

• Hanson Drive
• Hampton Avenue
• Oxford Place
• Beverly Drive
• Rensford Avenue
• Queens Road East & West
• Sharon Road

One of the most scenic sections of the marathon — but challenging for drivers.

Dilworth (8:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.)

• Morehead Street
• Kenilworth Avenue
• Arosa Avenue
• Dilworth Road
• East Park Avenue
• Myrtle Avenue

Expect rolling closures in this residential area.

South End & Wilmore (8:20 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.)

• Camden Road
• Kingston Avenue
• South Mint Street
• South Tryon Street

A busy business district — delays will be heavy.

NoDa (8:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

• North Davidson Street
• 36th Street
• The Plaza
• Yadkin Avenue
• Charles Avenue

Plan alternate routes, especially if traveling through morning brunch spots and shops.

Plaza Midwood (9:00 a.m. – Noon+)

• Central Avenue
• Pecan Avenue
• Thomas Street
• Belvedere Avenue

One of the most crowded spectator areas.

Greenway (9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

• 24th Street area

Race Route Highlights

The marathon offers a scenic, challenging route that threads through:

Uptown Charlotte
Myers Park
Dilworth
South End
Plaza Midwood
NoDa
Eastover
Wilmore

All races start on South Tryon Street between Levine Avenue of the Arts and Brooklyn Village Avenue, and finish behind Truist Field on Fourth Street.

Neighborhoods Most Impacted

Residents and drivers should avoid the following areas Saturday morning:

• Uptown
• Myers Park
• Dilworth
• NoDa
• Plaza Midwood
• South End
• Eastover
• Wilmore

If you must travel, leave 30–45 minutes extra, or plan an alternate route.

Best Places to Watch the Marathon

If you want to cheer runners, here are great viewing spots:

• South End (Camden Rd)
• NoDa (36th Street)
• Plaza Midwood (Central Ave)
• Queens Road West loop
• Dilworth (East Park Ave)

These areas have wide sidewalks, cafes, and great energy.

CMPD Safety and Traffic Notes

• Runners have the right of way at all intersections.
• Officers and volunteer traffic monitors will manage crossings.
• Expect delays even on roads that remain open.
• Drivers should avoid the Uptown area if possible from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Summary: What You Need to Remember

• 11,500+ runners will race on Saturday.
• Major road closures begin Friday at 1 p.m.
• South Tryon, South Mint, and West Fourth will be the most heavily impacted.
• Uptown and central neighborhoods will experience significant delays.
• The race ends around 1:30 p.m.

Plan ahead, avoid key corridors, and expect rolling closures through the morning.

FAQ

1. What time does the Charlotte Marathon start?

The marathon, half marathon, and rucking event begin at 7:20 a.m. The 5K starts at 7:35 a.m.

2. Which roads are closed Friday?

West Fourth Street and South Mint Street close Friday at 1 p.m. until Saturday afternoon.

3. What neighborhoods should drivers avoid?

Avoid Uptown, Dilworth, South End, Myers Park, NoDa, Eastover, and Plaza Midwood.

4. When will roads reopen?

Roads reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

5. Where can I see the race map?

Maps are available on the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon website.