Official Race Shirt
A commemorative Coast Guard Race shirt you'll be proud to wear.
Coast Guard Race — Portsmouth, Virginia
Festival Park, Portsmouth, VA
5K / 10K / 15K
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
Registration Opens December 1
Set a reminder — the 13th Annual Coast Guard Race returns to the Portsmouth waterfront.
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What Every Runner Gets
Finisher Medal
A nautical-themed medal for every finisher who crosses the line.
Custom Race Bib
Your bib with professional chip timing.
The Morning of a Lifetime
A sunrise run through Portsmouth's historic waterfront with the whole community.
Every entry includes your shirt, medal, bib, and a morning celebrating the Coast Guard on the Elizabeth River.
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
Relive the Race
12 Years. One Waterfront. One Unforgettable Morning.
Watch the recap of the 12th Annual Coast Guard Race — Festival Park, Portsmouth, VA, August 1, 2026.
Tag your finish-line moment #CoastGuardRace
A Summer Waterfront Race That Honors the Coast Guard
Festival Park sits along the Elizabeth River in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, just across the water from Norfolk. On race morning, runners follow a scenic course past docked Coast Guard vessels and thecity's historic waterfront as the summer sun rises over Hampton Roads — part of Portsmouth's beloved summer waterfront culture.
Scenic Waterfront Course
Flat and fast along the Portsmouth riverfront with stunning coastal views.
Family-Friendly Community
All ages, all paces, all welcome — first-timers to seasoned racers.
Celebrate the Coast Guard
Live music and a community honoring our Coast Guard heroes and their families.
Choose Your Distance
A flat, fast waterfront course ideal for a PR or an easy summer effort. Runners come from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and across Hampton Roads.
5K
A flat, fast intro distance — perfect for first-timers, families, and walkers.
10K
A scenic waterfront challenge ideal for a summer PR attempt.
15K
The signature distance for seasoned racers chasing a strong effort.
Start / Finish
Festival Park
Terrain
Flat, paved waterfront streets
Distances
5K / 10K / 15K
How Race Morning Unfolds
- 6:00 AM
Runners Arrive
Music and waterfront energy as the sun rises over the Elizabeth River.
- 7:30 AM
Race Start
The 5K, 10K, 15K all start together along the waterfront course.
- From 8:00 AM
Finish Line Celebration
Medals, live music, and awards at Festival Park as runners come home.
Registration Pricing
Format: 5K · 10K · 15K
Pricing for the 13th Annual Coast Guard Race will be announced when registration opens on December 1. The Active Coast Guard rate returns.
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
Packet & Bib Pickup
Your bib includes professional chip timing. Pickup days and locations for 2027 will be posted here once they're confirmed.
Running for the Coast Guard Community
Portsmouth is home to one of the largest Coast Guard communities on the East Coast. This race honors those who serve — and the families who support them.
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1
Stay Updated
Follow @coastguardrace for race announcements, registration details, and community updates.