October 24, 2026
The Apex Half Marathon presented by Garman Homes is more than a race. It’s a starting line for a new community tradition. A day where first-timers line up beside seasoned runners. Where neighbors become cheer squads. This is Year One. And you can say you were there. All paces welcome!
Apex Half Marathon
There’s Something Special About the First.
The first medal ever awarded.
The first finish line crossed.
The first stories told for years to come.
When you register for the Apex Half Marathon, you’re not just signing up for a race. You’re becoming part of something special.
Years from now, when this event becomes a staple in our community, you’ll be able to say:
“I ran the first one.”
want to sponsor the first-ever Apex Half Marathon? Contact kevin@apexhalfmarathon.com
POWERED BY Community.
SCHEDULE AT-A-Glance:
October 23, 3-7pm: Packet Pickup & Expo
October 24, 8am: Half Marathon Start
October 24, 9am-1pm: Post-Race Athlete Village & Beer Garden
Invite your fans to celebrate with a tasty post-race beverage next to the finish line. Take a pic with the race backdrop, listen to music, ring the PR bell, grab some food, watch the medal presentations and more…
Registration TIERS:
April 8 – April 30: $69
May 1 – June 30: $79
July 1 – September 30: $89
October 1 – October 24: $99
13.1 Miles of Apex Pride
The Apex Half Marathon showcases the best of both worlds: a vibrant community hub at Sweetwater Town Center and breathtaking nature views along the American Tobacco Trail & White Oak Creek Greenway. An out-and-back course gives plenty of chances to high five a friend! The race will be chip timed.
You GOT THIS.
Train for Fun with Coach Lauren isn’t just a program — it’s a movement to rediscover joy in every mile. With over 25 years serving the running and walking community, Lauren Updyke brings both elite experience and heartfelt passion to every athlete she coaches. She currently serves as Chief of Wellness at a BigTen University, leading large-scale employee wellness initiatives. A former collegiate runner ranked second in Canada in the 5K at age 18, Lauren has completed 34 marathons and two ultramarathons, including a second-place female finish at the Badwater 50K. Certified in exercise physiology, she has trained more than 10,000 endurance athletes of all levels—walking, run-walk, and running.
Lauren offers a free 16-week training plan or a premium plan that includes a weekly email, progressive training workouts (3 per week), strength training videos, ability to ask coach Lauren questions, and optional Tuesday morning meet-ups in Apex. Let’s build community and have fun going the distance together. Join Lauren by expressing interest during your race registration process.
Be the Rainbow Foundation
We’re proud to partner with Be The Rainbow Foundation for the Apex Half Marathon. Be the Rainbow Foundation was formed by a local Apex family as they fight childhood cancer alongside their youngest daughter. Charlotte has fought stage IV Neuroblastoma on and off for the past 10 years, since she was just 2 years old. Be The Rainbow Foundation partners with individual families as well as various children's hospitals to help support many of the needs that families face as they walk this road. They individualize financial assistance, support various family support programs, and offer patients, siblings, and caregivers gifts of comfort, joy and hope.
Be The Rainbow Foundation shines a light of hope through Charlotte's incredible spirit and story. It is a 100% volunteer run organization.
It Takes a Town.
From volunteers at water stations to dishing out finish line medals, this race belongs to Apex.
Not running? You can still be part of the energy.
Volunteer. Sponsor. Cheer loud.
Who Are We?
Race Directors Kevin Gibson and Alan Maynard have been planning events together since 2012. Everything from half marathons to obstacle mud races for kids, brewery fun runs, 50K trail races and unique 5K’s. Our mission is energizing communities for good and our passion is hosting events with positive energy that are non-threatening for all levels of experience. Over the years, our running events have contributed over $190,000 to charities doing important work in our communities.
In 2025, we met Alaina Money-Garman and Lauren Updyke from Apex and started a conversation about creating Apex’s very own Half Marathon. These two local champions have been instrumental in bringing the inaugural event to life!
Contact Us:
Our Sponsors
The inaugural Apex Half Marathon presented by Garman Homes is made possible by the support of our amazing sponsors.
Title Sponsor
Signature Sponsor
