The marathon found tremendous popularity in its early years as it was started at the height of the running boom in the United States.
After 1991 winning times for men showed a slowing trend, with the exception of the 1995 and 1996 championship and trials events.
After 1991 the women still turned in some national class performances (1993 and 1998), but winning times generally followed a similar slowing trend as the men.
Although the events were technically separate from the main marathon, they were held on the same day and the same course, with a slightly earlier starting time.
However, this raised the ire of many runners who were concerned warmer springtime temperatures would make the marathon even more difficult.
As a result, The Charlotte Observer withdrew its financial support for the marathon, effectively ending the annual event.
However, in the intervening years since the demise of the marathon, the Charlotte Observer continues to regard road racing results as not news worthy and does not report them.