2026 Run Sunset Beach Pre Race Info

by | Mar 25, 2026 | 10K, 5K, April 2026 Race-Cation, Bam Race Series Coastal Race Productions, Pre-Race Information

Thank you for participating in the 14th Annual Run Sunset Beach events on Saturday April 11th! We have some important information so please read below carefully.  If you still have questions after reading this, please check out the race website here, try our AI chatthat answers most of your questions, check out our FAQ pageor send us an email HERE and we’ll do our best to respond promptly.

REFER A FRIEND = EARN MONEY BACK!

We have very limited spots left! If you know anyone who hasn’t registered yet – let them know they should get registered soon! If you’re registered, login to your RunSignUp account and find your referral link to share with friends. Every time someone registers, you’ll earn cash back!

FOOD DRIVE!

We’ve partnered with the local food banks to help local food insecure families. We helped collect over 10,000 lbs of food last year – lets try to top it!!

They have specifically asked for donations PASTA to give out the week after the race. They gladly accept all non-perishable food donations as well. This will be collected at the packet pickup on Friday from 12pm – 7pm.

NEED TO KNOW INFO:

PRO TIP FOR RACE DAY– Either use bug spray or get carried away by the bugs – your choice.

1) Packet Pickup: Pickup your bib & race shirt at the expo on Friday, April 10th from 12pm – 7pm at the SeaTrail Convention Center (75 Clubhouse Rd. Sunset Beach, NC 28468) CLICK HEREfor directions. We are not pre-assigning bib numbers for this race – you will be assigned one when you come to the expo.
FAQ: Yes, a friend or family member can pickup your bib for you.
*Emergency Only– If you absolutely can’t make it to the expo, we will make arrangements for an emergency only pickup on race day for you near the start line – please come extra early.

2) Race Day Parking: We’ve secured a few parking lots and have shuttles starting at 5:30 to our start line. Our team will be assisting you to get parked as close as possible – come early to get the best spots.  Everyone should plan to park between 5:30am – 6:15am. Our team will be out to help you park starting at 5:30 am.  CLICK HEREor use the following address: 7625 High Market St, Sunset Beach, NC 28468

3) Bag Drop: We will have a bag drop for you near the start/finish line. We ask that you use a clear bag, we will have some available at the expo if you’d like to grab one. Your bib will have a bag drop tag to attach to your bag with your bib number.

4) Hydration On Course: We have 6 hydration stations for the half marathon, 2 for the 10K and 1 for the 5K with water and Gatorade. Water stops #2 through #6 all have porta johns including the water stops on the 10K & 5K courses.

5) Race Day Schedule:
5:30 – 6am  – Arrive for parking
6:45 am – Half Marathon Starts
7:00 am – 10K & 5K Starts
8:00 am – 5K Awards (Overall, Masters & Age Groups – every 5 years)
8:30 am – 1 Mile Starts (in the park)
8:30 am – 10K Awards (Overall, Masters & Age Groups – every 5 years)
9:30 am – Half Marathon Awards (Overall, Masters & Age Groups – every 5 years)
10:15 am – Cut Off Time For Half Marathon

WANT TO KNOW INFO:

1) Pace Groups:  If you are wanting to run with a pace group, these will be positioned in the start corral with pace signs: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50 along with a sweeper at our 3:30 cut off time.

2) Safety: This is a partially open course. Please remember to be aware of your surroundings. If wearing headphones, we advise only wearing 1 so you can hear. If a volunteer or officer directs you into a coned lane, please follow their guidance – this is for your safety!

3) Corrals:  While we don’t assign specific corrals by time, we highly encourage you to position yourself appropriately between pace groups based on your anticipated finish time!

4) Awards: Every 5 yrs for age group awards & 40+ for masters are all by chip time (chips are on the back of your bib tracking when you start and finish).  Overall awards are given by gun time based on the start of the race.

5) Results:  These will be live online during the event and updated automatically as you cross the finish line.  CLICK HERE to see the results page (the same page will be updated on race day).

NICE TO KNOW INFO:

1) Race Course:  If you run with your phone, we will have “RaceJoy” enabled to allow runner tracking.  Spectators and friends can track you online, send you cheers, and you’ll receive audio cues along the course.  This is paid for by the race and free to you as the runner. We will also be sending each runner their respective race course in a separate email.

2)  Elite Heat: No need to email us.  If you run a sub 1:25 (male) / 1:35 (female) half marathon or a sub 20 min (male) / 22 min (female) 5K – we’re going to be making announcements 15 minutes prior to the start of each race calling for elites to make their way into the start corral. Remember – overall awards are done by gun time so if you think you will place in the top 3 overall, be sure to get up in front!

3) Portable Toilets: These are located near the park as well as with water stops 2-6 on the course which includes the water stops in the 5K/10K.

4) Beer & BBQ: Participants will receive a free beer and either BBQ or Mac & Cheese at the event. No ID = No Beer

5) NEW! Shuttles:  We’ve arranged for additional parking near the Ingram Planetarium (7625 High Market St. Sunset Beach, NC 28468) or CLICK HERE. Please follow our volunteer’s direction to help you get parked quickly.

6) Where Can I Park & Not Park?  The easiest advice I can give you is to follow our team – they will be out there starting at 5:30am. We will provide an updated list of all approved parking next week as we finalize a few final permissions this week. And if you find your self parked next to boats or in a spot 3X the length of your car – that’s boat parking and you will be towed.