2024 Run Ocean Isle Beach Prerace Information

Thank you so much for joining us at the 11th Annual Run Ocean Isle Beach! It’s just a few days away and as we get ready for Saturday 10/26, we’re covering a lot of the frequently asked questions regarding parking, expo/packet pickup, race day plans, after-party, etc.. plus lots of quick links to help you have a great race experience.

FRIDAY: FOOD DRIVE

This year, participants at our events have helped gather over 8,000 lbs of food providing an estimated 6153 meals for local food insecure families – THANK YOU!! Let’s continue that at the pre-race packet pickup the local food bank is asking for canned tuna or chicken. The local food bank will be on-site and is very grateful for any non-perishable food donations you can bring. YOU are making an impact, thank you!

FRIDAY: PACKET PICKUP

It’s required to have your bib for the race and this is where you pick it up. We will host a packet pickup on Friday, October 25th from 2pm – 7pm at the Sea Trail Convention Center located HERE (75A Clubhouse Rd, Sunset Beach, NC 28468). We are asking ALL packets to be picked up here on Friday night. If you can’t make it, we will have very limited availability for our emergency race day pickup option.

FAQ: Do I need to know my bib number?
No, these are not pre-assigned for this race. We will assign a bib number to you when you come to packet pickup.

FAQ: Is it ok to have a friend pick up your packet?
Yes, you may have a friend/family member pick up your packet.

FAQ: What goes on at Packet Pickup?
You get your packet – bib, pins, and t-shirts. There are also several vendors set up for health, wellness, and athletic performance so bring some cash/card to do some fun shopping.

SATURDAY – RACE DAY

IMPORTANT NOTES:
(1) Start/Finish Line AND ALL PARKING IS OFF THE ISLAND! Do not drive onto the island to park!
(2) This is partially an open course so it’s important to stay to the side of the road when not in coned sections. If using headphones, you’ll want to be able to hear your surroundings.

PARKING: There are several places to park around the start/finish line OFF THE ISLAND. CLICK HERE for directions to the parking area or use the address: 6278 Beach Dr SW STE 5, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469. Early birds get some really good parking spots!

TIPS:
(1) Arrive 60-75 minutes prior to your start for parking and warm-up.
(2) Bring your bib & pins!
(3) Cash for extra beer – especially spectators (participants receive 1 free beers)
(4) Make an AWESOME sign! Especially those non-runners!
(5) Bring pre-race hydration! We’ve got your needs covered after the race with bottled water, bananas, BBQ, and beer. But be sure to bring any pre-race hydration or nutrition you prefer.

5:30AM – RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP OPENS AT START/FINISH LINE
CLICK HERE for directions or use (1525 Ocean Isle Beach Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469) for directions to the start/finish line.

7:00AM – HALF MARATHON & 10K STARTS
– 6 Water Stops with Gatorade and Water (roughly every 2 miles)

7:30AM – 5K STARTS
– 1 Water Stop with Gatorade and Water.

8:00AM – 1 MILE STARTS

8:30AM – 5K AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Female and Every 5 Year Age Groups

8:45AM – 10K AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Femail & Every 5 Year Age Groups

9:30AM – HALF MARATHON AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Female and Every 5 Year Age Groups

10:30AM – RACE CUT-OFF TIME
– To ensure runner safety, as we pick up cones and police assistance is relieved, we will ask for runners still on the road to move to the sidewalk at this point. If you don’t want to leave the course at this point, that is fine but understand water stops and course support is pulled at this time due to permit constraints.

MORE FAQS

Can I swap t-shirt sizes? Yes, after the 5K starts on Saturday, based on availability.
Can I make a donation to Miles For Meals? Yes, non-perishable food (Canned Goods are great) at packet pickup or race day.
When Are Awards? 5K awards will be around 8:30; Half Marathon awards will be around 9:30.
What Awards Are Recognized? Top 3 overall M/F and 5-year age groups.
Strollers Allowed? Strollers are allowed on all courses. Insurance requires that they start in the back. Please be careful and watch your surroundings!
Dogs Allowed? Sorry to say but due to USATF sanctioning, no dogs are allowed at the event.
Age Restrictions? No age restrictions and parental consent for all runners under 18 for any of our races are required.
Will I receive a medal? All runners will receive a medal, we will not oversell.
What’s the plan for inclement weather? This is a rain-or-shine event.

See our General FAQ’s Page and our Run Ocean Isle Beach Race Website for more information and again, please don’t hesitate to email us and we’ll do our best to respond promptly.

COURSE MAPS

We have a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 1 Mile event all on the same morning. They all share the same start and finish lines located HERE in beautiful Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina. We start the morning with the Half Marathon & 10K both starting at 7am. The 5K starts at 7:30 and the 1 mile starts a bit later at 8:30am.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE PDF MAP WITH ALL RACE COURSES

HALF MARATHON

Half Marathon Certification #NC22022BDS
Download PDF Half Marathon Route