Run Holden Beach is part of the BAM! Race Series (BAM is short for Big. Ass. Medals.)  2024 will be the 11th year for this series that started in 2014 with Run Sunset Beach being the very first event for Coastal Race Productions. While the bling might catch your eye, race day and our team will keep you coming back for more!  We hope you’ll join us to earn your own Big Ass Medal!

NOTE: You do NOT have to run all 4 events in the series (although we’d love you to!) You can participate in just 1 individual event and you will earn all the swag (medal/shirt/etc..) from that event weekend.

So, why do we call it the BAM! Series?  Well, everyone calls it that because these finisher medals (that everyone earns) are massive!  Even the 5K finishers earn a 4″ medal, the half marathon medals are 6″ and the Oak Island Full Marathon medal is 8″ wide! We even sell a custom hand-made medal rack for you to display them on if you’d like!

If you choose to run any combination of 5K, half marathon, full marathon or virtual event with us at each of the 4 BAM races in a calendar year – you’ll earn some extra swag! And this year it is a MASSIVE medal!

The BAM Series includes 4 races:
Run Oak Island (2/17) l Run Sunset Beach (4/27) l Run Holden Beach (10/5) l Run Ocean Isle Beach (10/26)

You crossed that finish line and are ready for the party! Wear that medal with pride all day long and start your celebration just a few steps away. We have famous Carolina BBQ – no worries – we’ve found THE BEST BBQ for you. Your bib will have a beer ticket if you choose to partake; ontap we have some big brands and locals to choose from. Limit 1 per person included with registration.

All races start and finish on the island under the bridge.  You will want to come over the bridge to park on the island.  Below are the course maps for the 3 races.

This is a great time to travel to the beautiful North Carolina Coast.  Offering a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1 Mile we have something for the entire family, flat courses and unbelievable finisher swag.

• Register early and save a bunch of money, one of the most affordable races available when you register early!
• An after party to remember – beer garden, bbq, music and more.  Hurry up and finish to enjoy!
• MASSIVE finisher medals – truly some of the most unique and amazing medals you’ll ever see!
• This course is phenomenal.  As flat as you get with the only elevation being a beautiful bridge near the beginning of the Half Marathon course.  Ocean views and a breathtaking course on and off the island!  The 5K is flat and fast completely on the island.
• A race for EVERYONE: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 1 Mile provide a fun island course for everyone to enjoy!

SAVE MONEY – REGISTER EARLY!

If you can’t make it to the race on race day – you can choose to run these events virtual.  This page will explain:

– What is a virtual race?

– How to sign up for a virtual race?

– How to complete a virtual race?

– Can I switch to virtual if I’m already registered for the in-person event?

– And a few other FAQ’s.

What is a Virtual Race?

A virtual race is when you run the event on your own time – where ever you want.  While we can’t wrap up the after party and ship you the beer and bbq, we will ship you your swag items in the mail after the event.

How to sign up for Virtual?

This is super easy.  Just head over to the registration page and find the registration distance you want to sign up with that also says “Virtual”.  So if you want to run the half marathon virtually – select “Virtual Half Marathon”.

How To Complete A Virtual Race?

This is on the honor system.  Run anywhere/anytime, no need to send us proof or log your miles online.  Everyone that is registered for virtual will get the swag (medal & giveaway) shipped to your door within 2 weeks after the race.

Can I Switch To Virtual If I’m Registered For The In-Person Race?

Yes, but there are deadlines and a processing fee to cover the shipping/handling. If you’ve signed up to be at the race but for any reason you can’t make it and want to switch your race to the virtual option, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

#1)  It must be done before the event – 2 days before! 01/27 is a hard cut-off – No Exceptions!

#2)  You must manage this yourself by logging into your RunSignUp account and choosing the “Event Transfer” option and choose the “Virtual” option for your distance and race.  Again, keep in mind there will be an online processing fee to make any changes.

FAQ’s & Policies:

Please keep in mind, these are our policies and they may differ from another virtual race company.  We think you will find our options very accommodating to you as a runner and we ask that you please read them carefully.  We are a small company and cannot make any special exceptions

This is something that you must register for separately and the following registration policies apply.  

• Must be registered for the virtual option in order to receive race packet by mail.

• If you are registered to run in a race and cannot attend, all of the registration policies on our FAQ page still  apply to you.  The only way to run a race virtually and receive your packet in the mail is if you are registered under the virtual option.

• You may transfer to the virtual option up to 2 days prior to an event.  You will manage this through your personal RunSignUp account and there is a processing fee. CLICK HERE to login.

• Virtual Packets will not be available for pick up race weekend.  Even if you come to the race for any reason, or send family/friends to pick up your packet, we will not hand out any bibs, shirts, medals, or other swag items for any virtuals during a race weekend.

• ALL virtual packets will be mailed within 2 weeks of the race. 

• We will only ship packets to those who are actually registered for the virtual option. (Cut off for this is 2 days prior to the each event)

*If you decide to come to the race instead of run it virtually.  You must manage this through your RunSignUp account 2 days prior to the event.  You will have to pay a processing fee but we would love to have you join us!  It’s so much more fun to run with friends! 

NO EXCEPTIONS!

Packet Pick-Up Options:

We will be hosting an onsite health expo & packet pickup near Holden Beach on Friday Dec. 9th, 2022 from 2-7pm at Sharon United Methodist Church.  The address is 2030 Holden Beach Rd SW, Supply, NC 28462.

If you are not able to attend this to pickup your packet, you may have a friend/family member pick it up on your behalf with a picture of your ID (this can be on their phone).

Arriving:

Plan to arrive about 45-60 minutes before your race. It can take a while with the extra traffic, getting parked, walking to the start line & warming up – you don’t want to be rushed.. Just leave a little extra early.

Parking:

Most parking is near the start/finish line.  We have several parking lots secured for you to park at and will have volunteers out to help you park in approved areas. You will want to come onto the island and use the following address: 118 Jordan Blvd. Holden Beach, NC 28462

It is ok to park on the side of the road as long as all 4 tires are off of the road, you are not blocking any driveways or roadways.

 Updated Start Times:

• 6:45 – 5K with the Elite Heat starting right at 6:45 and everyone else following immediately.
• 8:00 – Half Marathon with the Elite Heat starting right at 8:00 and everyone else following immediately.
• 8:30 – 1 Mile will all start together.  This is not timed but everyone received a finisher medal and will finish under the same arch as all other races.

During Race:

Safety is our #1 priority.  While we work with local authorities and DOT to shut down as many roads as possible, a portion of the courses are open to vehicles so it’s important to be aware.  We discourage headphones and no dogs, bicycles or scooters are allowed per USATF sanctioning and anyone without an official race bib will be asked to leave the course.  Follow our directional signs, volunteers and law enforcement – they know the course and where you need to be running.  

Post Race:

We will have a DJ playing some good tunes and at this time we still hope to be able to serve Beer & BBQ.  Awards for Top 3 Overall Female/Male, Top 3 Overall Female/Male Masters, as well as age groups (every 10 years) for Half Marathon & 5K Female/Male runners.

*Must pick up award while at the event – we do not ship them!

Important Reminders:

No ID = No Beer

Arrive early – you don’t want to miss your start

Overall Awards are by gun time and Age Group Awards are by chip time.

Bring your bib and pre-race hydration

RaceJoy App – Free!

Do you run with your phone?  Want free up-to-date tracking of exactly where you are on course?  Family/Friends can track you and send you audio cheers.  Hear important race information in real time and get audio cues as you pass key areas.

This is a free app in the apple and android store that you can download.  Once you have it on your phone, it will walk you through setting it up if you’re a runner or spectator.  We’ve paid for everyone in our event to use it so you don’t have to!

*Available for the Half Marathons Only!

Parking:

Need direction to Race Day Parking & Start/Finish Line – Click Here

Accommodations:

There are many great accommodations on and around the island. I would recommend contacting the local chamber of commerce.

Volunteers are loved by all!  We would be thrilled to have you join our race day team.  Waterstops, Intersection Cheerleaders, handing out our HUGE medals, amoung many other things.  We rely on some key non-profits that we partner with locally but we could always use some extra support. Thank You!

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Coastal Race Productions support a number of Non-Profits throughout Brunswick County as well as the American Red Cross!  Please consider making a donation today!

To make a donation CLICK HERE – Thank you!

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Results for previous Run Holden Beach events as well as current Run Holden Beach Results can be found here.

Ever think to yourself – did I already register for this race?  You can look it up right here.  If you’re not registered, be sure to get signed up early and save!

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Timing:

We partner with a professional Timing Company that will provide accurate results.  These will be available to print on race day and online immediately.

Overall awards are placed by Gun Time – be sure to get to the very front of the corral.

Age group awards are placed by Chip Time – meaning you can start near the back and your official start time won’t be until you cross the start line.  This also means that it’s possible for someone behind you to have a faster time and place higher.

Certified Course:

Every Coastal Race Productions event is certified with USATF and measured for accuracy.  If you are hopeful for a state or national record, please give us a heads up so that we’re expecting it and can take proper actions to fill out the paperwork needed for your submission.

Are Dogs Allowed:

No.  All of our courses are USATF certified and our events are sanctioned – dogs are not allowed for safety reasons.  If you have a 4 legged running companion for medical reasons, you can file a request through the USATF ADA Committee (which takes 4-6 weeks) by clicking here and if they approve, they will provide you documentation that you will then need to provide to us.  Here is a direct link to the form you’ll need to fill out.

 Register Offline:

We really prefer for you to register online if at all possible – it’s quick and easy with the link at the top of the page.

 Can I walk:

Absolutely! Our 1 Mile and 5K races have no time limit and our Full & “West” Half Marathon time limit is 7 hours – plenty of time to walk most of the course if you’d like.

 Age Restrictions:

We have no age restrictions however we do ask for parent or guardian signatures on all minors under 18 years of age.

 Course Support:

The half marathon will have 8 different water stops along the 13.1 mile course. All stops have water and Gatorade. There is 1 water stop along the 5K course as well.  Volunteers from Non-Profits across Brunswick County are assisting on the course for directions, as well as at the finish line and all of the water stops. Signage is marked on the ground, over 100 directional signs, and a biker will lead both courses.  We have 8′ flag mile markers for every mile on both the 5K and Half Marathon. Post race nourishment includes bananas, gatorade, pizza and beer! You’re going to LOVE running a Coastal Race Productions event!

 Photos:

We do provide race day photos and our awesome photographer tries to get some of everyone!  If you see her please thank her for all of the awesome FREE photos to enjoy!  These will all be uploaded to our Facebook page please feel free to tag yourself and share with your friends and family.

 Registration Policy:

We currently do not allow for refunds on our events.  You may read more about this on our FAQ page.

 Event Transfer:

If you want to change from one distance to another distance at the same race on the same weekend, we allow you to do this yourself prior to any Coastal Race Productions event.  This cutoff to switch is typically the final week leading up to a race and based upon availability in that event.  You will manage this through your RunSignUp account and there is a $15 processing fee.  Need Help?  Click Here for a tutorial on how to edit this.

 Bib Exchange/Transfer:

You can transfer your bib to another runner prior to a race. You must login to your RunSignUp account and initiate this bib exchange by placing their name and email in.  The recipient will receive an email to accept the bib, pay a $15 processing fee and sign our online waiver.  Whether you gift it to them or they pay you for it on this side is up to you.  Need Help?  Click Here and look for “Transfer to Another Runner” for a tutorial on how to edit this.

 General FAQ’S:

Visit our General FAQ’s page for answer’s to all of your questions regarding Coastal Race Events.

*Please note:

Anyone on the course without a race bib will be asked to leave the course.

Anyone running with a dog unless you have the required USATF paper work will be asked to leave the course.

Companion riders on bicycles are not allowed and will be asked to leave the course.

These are all due to insurance regulations and are grounds for disqualification – It is for the safety of ALL participants.