Run Oak Island

by | Dec 10, 2023 | 10K, 5K, Half Marathon, Oak Island, Pre-Race Information, Race Director, Races, Road Race, Running

Run Oak Island

RUN OAK ISLAND

Run What?  Run Where? 

Join Coastal Race Productions for a great race experience and be sure to check out Oak Island, North Carolina and everything it has to offer!

If you are not from the Coastal Carolina area but are interested in a beautiful scenic runcation destination – Look No Further!  Race date is February 17th, 2024 and with that being President’s Day Weekend it’s a great time to travel.  With an Ultra Marathon (Fun Scenic Detour), Full Marathon, 2 Half Marathons (1 competitive and 1 walker friendly) a 10K, 5K plus 1 Mile – Run Oak Island has something for everyone, so pack up the family, invite your friends and load the car because you are in for a real treat!  

Oak Island is situated on the southern end of North Carolina’s coastline and the Town of Oak Island encompasses nearly 20 square miles offering 10 miles of beachfront along the 12 mile-long island.  With approximately 8500 year round residents the summertime population swells to nearly 50,000 visitors and seasonal residents.  The Town of Oak Island works hard and successfully maintains a balance of it’s bustling and vibrant tourism with the traditional, quiet charm of a small coastal southern town.

As one of North Carolina’s only barrier islands that faces directly south, beachgoers can enjoy magnificent views of both the sunrise and sunset over the ocean, all from the same place on the beach.  With over 100 free public beach accesses on the island  Oak Island offers more accessibility to our greatest natural resource than any other coastal Town in the State.

Oak Island provides amenities far beyond the beach; such as boating, fishing, kayaking, sup boarding, golf, shelling, both fine and casual dining, shopping, 2 fishing piers, sailing, skydiving and so much more.  All watched over faithfully by the 65 year old Oak Island Lighthouse which stands 153 feet tall.

The Oak Island Lighthouse was completed in 1958 with lights that can be seen for 24 nautical miles.  They currently offer two types of tours; Top Tours all the way up the 133 steps for a view that just can’t be beat or Second-Level Tours just up 12 steps.  Age restrictions do apply and for tour reservations be sure to email oakislandlighthouse@gmail.com.  Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated and remember tour guides are volunteers so be sure to thank them for their time!  The Oak Island Lighthouse is location at 300a Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island NC 28465.  Our Ultra Marathon, Full Marathon and East Half Marathon all pass the lighthouse with the “Ultra Detour” having the best view of all.

Located just beyond the Oak Island Lighthouse you will find Fort Caswell.  The fort itself was occupied by various branches of the U.S. armed forces for most of the period between 1836 and 1945 but is now part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

Is Oak Island Pet Friendly?  While our event insurance will not allow your four legged friend to run in the actual race with you, the Town of Oak Island is super pet friendly.  Pet’s are welcome on leashes all year long on Oak Island beaches as well as off-leash from October 15 to March 15.  Many hotels and airbnb’s are pet friendly be sure to consider that in your search for accommodations.

Many of our beaches in Brunswick County prohibit lights, fires and fireworks of any kind because of the local Sea Turtle population, however, in the off season Oak Island is the exception.  How fun to gather with your fellow runners, friends and family around a Beach Bonfire and celebrate your accomplishment.  Bonfires are allowed from November 16 to April 30 with a submitted permit and must adhere to ALL Town ordinances and program requirements.  For more information regarding Beach Bonfires and to apply for your FREE permit please visit:  https://www.oakislandnc.gov/government/fire-department/beach-bonfire-permits. 

Beach Bonfire Permit Applications:

  • CANNOT be submitted more than 72 hours from the date on the bonfire, to allow for accurate windspeed forecast 
  • MUST use the windspeed forecast provided on the Bonfire Permit Application (no third-party apps)
  • CANNOT cover multiple bonfires or multiple days (one permit per bonfire, per day)
  • MUST be submitted directly by the individual they will be used for; others cannot do this for you as part of a free or paid service

Run Oak Island is the first of three races we host in Brunswick County, each one centered around a different barrier island.  While we have dubbed all three races the BAM! (Big Ass Medal) Race Series where you can run all three and collect a bonus medal at the last event, running only one race is totally acceptable and any single race offers a great and unique race experience.

It’s an early morning in Oak Island with both the Ultra and Full Marathon, plus the East Half Marathon, starting at 6:45 am.  This has it’s benefits and one of them is the sun rising as you are winding along the marsh in the first few miles of the race.  The Ultra and Full Marathon will eventually turn left winding through a beautiful community and arboretum while the Half Marathon continues straight toward the lighthouse.  Just past the lighthouse things can get a little confusing so please be sure read signs and listen to volunteers.  There are two separate turnaround points and the half marathon is further past the ultra/full marathon turnaround point.  We will have plenty of signs and volunteers but it’s something to be aware of.  This is one of the flattest full marathons and most scenic along the East Coast.  Click on your distance of choice to view the route in Map My Run for the Ultra/Full Marathon or East Half Marathon and download the KML file to your watch.  Next the West Half Marathon and All New 10K will start at 7:00 am.  You will want to line up according to your pace as we may have some very fast 10K runners and this is the walker friendly, non-competitive half marathon with a 6.5 hour time limit.  Do you know someone just wanting to complete the distance but the concern of time is always an issue?  Invite them to come along!  The 10K is FLAT and FAST with zero elevation – it’s going to be fun!   The 5K  starts at 7:15 am and is also flat and fast with minimal turns.  Our 1 Mile at Oak Island is a simple out and back on Dolphin Dr and finishes into the same chute as all of the other runners.  Once you’ve crossed the finish line, wear your medal with pride and stay for the after party!  We serve up the most delicious Carolina BBQ, or Mac & Cheese for the vegetarian option along with Garlic Bread and Beer!  We provide 2 beer tickets on each bib but you can purchase additional race morning so don’t for get your ID.  Don’t drink beer?  No problem!  Insider tip – let the bartender know as we always keep a few cases of cold sodas in the beer trailer!

I love showcasing the area I’ve grown to love and call home and can’t wait for you to run the same streets I do!  This race is sure to be a great time in a beautiful setting over a long holiday weekend. It offers something for absolutely everyone.  Invite your family and friends and come make some wonderful memories in a beautiful setting and Run Oak Island!

Keep Moving Forward  – JoJo