Covering the routes a little more thoroughly for our runners. Click here for a large map.
Important notes that apply to all races:
– Most of the courses are open (meaning shared with cars). While we have over 100 volunteers and officers assisting you and slowing down traffic, you are encouraged to practice safe running habits such as: Running against traffic staying to the side, not wearing headphones and practicing good runner etiquette.
– These are certified road races meaning the distance is exact and hopefully we’ll see a state record or two fall! It also means that you will not find yourself on the beach or any trails – if you do, we hope it’s after the race with a cold beverage but during the race, that’d mean you are off course!
– These races are racejoy enabled! If you take a smart phone for the event, be sure to download the app and find “Run Oak Island” – it’s amazing!
1 MILE:
IMPORTANT: The start is not under the main arch. Runners will gather at the corner of 46th & Dolphin – just 1/2 block West of our starline. Listen for announcements prior to the 8am start.
WHEN: 8am Start
DETAILS: This is a quick out and back down Dolphin St. heading West to a turn-around and finishing back with the rest of our runners under the inflatable arch.
5K WALK/RUN:
WHEN: 7:15 AM Start
DETAILS: This race starts on Dolphin St. heading East to a quick left turn onto 49th St. and then an almost immediate right onto Pelican Dr. for about 1/2 mile. Runners take a sharp right onto 58th St. that turns into Beach Dr. heading West for some scenic beach views. There’s a waterstop with Gatorade and H2O around mile 1.5 before the turn-around (just past mile 2) for 5K participants only. After the turn-around, runners take a left onto 32nd St. and a quick right onto Dolphin for a straight-away just under 1 mile left to the finish line.
HALF MARATHON:
WHEN: 7:00 AM Start
DETAILS: This race starts on Dolphin St. heading East to a quick left turn onto 49th St. and then an almost immediate right onto Pelican Dr. for about 1/2 mile. Runners take a sharp right onto 58th St. that turns into Beach Dr. heading West. For about 5.5 miles, runners will be enjoying scenic beach views off to the left. We have waterstops along this road at mile 1.5, 2.9 and 4.5. You will see a 5K turnaround about mile 2 – keep going straight! We have a huge sign you won’t miss, but just so you know.. You’ve got a bathroom break on the left about mile 5.8 right as you turn right onto 39th St. Runners take a quick right onto Dolphin St. heading back East and you have 2 waterstops here at mile 6 and 7.8 before turning left onto Middleton Ave. This is a closed section of the course. Runners will follow blue arrows off the island (waterstop on the mainland) and green arrows back onto the island – this is completely coned to the turn-around over the bridge and back. Runners take a left headed East on Dolphin St. with a water stop about mile 11 and just 2 miles to the finish line!
FULL MARATHON:
WHEN: 6:30 AM Start
DETAILS: This race starts on Dolphin St. heading East to a quick left turn onto 49th St. Runners go straight through the intersection all the way down to “Yacht St. which provides some great scenic marsh views as twist and turn down some back roads of Oak Island. We have a water stop just before mile 2 and 4 with both Gatorade and H20. About mile 4 you’ll take a left and head over the old bridge on Country Club Dr. You’ll have a turn-around and head back onto the island. Runners take a left with an immediate water stop on Yaupon Way before touring through the Oak Island Golf Club. As you exit the golf club, you’re actually in Caswell Beach and you enjoy some incredible beach views for about 4.5 miles as you take a left all the way down to the Lighthouse. You’ll enjoy 2 water stops – they are right across the street from each other about mile 8.2 and 9.8 (don’t cross the street for water!) We have a restroom at mile 7.8 or 10.2 depending on which way you’re going as well. As you exit Caswell Beach, you’ll take a left on Jack B. Cook Rd. and another left onto McGlammery St. before taking a right onto Ocean Dr. You’ve got a water stop at the Lazy Turtle (they’ve got karaoke if that’s you’re thing), this is just before mile 12. Runners take a right onto 79th St. and then a left onto the sidewalk of Oak Island Dr. – it’s very important for your safety to stay on the sidewalk for this short period! You have a water stop just after mile 13 with Oranges, GU packs, Gatorade & H2O! You’ll take a left onto 58th and follow the half marathon course as this road turns into Beach Dr. heading West. For about 5.5 miles, runners will be enjoying scenic beach views off to the left. We have water stops along this road at mile 15.6, 16 and 17.6. You will see a 5K turnaround just after mile 15 – keep going straight! We have a huge sign you won’t miss, but just so you know.. You’ve got a bathroom break on the left about mile 18.9 just before you turn right onto 39th St. Runners take a quick right onto Dolphin St. heading back East and you have 2 water stops here at mile 19.1 and 20.9 before turning left onto Middleton Ave. This is a closed section of the course. Runners will follow blue arrows off the island (water stop on the mainland) and green arrows back onto the island – this is completely coned to the turn-around over the bridge and back. Runners take a left headed East on Dolphin St. with a water stop about mile 24.1 and just 2 miles to the finish line!