Thank you for participating in the 13th Annual Run Ocean Isle Beach race this year! We’re covering a lot of frequently asked questions regarding:
– Packet Pickup (Friday 10/23)
– Parking, Maps & Race Day Schedule (Saturday 10/24)
– After Party & More!
This is your “Runner Guide” so please, PLEASE read over it carefully.
If you have any questions after reading this email, you can take a look at our website here, check out the FAQ page here or even try our almost human AI chatbot that is pre-programmed with most of the questions you might ask. But if you still have questions you can reply to this email and we will be happy to help.
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FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS MISS RACES:
Our last 2 races sold out this year and we’re on the verge of selling out RunOIB! If you know someone who is having major FOMO right now, go ahead and send them a link to the race!
#1) FOOD DRIVE AT PACKET PICKUP!
Last year, runners just like you contributed to over 10,000 pounds of food to our local food bank at Coastal Race events! Every little bit helps. For this year, they have specifically asked for CANNED SOUPÂ – you can bring this to packet pickup and the food bank will have a booth for you to drop it off at. Thank you for supporting local families in need. *All non-perishable foods accepted and appreciated, soup was just a specific request.
#2) PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP INFORMATION (HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!!!)
We will host a packet pickup on Friday, October 23rd from 12pm – 7pm at the Sea Trail Clubhouse 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. They just need your name.
FAQ:Â 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.
*Packet Pick-up is over promptly at 7:00 PM Please don’t call and ask us to stay late. We start setting up at 2:00am and we have to be cleaned up and out of the packet pickup location by 7:30. Your Packet will be at the start line in the morning but you’ll need to plan to come extra early on race day if you need to utilize our emergency race day packet pickup.
#3) RACE MAP
This race is “RaceJoy” enabled for free. Just download the free app on your smart phone. Once you pickup your bib, you’ll input your number and share it with friends to track and send you audio cheers during your race. Check it out and use it at RunOIB – 100% free to you and your friends! *You do need to run with your phone for this to work.. Race maps are all on our website HERE but if you’d like a PDF with all of the routes on them, CLICK HERE FOR THE RACE MAPS
#4) RACE DAY PARKING
Use this address for race day parking or CLICK HERE: 6278 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469
We will have a team helping you park at 5:15. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY! All 10 parking lots are within .4 miles of the start/finish line – early birds get better parking spots.
*Pro Tip #1: One thing you can control on race day to reduce stress is just arrive earlier than you think. If you aim to park 60-75 minutes prior to your start, that will help! If you arrive 30 minutes before your race – you honestly might miss your start.
*Pro Tip #2: Carpooling is encouraged!
#5) RACE DAY INFORMATION (SAT. OCT. 24TH)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
(1) Start/Finish Line AND PARKING is all OFF the island this year! 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, be able to hear your surroundings.
PARKING:Â Aim to be parked at least 60 minutes prior to your race start. Our team will help you park in approved lots all within .4 miles of the start/finish line OFF THE ISLAND. CLICK HERE for directions to the parking area or use the address: 6278 Beach Dr SW, 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 beer) NO ID = NO BEER!
(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 may need.
5:30AM Â – Â RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP OPENS AT START/FINISH LINE
CLICK HERE for directions or use (6278 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469) for directions to the start/finish line.
7:00AM Â – Â HALF MARATHON STARTS
–Â 6 Water Stops with Gatorade and Water (roughly every 2 miles)
7:00AMÂ –Â 10K STARTS (With the Half Marathon)
–Â 3 Water Stops with Gatorade and Water (roughly every 2 miles)
7:30AM Â – Â 5K STARTS
– Â 1 Water Stop with Gatorade and Water.
8:00AM Â – Â 1 MILE STARTS
8:15AM Â –Â 5K AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Female, Top 3 Masters (over 40) Male/Female, and Every 5 Year Age Groups starting at <9 and going up to 80+
8:45AM Â – Â 10K AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Female, Top 3 Masters (over 40) Male/Female, and Every 5 Year Age Groups starting at <19 and going up to 80+
9:30AM Â – Â HALF MARATHON AWARDS
– Top 3 overall Male/Female, Top 3 Masters (over 40) Male/Female, and Every 5 Year Age Groups starting at <19 and going up to 80+
10:30AMÂ –Â 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.
#6) MORE FAQS
Bag Drop:. Yes, we will have a bag drop on race day. You can bring your own bag or we’ll provide one for you. If bringing your own, please go ahead and pin your “bag drop” tab from your bib onto your bag ahead of time.
Can I swap t-shirt sizes? This is based on availability. If we have extra, we will do our best to provide this option at the packet pickup on Friday or on race day after the 5K has started.
*You CAN change this now in your RunSignUp account if you’d like. (based on availability)
Can I switch events? Yes, you can do this up until Friday 10/23 based on availability. For example, if we sell out of the 10K, you will not be able to drop from the half to the 10K. This is managed by logging into your RunSignUp account, selecting the RunOIB race, then “Event Transfer”.
I can’t make it to the race, can I switch to virtual? Yes, you will manage this in your RunSignUp account. There is a small fee to cover shipping.
Can I switch my registration to another person (Gift/Sell)? Yes, any money transferred is between you and the other person. You will login to your RunSignUp account and initiate a “Participant Transfer”
**All race registration policies can be found online here
Can I make a donation to Miles For Meals? Â Yes, non-perishable food (Canned Goods or Rice are great) at packet pickup or race day.
When Are Awards? Â 5K awards will be around 8:15; 10K will be around 8:45 & Half Marathon awards will be around 9:30.
What Awards Are Recognized? Â Top 3 overall M/F, Top 3 masters (over 40) M/F, and 5-year age groups starting at <9 going up to 80+
Strollers Allowed? Â Strollers are allowed on all courses. Insurance requires that they start in the back. Please be careful and watch your surroundings!
Dogs Allowed? Â Â Sorry to say but due to USATF sanctioning, no dogs are allowed at the event.
Age Restrictions? Â No age restrictions and parental consent for all runners under 18 for any of our races are required.
Will I receive a medal? Yes, all runners will receive the #BigAssMedal on race day after you finish. This is a “finisher medal”.
What’s the plan for inclement weather? This is a rain-or-shine event.
#7) VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
All of the virtual packets will be shipped within a week or two following the event – we will do our very best to get these out as soon as possible. Your medal, shirt and bib will be included and delivered to your door. You can run anywhere/anytime – no need to submit your results online or send us proof. We do virtuals on the honor system and all packets are shipped at the same time.
#8) CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTS
If you participated in a 5K or longer distance (including virtuals) at Run Oak Island in February, Run Sunset Beach in April and now Run Ocean Isle Beach – you’ll earn the additional Massive BAM medal! And there’s over 700 of y’all! You will receive a separate email with instructions of how you will receive your BAM medal – where & when.
See our FAQ’s Page and our Run Ocean Isle Beach Race Website for more information and again, please don’t hesitate to email us here and we’ll do our best to respond promptly.