For Coastal Race Productions, every finish line tells a story—but none quite like Run Sunset Beach.
Now celebrating its 13th year, this beloved coastal race isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s the race that started everything.
Back when Coastal Race Productions was just an idea fueled by passion, grit, and a love for running, Run Sunset Beach was the very first event the team ever hosted. There were no guarantees, no established reputation—just a vision to create something memorable for runners and the community. That leap of faith paid off in a big way.
Run Sunset Beach quickly captured attention. With its scenic coastal views, welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed experience, the race resonated with participants from the very beginning. Word spread, runners returned, and what started as a single event became the foundation for something much bigger.
Today, Run Sunset Beach stands as the second race in the now-renowned BAM! Series, a collection of events that have become synonymous with quality, community, and unforgettable race-day energy. While the series has grown and evolved, this race remains its heartbeat—a reminder of where it all began.
For co-owner David Hutnik, the magic of Run Sunset Beach is rooted in its setting. “It’s the prettiest coastal race course—the sunrise over the water while running the bridge… it doesn’t get any better!”
For co-owner JoJo Terragna, the race holds an even deeper meaning. When asked about Run Sunset Beach, she simply smiles. Running has changed her life on so many levels, and this is the race that set her passion in motion—a way to give back to the running community and to a place she loves and calls home.
Run Sunset Beach has also come full circle for team member Tami Tonkin, now Coastal Race Productions’ volunteer coordinator. Her very first 5K was the original Run Sunset Beach—the same race that helped put the team on the map. “As my first race, I loved the scenery, the local flavors,” Tami shares. “I LOVE the after party—sitting around by the water out on the grass. It’s just such a special experience.” She adds, “As my first experience with running and racing, I was completely blown away by the camaraderie and the community of runners. I had literally never experienced anything like that before.”
The 2026 event showcased just how far the race has come. This year, 2,600 participants from 36 states and three countries gathered at Sunset Beach to take part in the Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, creating a vibrant and diverse race-day atmosphere. The energy extended beyond the main distances, with an additional 100 runners participating in the one-mile event, making it a true celebration for athletes of all levels.
Among those one-milers were 25 athletes from the Brunswick County Special Olympics Run Club—an initiative proudly sponsored by Coastal Race Productions and coached by Ed Beckley of Ocean Isle Beach. Their presence was a powerful reminder of what the sport is all about: inclusion, opportunity, and community. For many, their race-day moments were just as meaningful as any podium finish, embodying the spirit that has defined Run Sunset Beach since the very beginning.
For the Coastal Race Productions team, Run Sunset Beach is more than logistics, medals, or mile markers. It’s a symbol of their journey. Every year, as runners take to the course, they’re not just participating in a race—they’re becoming part of a legacy that started with a bold first step 13 years ago.
And even as Coastal Race Productions continues to expand and innovate, one thing will never change: Run Sunset Beach will always hold a special place in the team’s story—the race that put them on the map and set the pace for everything that follows.