By: Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Brindley Beach Vacations and Sales, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time in the Outer Banks and Hatteras Island, NC.
You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to plan a race trip to the Outer Banks. Our race calendar covers it all, including spring half marathons, summer 5Ks, Thanksgiving fun runs, and the November Outer Banks Marathon.
If you’re heading this way for one of these annual races or marathons, make sure you do your homework ahead of time. A Corolla starting line and a Roanoke Island starting line require very different morning plans depending on where you’re staying. Use this calendar to compare distances, locations, and travel logistics, then explore our Outer Banks vacation rentals for your race getaway.
In This Article:
- Annual Outer Banks Marathons and Races
- Fun Runs
- Brindley Beach 5K Lighthouse Series
- Where to Stay if You’re Coming for a Race
- FAQs
Annual Outer Banks Marathons and Races
Dates below include upcoming November 2026 races and announced spring 2027 events.
March
Running of the Leprechauns — March 13, 2027
- Distance: 5K and 10K
- Location: Nags Head
Bring something green and kick off your spring running season with a St. Patrick’s-themed race. The 5K follows neighborhood streets between Carolinian Circle and West Villa Dunes Drive. For a longer morning run, the 10K adds South Old Nags Head Woods Road, Ocean Acres Drive, and West Eighth Street to the route.
Both finish near Satterfield Landing Road, with race-morning check-in at Satterfield Park between 7 and 7:45 a.m. The 10K starts at 8 a.m.; the 5K at 8:05. A rental in Nags Head keeps you close to the starting area, as well as some fun things to do after you cross the finish line.
Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 Ultra & Relay — March 20–21, 2027
- Distance: 100 miles, 100K, and 100-mile relay
- Location: Corolla or Nags Head to Hatteras Village
Blackbeard’s Revenge gives ultramarathon runners plenty of coastline views as they traverse the length of the OBX. The paved 100-mile route starts at Historic Corolla Park, while the 100K begins at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. Both end at The Wreck Tiki Bar in Hatteras Village.
Runners share the road with vehicles in this extreme race, so while there won’t be traffic delays, it also requires a bit of extra attention for both drivers and athletes.
You can leave your car at the finish in Hatteras and purchase a pre-race shuttle ticket to your starting line, but note there’s no post-race shuttle back north, so plan ahead.
April
Flying Pirate Race Weekend — April 23–25, 2027
- Distance: Half-marathon, 5K, 8K, and fun run
- Location: Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk
Costumes are welcome at the Flying Pirate races, so dress to impress your fellow swashbuckling mateys as you try for a new personal best. The half-marathon starts and finishes at Wright Brothers National Memorial, passing through Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk neighborhoods with sound views along the way. Though the race is mostly flat, there are a few hilly sections that will make you push.
The 5K, 8K, and fun run take place on Saturday, with the half-marathon slated to start at 7 a.m. on Sunday—view course maps and starting times for all races at obxse.com.
Parking is available at the First Flight Schools Complex, 100 Veterans Drive, and runners can collect their packets at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea in Nags Head on Friday, April 23, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If one of these festival races is on your radar, make sure to secure your Kill Devil Hills rental for the closest spot to the starting line.
Scallywag 5K/10K & Blackbeard’s Half Marathon — April 24–25, 2027
- Distance: 5K, 10K, and half-marathon
- Location: Ocracoke Village
Ocracoke’s weekend “runfest” gives you multiple ways to get a close-up look at the island. Saturday’s 8 a.m. Scallywag 5K and 10K race passes the harbor, lighthouse, and historic Howard Street, where a short dirt road stretch changes things up. The 10K follows the loop twice.
Sunday’s 7 a.m. half-marathon starts near 1718 Brewery, follows the multi-use trail toward the National Park Service campground, and returns through the village.
Parking near the start is limited, so walking or biking from the village can make things easier. If you stay on Hatteras Island, you’ll also need to arrange your ferry crossing. Half-marathon packets must be collected before Sunday; there’s no race-day pickup.
November
Outer Banks Marathon Weekend — November 6–8, 2026
- Distance: Marathon, half marathon, 5K, 8K, and COLOR Fun Run
- Location: Manteo and Kill Devil Hills
The Outer Banks Marathon gives you a good excuse to turn months of training into a fall beach getaway. Bring your cheering section, spend a few days by the water, and choose your desired distance.
The full marathon starts Sunday, November 8, at 7 a.m.; the Southern Fried Half Marathon follows at 7:15. Both begin at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, wind through Manteo and Roanoke Island’s soundside, and finish back at Fort Raleigh.
There’s no race-day parking at Fort Raleigh; instead, participants should use the designated parking at Manteo Elementary, Middle, or High School or the College of The Albemarle.
For shorter OBX races, Saturday’s Surf & Soar 5K, 8K, and COLOR Fun Run take place at Wright Brothers National Memorial. Parking is at the First Flight Schools Complex off Colington Road and Veterans Drive. If you’re looking to really push yourself, consider one of the “challenge” options when registering. Complete one of the shorter treks along with the half or full marathon and take home even more swag!
Register online and pick up your packet at the Ramada Plaza, 1701 South Virginia Dare Trail, before your race day. There’s no race-day registration or packet pickup.
Fun Runs
November: Turkey Trots & the Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile
Spending Thanksgiving at the beach? These shorter OBX K5 races and mile-long events leave plenty of time for the rest of your holiday plans.
- Thanksgiving Day 5K — Corolla, November 26: Run or walk at Whalehead, with the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Strollers are welcome. The 5K/1-mile field limit is 500 participants, with 50 fun-run spots, so don’t waste time in securing your spot.
- OBX Gobbler 5K & Fun Run — Nags Head, November 26: The 5K starts at 8 a.m.; the fun run follows at 9. Park at Outer Banks Mall, but not in the Food Lion or Outback spaces. Register by November 23; there’s no race-day registration.
- Surfin’ Turkey 5K & Puppy Drum — Hatteras Village, November 26: Kick off your Turkey Day with a quick jaunt through historic Hatteras Village with this 8 a.m. 5K. Walkers and runners are welcome, and children 12 and under can participate in the free quarter-mile Puppy Drum, with a free pancake breakfast to follow. On-site parking is limited, so plan to stay in a Hatteras Island vacation rental for potential walking/bike access to the starting line.
- Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile — Kill Devil Hills, November 25: This adults-only event pairs four quarter-mile runs with beer at Outer Banks Brewing Station. It starts at 11 a.m. and is open to everyone 21+, with online and walk-up registration available.
Brindley Beach 5K Lighthouse Series
You don’t need to build your whole vacation around a race to join in a morning run. Our Corolla-based Brindley Beach 5K Lighthouse Series welcomes runners, walkers, families, and parents with jogging strollers.
The course starts and finishes in front of the Whalehead at Historic Corolla Park and passes northern beach landmarks, including the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Parking and restrooms are available on-site, and race-morning check-in runs between 6:50 and 7:50 a.m.
The series takes place on multiple dates from May through September. Check our series page for the current dates, registration, and course map details.
Where to Stay if You’re Coming for an Outer Banks Marathon
Featured Property: KD231, WindOver | 5-Bed/2.5-Bath home with a hot tub, walking distance to Wright Brothers National Memorial
At Brindley Beach, we can help you find the perfect race-weekend vacation rental. Consider Nags Head for November’s marathon, Kill Devil Hills for Flying Pirate, or Corolla vacation rentals for the Lighthouse Series.
Regardless of which OBX marathon or race you’re here for, one thing can make all the difference: booking directly for your stay. Race fees and post-run activities already cost money. Don’t spend more than you have to on your accommodations.
When you book direct, you’ll avoid third-party booking fees, enjoy help from our local team, and have a comfortable place to put your feet up after the finish. Browse our full inventory and book your stay today!
See All Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Outer Banks Marathon?
The 2026 Outer Banks Marathon takes place Sunday, November 8, at 7 a.m. The full race weekend runs November 6–8, with the 5K, 8K, and COLOR Fun Run on Saturday and the marathon and half marathon on Sunday.
What races are held in the Outer Banks?
Outer Banks races include Running of the Leprechauns, Blackbeard’s Revenge 100 Ultra & Relay, Flying Pirate race weekend, Ocracoke’s Scallywag and Blackbeard’s Half Marathon, the Outer Banks Marathon, Thanksgiving turkey trots, and Brindley Beach’s 5K Lighthouse Series.
Where does the Outer Banks Marathon course go?
The 2026 course starts and finishes at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island. Runners travel through Manteo and along the island’s soundside.
Are there 5K races in the Outer Banks?
Yes. Spring options include Running of the Leprechauns, Flying Pirate’s 5K, and Ocracoke’s Scallywag 5K. The Lighthouse Series offers seasonal Corolla races. November adds the marathon weekend’s 5K and Thanksgiving races in Corolla, Nags Head, and Hatteras Village.
Is the Outer Banks Marathon a good course for a first marathon?
It can be. The mostly flat course has pacers and regular hydration stations, with a six-hour marathon limit and a four-hour half-marathon limit. Compare those cutoffs with your training pace, and make sure to account for coastal winds and changing weather.
Where should I stay for the Outer Banks Marathon?
For the 2026 full and half marathons, consider Nags Head for a beach stay with an easy drive to designated parking. Kill Devil Hills is convenient for Saturday’s shorter races. Compare your rental’s location with your specific event, packet pickup, and parking instructions before booking.