Outer Banks Running & Fitness Events - 2019 Schedule

The Running of the Leprechauns was the original idea of Mike Kelly and hosted at Kelly's Restaurant & Tavern, every St. Paddy's Day weekend since 2008. This fun, green and grand race Started and Finished on site at Kelly's Restaurant, and this years' 5K & 10K courses are virtually the same as in the past, just altered slightly to start and finish at nearby Satterfield Soccer Complex in Nags Head. All Finishers earned medals and enjoyed Irish Stew and Guinness beer at Mike's restaurant while sharing their running triumphs with their friends.

From runner costumes, to Expo decorations and all the way to the post-race party! Pirates Rule at the well-organized, fun race!

Come and enjoy a scenic run through some of the prettiest terrain that the central Outer Banks has to offer with this race that has been going strong for more than 35 years. The Annual Nags Head Woods 5K Run is a great running event that falls on Mother’s Day Weekend, and which features plenty of reasons to put on your sneakers and hit the road, and the sandy, wooded trails.

Get your Memorial Day Vacation off to an active and sunny start by participating in the 8th annual Shore Break 5K, which is being held in the heart of Hatteras Island. During this event, runners, walkers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the local Avon sun will embark on a trek through picturesque Kinnakeet Shores on an informal course that includes paved roads, boardwalks, beach walkways, and a few fun but challenging steps over the dunes. The race finishes with an unbeatable view of the Atlantic as participants wind towards the beach, and the inevitable finish line.

National Running Day is a special event which is held on the first Wednesday in June, and which brings together runners from all around the country to celebrate and declare their inherent love of running. The day is a perfect vehicle for lifelong runners to reaffirm their dedication to the sport, and it’s also a way for newcomers and beginners to kick start a passion for running of their own.

Start your Outer Banks vacation with a burst of energy and a little sunshine on the sand with this family-friendly racing event that highlights the best views on the beach. The Sunrise 5k & Little Crab Crawl takes place along the oceanfront shores of Nags Head, and is a great way for walkers, joggers and runners to enjoy a little friendly competition and comradery with fellow active visitors and locals while taking in a scenic OBX sunrise over the Atlantic.

Take advantage of an opportunity to enjoy two of the things coastal North Carolina is known for - fantastic beaches and barbecue – with this racing event that combines a wealth of OBX activities in a single and fun-filled evening. The Sunset 5k & Carolina Pig Pickin is held at the stunning Jennette’s Pier in the heart of Nags Head, and is a fun and lightly competitive race that cruises by the beaches and soundside regions where the sunset is at its natural best. Walkers, joggers, and runners are all welcome to attend, and to enjoy the scene while engaging on a fast-paced tour of the central Outer Banks.

Start your Independence Day celebration with a refreshing run along one of the most naturally scenic routes on the beach with this event that has attracted scores of active locals and vacationers alike. The 8th Annual Freedom 5k Presented by Sun Realty is a popular racing event that takes place in the heart of the Outer Banks, and which encompasses a beautiful course that launches from the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall. A post-race celebration immediately follows the event, and includes a nice supply of 4^th of July appropriate eats – including watermelon, apple pastries, and light refreshments. A one-mile Fun Run also takes place, which is perfect for kids and adults alike who just want a little exercise and a prime opportunity to admire the local views.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Get a Hatteras Island morning started off right with a cool run, jog, or even walk through the heart of the southern Outer Banks via this engaging race that will attract runners and joggers everywhere. The Hatteras 5k Race Series features a gorgeous track through the centrally located Kinnakeet Shores, as well as plenty of incentives to strap on the running shoes and join in the fun.

Add a little active exploration to your vacation by participating in this annual event that marks the end of the summer running season on the Outer Banks. The Labor Day 5k/1 Mile is a fun and engaging run that veers through the heart of Kill Devil Hills, and which presents plenty of stunning scenery along the way, and ample reasons to come out and discover this coastal community.

Triathletes train for months to achieve their dream. Come to the Outer Banks Triathlon and experience the enthusiam, inspiration and skill! The Sprint Triathlon distance is perfect for those beginner triathletes. Move up to the Olympic Triathlon distance or choose the Half Triathlon distance and see if you have what it takes!

Get your Thanksgiving off to a fun and active start with this event that combines a little fitness with a world of exceptional brews. The Tipsy Turkey Beer Mile is a great Wednesday precursor to the Thanksgiving Day feast, and it entails a drink-and-run course that beer lovers and runners alike will enjoy to the fullest.