Spending a week in the Outer Banks, I got a chance to check out much literature regarding the running scene in the area. From Duck, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills to Outer Banks and Corolla, the running and racing scene is alive and well. There are many races held monthly, weekly group runs, training sessions, and an active group called the Outer Banks Running Club.
On Feb. 3, the running club hosted the Light 2 Light 50-Miler that started at 6 a.m. and ended at 9 p.m. that night. Participants ran the beautiful Outer Banks from Currituck Beach Light Station to Bodie Island Lighthouse and back to Jeanette’s Pier. This 50-mile course, limited to 100 runners, was supported by three aid stations and a festive finish line. Proceeds went to Fellowship for Christian Athletes.
The most interesting event I found was the second annual St. Paddy's Day Beer Mile hosted by the Outer Banks Brewing Station on an out-and-back course. Dillon Pope of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., ran 7:34 for the mile race, downing a 10-ounce beer every quarter mile for a total of 40 ounces of beer and the overall male title.
On June 17, the Storm the Beach event will take place entirely on the beach, as runners conquer obstacles by running, climbing and crawling their way to victory.
On Sept. 16, the Outer Banks Half Ironman Triathlon will be held, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.
The Outer Banks Running Company produces more than 20 events a year up and down the coast, and they even have a series in Avon and another race series in the Outer Banks.
There are many similarities between the race scene in the Outer Banks and the race scene in my Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area.
On Sunday, Nov. 11, the Outer Banks Marathon will be held. It’s a cool course that runs point to point, beginning at the edge of Duck and Kitty Hawk, and running south through Colington, Kill Devil Hills and a trip around the Wright Brothers Memorial, through Nags Head and finishing in the town of Manteo. Last year, about 2,500 participants took part in the marathon and half marathon events. It you are looking for a fast and flat marathon with great scenery and, of course, only if you can’t make it to my Rehoboth Marathon, I would recommend racing the Outer Banks Marathon in November. Lastly, if you race Outer Banks and you do not do as well as you hoped, then you have a month to rest and recuperate to come back and race Rehoboth.
As I leave Outer Banks, the town of Kitty Hawk is prepping for the Flying Pirate Half Marathon that will be held next Sunday, April 15. According to Outer Banks Tri Sports shop, it is one of the popular races and a fun one with lots of runners dressing in the pirate costume theme.
If you are a runner and have not visited the Outer Banks, there is a lot to do and some great races to take part in. The Outer Banks running and racing scene is very similar to our beach running and racing scene.
Oy Vey this Sunday
Come join us for the Oy Vey 5K at 9 a.m., Sunday, April 8, off Holland Glade Road. Race proceeds benefit the educational programs at Seaside Jewish Community. This past fall, the students were able to attend an educational day at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C. The race will have plenty of infamous kugel to nosh and treats to tempt your palate. If there is something the Jewish Community knows how to do, it’s cook and feed the masses. In addition, April 8 is Mitzvah Day (Good Deeds Day). We are asking those participating to bring packages of new socks or undergarments for children ages 2-12. Any new or unworn clothing will be accepted. Go to seashorestriders.com for race information.
Dogfish Dash
A total of 2,321 runners registered for the 2018 Dogfish Dash in the opening six hours Wednesday, April 4, and it will remain open until we hit 3,000 participants. The actual race will take place at the Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton at 9 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 30. In just the opening day, 24 states are represented, plus one runner outside the country from Australia.
