Run Sunset Beach

Run Sunset Beach : Apr 11, 2026, Sunset Beach, NC

Run Sunset Beach is a multi-distance road race held in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. The event offers these distances and virtual options:

• Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• 10K
• 5K
• 1 Mile
• Virtual options for Half, 10K and 5K

Finishers in each in-person event receive a finisher medal. A soft tri-blend shirt is included for all events except the 1 Mile, for which a shirt is an optional add-on.

Course, logistics and support

The half marathon tours the mainland and the island of Sunset Beach and crosses a bridge with 65 ft elevation; it is USATF certified (NC22001BDS). The 10K also crosses the intracoastal waterway bridge and spans the island; the 5K crosses the bridge as well and is described as not flat. The 1 Mile is a three-loop course inside the waterfront park; it is not a certified distance and is not timed.

Packet pickup is scheduled for the Friday before the race (April 10) from 12pm to 7pm at a location in or near Sunset Beach; an emergency race-day pickup is available near the start. The main event location uses the waterfront park at 206 Sunset Blvd N, Sunset Beach. A shuttle will run from a parking lot near Ingram Planetarium at 7625 High Market St.

Course support includes eight water/Gatorade stops for the half marathon and one water stop for the 5K, a support truck (SAG), over 100 volunteers, signage and a lead cyclist. There are more than 20 portable toilets at the start/finish and five along the course. Awards are given to top finishers overall, masters and age groups for the half marathon and 5K; overall awards are by gun time and age group awards by chip time. Virtual participants receive swag by mail within two weeks. Registration policies include no refunds and event-transfer options with processing fees. Run Sunset Beach is part of the BAM (Big Ass Medals) race series; medal sizes are listed by event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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