Get Your Fitness Fix on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is one of North Carolina's top destinations for races, running events, and annual runs throughout the year, offering everything from family friendly 5K races and 10K runs to half marathons, full marathons, triathlons, and endurance challenges for every skill level. Whether you're visiting Corolla, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, or Hatteras Island there's always an exciting race on the calendar, including popular annual events like the Flying Pirate Half Marathon, Outer Banks Marathon, Running of the Leprechauns 5K & 10K, Scallywag 5K/10K/Half Marathon, Nags Head Woods 5K, and the OBX Gobbler 5K. From competitive runners chasing a PR to families looking for fun runs during vacation, the Outer Banks running scene features annual races for all ages and abilities in every season. Come to the Outer Banks to stay active on vacation, or make the trip specifically for one of the many annual races, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events hosted across the OBX each year.

Check out the event list below, sign-up, and book your accommodations in advance. Stay as long or short as you'd like with FlexStay™.

The race events below are held each year on the Outer Banks.

September 11-12, 2026
Manteo

Swim-Bike-Run! The Outer Banks Triathlon starts with a swim in the Croatan Sound on Roanoke Island, Manteo. Two days of multi-sport racing including 3 distances. Aquabike options too!

Date TBD
Avon

Join us for the 14th Annual HICF Positively Pink 5K in Avon, NC! Run, walk or just join in the fun festivities while we support our neighbors on Hatteras Island who are battling cancer. The 3.1 mile course takes you through scenic Kinnakeet Shores. Participants are encouraged to wear pink in support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

November 6-8, 2026

The TowneBank Outer Banks Marathon, winding its way through the natural beauty that is North Carolina's Outer Banks, is like no other Outer Banks race. Running from Kitty Hawk to Manteo, participants will experience the neighborhoods of the Outer Banks, the maritime forest of the Nags Head Woods Preserve, cross the Roanoke Sound via The Washington Baum Bridge, and end in historic downtown Manteo.

Date TBD
Kill Devil Hills

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.

Date TBD
Get your Turkey Day celebration off to a fun and fast-paced start with this annual event that is quickly becoming a highlight of the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Surfin' Turkey 5k and Puppy Drum Run is presented by the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund (HIYEF), and is a great opportunity to support a favorite local cause while enjoying miles of fun in the heart of Hatteras village.

Date TBD
Kill Devil Hills

Come get lucky and join Outer Banks Sporting Events for the annual Running of the Leprechauns, as we kick off our season with this festive 5K & 10K. Finishers medal and shirt for all. Start chasing the rainbow at Satterfield Soccer Complex in Nags Head! The 10K route includes portions of gravel trail (approx. 2 miles) and is a loop. The 5K is all on the road and is an out-and-back course.

April 24-26, 2026
Kill Devil Hills

Run with the ghosts of the Wright Brothers as you meander the Memorial Trail on the edge of the picturesque Albemarle Sound. Sea oats, herons, egrets, and sound views create a relaxing start to your 13.1-mile-long journey. Saturday events include The First Flight 5K and Fun Run.

Date TBD
Corolla

Lace-up your running shoes and see the sights. Add the fun of a run and fitness to the Village of Corolla Light. Enjoy the sights of the Northern Outer Banks. The WhaleHead Club, Corolla Light, and the magnificent Currituck Beach Lighthouse are all along the course. Unique finisher medals and t-shirts to all participants. Race Start/Finish in front of the Historic Mansion at The Whalehead Club in Corolla.

August 20, 2026
Nags Head