
Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
Blackbeard's Half Marathon: flat, fast island run with coastal views and small-town charm.
Race Date
Apr 24, 2027
Location
Ocracoke, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 24, 2027
- Location
- Ocracoke, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Blackbeard's Half Marathon, part of the Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest, returns for its 10th edition this April. The race draws a small but dedicated field of about 158 runners from a dozen states, with nearly a third coming back year after year. It's a flat, fast course that appeals to first-timers and PR-seekers alike.
The half marathon begins in historic Ocracoke Village, passes the second-oldest lighthouse still in service, then follows the Ocracoke multi-use trail out to Cape Hatteras National Seashore and back. The entire route is flat and paved, offering sweeping views of the island's coastal landscapes.
Despite its modest size, the event has a lively community feel. It benefits local organizations including Ocracoke Community Radio, the school athletic booster club, and the community park. Post-race, runners gather at 1718 Brewery for packet pickup and the weekend's parties. It's a hidden gem worth traveling for.
Race-provided description
15th Annual Scallywag 5K/10K & 10th Annual Blackbeard's Half Marathon Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th 2026 Are you bursting with energy? The Lt. Maynard's Challenge is just the thing for you! Lt. Maynard's Challenge participants will complete either the Scallywag 5K or 10K on Saturday, April 25th AND then the Blackbeard's Half Marathon on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. All Lt. Maynard's Challenge finishers will receive a unique finisher item to recognize their special achievement. Complete this challenge to receive bragging rights thus far only enjoyed by Lt. Maynard himself. Can you slay Blackbeard? Participants wishing to participate in Lt. Maynard's Challenge need to select that option during half marathon registration AND sign up for either the 5K or 10K. This event is a benefit for Ocracoke Community Radio WOVV, Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club, and Ocracoke Community Park. Your support of this event will help to fund these community services which provide a great benefit to our island. Packet Pickup - 1718 Brewery: Friday, April 24th, 5-7:30 PM Saturday, April 25th, 6:30-7:30 AM (5K/10K) Saturday, April 25th, 5-7:30 PM (Half Marathon) No Same Day Packet Pick-up for the Half Marathon!!! Fees: 5K/10K Until January 14th - $35 (ages 17 & under - $20) January 16th - March 14th - $40 (ages 17 & under - $20) March 16th - April 23rd - $45 (ages 17& under - $25) Race Weekend - $50 (ages 17 & under - $25) Half Marathon Until January 14th - $60 January 16th - March 14th - $65 March 16th - April 23rd - $75 Race Weekend - $80 Runners in the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon receive a high quality, quick dry t-shirt, along with tote bag courtesy of Soundfeet Shoes. Sizes only guaranteed if registered before April 3rd. Lt. Maynard's Challenge Lt. Maynard's Challenge participants will complete either the Scallywag 5K or 10K on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 and then the Blackbeard's Half Marathon on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. Participants must register for BOTH the half marathon AND either the 5K or 10K AND add the Lt. Maynard's Add On to your registration. All Lt. Maynard's Challenge finishers will receive a unique finisher item to recognize their special achievement. Complete this challenge to receive bragging rights thus far only enjoyed by Lt. Maynard himself. Can you slay Blackbeard? NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS Start Times (5K/10K): Registration/ check in for 5K/10K: 6:30- 7:30 am 5K/10K race starts promptly at 8:00 am Water and fruit will be provided courtesy of The Variety Store after the 5K/10K race. Start Times (Half Marathon): Registration/check in: 6:30 am (no same day packet pick up) Race starts promptly at 7:00 am. Race timing will be cut of at 11:00 am. Water and fruit will be provided courtesy of The Variety Store after the half marathon. Water stations and port-a-john's will be provided along the course. Awards (5K/10K): 10:00 am - 1718 Brewery Top 3 male & female overall finishers and top 3 male and female finishers in age groups will receive awards. 1st place male and female overall finisher in 5K & 10K will each receive a $100 gift certificate from Soundfeet Shoes. Age Groups (5K): 10 & under, 11-13, 14-20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over Age Groups (10K): 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over ALL 5K/10K FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL. Awards (Half Marathon): 11:00 am - 1718 Brewery Top 3 male & female overall finishers and top 3 male and female finishers in age groups will receive awards. 1st place male and female overall finisher will each receive a $100 gift certificate from Soundfeet Shoes. Age Groups (half marathon): 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & over. ALL HALF MARATHON FINISHERS WILL RECEIVE A MEDAL. Post Run Party: Post-run party at 1718 Brewery on Saturday 11:00 am- 12:30 pm, Sunday 11:00- 1:30 pm. Beer by 1718 Brewing. 21 or older for beer, ID's will be checked and all beer drinkers will be wrist banded. Come to our beautiful island, the land of Blackbeard. Discover what makes Ocracoke a special place. Both Saturday and Sunday runs will be open to walkers and running strollers. Strollers must start behind runners and walkers. NO pets allowed other than service dogs. NO bikes or skateboards allowed.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 24, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
1129 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC, 27960
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Standout7310 years running
~158 finishers a year
growing or steady
28% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 12 states
winner 1:20:21
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
60°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
22 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon?
The Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon is held on Saturday, April 24, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Ocracoke, North Carolina.
What distances does the Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Ocracoke Island Weekend Runfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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