Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026
Ocean Isle Beach offers a scenic coastal half marathon with impressive finisher medals.
Race Date
Oct 24, 2026
Location
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location
- Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 1,454
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Run Ocean Isle Beach transforms the charming coastal island of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, into a vibrant race destination each October. Now in its 15th year, this event has grown to attract nearly 2,100 finishers, drawing participants from across 43 states.
The half marathon course winds around much of the island, offering unforgettable oceanfront views and a chance to experience the beauty of this southeastern North Carolina gem. With average October temperatures ranging from a comfortable 56 to 75°F, conditions are typically ideal for a fast, scenic run.
Known for its #BigAssMedals, the race celebrates every finisher with substantial hardware. Beyond the half marathon, options include a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run, making it a weekend event for all levels of runners and their families.
Race-provided description
Run Ocean Isle Beach - October 24, 2026 Join us for our 13th annual Run Ocean Isle Beach & Last Race of the 2026 BAM! Races. Ocean Isle Beach is a beautiful coastal island in SE North Carolina. Our courses take you through some beautiful communities and the half marathon takes you around most of the island with unforgettable oceanfront views. We host a half marathon, 5K & 1 Mile in late October when the average temperatures are a High of 75 and a Low of 56. Finisher Swag: This year we our finisher shirts will be going back to our extremely soft tri-blend T's with a beautiful unique design and an absolutely MASSIVE race medals. Over the years we’ve had surfboard, flip flop, glass, lockets, artistic connecting medals, a pirate theme, mosaic designs, and much more - we change it up each year to bring unique medals but this year might top them all. We hope you enjoy them!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Finisher Shirt
Start Location
6278 Beach Dr SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 28469
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.2%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC18003DW · Run Ocean Isle Beach half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7611 years running
~666 finishers a year
growing or steady
7% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 43 states
winner 1:18:59
typical high 73°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
73°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 1,454 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
1,454
Median time
2:16:19
Latest turnout
481
States
27
Turnout by year
2019–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026?
The Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026 is held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026 take place?
It takes place in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
What distances does the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026 offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 5K, 1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026 course flat and good for a PR?
The Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026 is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026?
HalfRuns has finish records for 1,454 runners who have completed the Run Ocean Isle Beach 2026.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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