Sledgehammer Beach Run

2950 Island Drive, N Topsail Beach NC

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

🏖️ Sledgehammer Beach Run Overview

Take in the views and explore North Topsail Beach while running on the beach in either our Half Marathon, 10k or 5k.

Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to present the "Sledgehammer Race Series" in memory of Dr. E. B. Sledge. The mission statement of the "Sledgehammer Race Series" is: To Honor the memory of Sledgehammer and All Combat Veterans. Sledge was a lifelong Marine who spent the remainder of his post war years coming to terms with what he and his fellow combatants experienced during World War II.

🎖️ About Dr. E. B. Sledge

Service: E. B. "Sledgehammer" Sledge chose to volunteer for the U. S. Marine Corps in 1942.
Rank: He reached the rank of Corporal in the Pacific Theater, assigned to K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Division (K/3/5).
Role: Sledgehammer served as a 60mm mortarman at Peleliu and Okinawa.
Legacy: Sledge authored the memoir "With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa," influencing documentaries and miniseries.

🏃‍♂️ Course Information

Course Type: Half marathon, 10k & 5k course are all on the beach.
Cut Off Time: Half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Anyone left on the course after the fourth hour will be picked up by a staff member and will be disqualified for awards.
Refreshments: Enjoy FREE beer from Salty Turtle Beer Company (Half Marathon & 10k Runners only).
Extras: A Hot Cocoa Bar presented by Onslow County Tourism!

👕 T-shirts

In order to keep the cost of races low for runners we have created the option to purchase a shirt instead of just including one in the registration. Register and select the shirt option by January 16th to guarantee your long sleeve t-shirt!