Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K

🏃‍♀️ WHAT

Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K

The Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K is a trail race in Carolina Beach, NC. With 13.1 and 3.1 mile courses, all levels of speed and ability are allotted an opportunity to race in one of the most unique setting in North Carolina. Rolling pine laced single track along the coast offers participants tons of interesting terrain to take-in while they put out max effort for unique prizes. After the race, participants (21+) can enjoy one beer on the patio at the American Legion.

📅 DATE

Saturday, January 3, 2026

📍 START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

• Venue: American Legion Post #129
• Address: 1500 Bridge Barrier Road
• City: Carolina Beach, NC 28428

🏅 DISTANCES OFFERED

• 5K: This event is timed. You can walk or run the 5K.
• Half Marathon: This event is timed. There is a 3 hour and 30 minute cutoff time (16 minute per mile pace).

🥇 WAITING FOR YOU AT THE FINISH LINE

• Finisher Medal: Every participant receives a medal.
• Beer: Provided to participants 21+ years old.
• Snacks: Enjoy some refreshments post-race.
• Water: Provided by Culligan.

📝 TO REGISTER

Click on Sign Up in the top right corner.

📲 TO REGISTER AT THE RACE

In Person registration at Packet Pickup and Race Day is digital. Participants will be asked to scan a QR code with their phone. Online registration is open until the race starts. Participants can also register in their car on their phone, then walk up to registration and pick up their packet.

🗓️ RACE SCHEDULE

Please visit the Schedule Page for a list of events.

🅿️ PARKING

Parking is available at the nearby Food Lion. DO NOT park behind the Food Lion or near the loading docks, or you will be towed. This is to allow delivery trucks access to the Food Lion.

ℹ️ OTHER RACE DETAILS

• Participant Caps: Half Marathon: 300, 5K: 300
• Course Cutoff: Half Marathon: 3.5 Hours (16 minute per mile pace)

💖 HOW YOUR RACE MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K helps raise funds for Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks. Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks is a non-profit organization designed to support and promote Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. A donation by the race and participants directly benefits Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks.

🔗 LEARN MORE

For more information, please visit Carolina Beach State Park Trail Race.