Flying Pirate Lives up to Billing as "One of Nation's best races"
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| Arrrrrrrr you ready for a run? |
It was a cool and clear early morning on Sunday on the Outer Banks at about 6:30 a.m., but northern Kitty Hawk was clamoring with activity as the start of the 5th annual Flying Pirate half marathon was about to take place.
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| Flying pirate start line 6:55AM 5/4/14 |
Race organizers have done an outstanding job with this race since its inception in 2010, but the one thing out of everyone's control is the weather. 2012 famously had driving rain for the race, but in 2014 it was a picture perfect day for a race, and the locals came out in record numbers to support the runners and make the event a huge success!
Will Christian, a 30 year old from Norfolk, Virginia, won the race in a time of 1:09:24, and Catlin Judd, a 30 year old from Charleston, South Carolina, won the women's race is a time of 1:22:50 (7th place overall), but the real winners were everyone of the 1907 people that finished the race, as the race was simply spectacular.
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| The race goes through Nags Head Woods...this is a very welcome sight (1 mile to go!) |
This writer was one of the finishers and was proud to be asked many times throughout the day "are you from here? This race is awesome!" Racers came from all over the country to run the Flying Pirate, many dressed in pirate garb, and all were impressed with the smoothness of the logistics for the event. From the pre-race traffic control, to the start line organization, to the water and medical stations along the route, to the post race awards, party, and transportation the event made a great impression on everyone involved.
"I have run races all over the east coast, and this one was one of the best I've ever been involved with" said Sally Jones of Richmond, Va "and the finisher's medal is the coolest one I've got in my collection" she said as she boarded a bus back to the start line with a red, silver, black and white painted metal pirate's head dangling around her neck.
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| The finisher's medal from Sunday's race |
The Outer Banks Flying Pirate Half Marathon was recently named by Runner's World magazine as one of the best half marathons in the country. Sunday's race showed why that is the case. Congratulations to all who race in, helped organize, or came out to cheer on the runners. If you missed it, well you missed it! Come to the OBX next year to enjoy the race first hand.
All the best from the beach!
By
Tim Cafferty, President, Outer Banks Blue Realty Services
