From now until the end of 2014, there are several Outer Banks marathons and other races to consider. You'll want to decide quickly, so you can start training right away.
All Out Pink Road Race - September 6, 2014 - Like running out & back? Prefer a 5k course race? The All Out Pink Road Race gives you your preference. Both races begin on the Great Lawn of the gorgeous Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC. The bridge run includes a trek across the Old Manns Harbor Bridge and back (a total of 10 miles). The 5k does not completely cross the bridge. As you might guess by the mention of "pink," this race benefits cancer causes, efforts and survivors. According to the website, "$38.50 Race Fee includes event t-shirt, post race party, professional timing services, custom bibs and Unique Finisher Medals to all participants."
Outer Banks Triathlon - September 13-14, 2014 - A personal challenge, for sure! With three courses to choose from (Spring, Olympic or Half), individuals participating in this iconic race will swim, bike and run between 17 and 70 miles. Unlike other races, however, you can also enter a team and relay the various events of the race. If you're serious about fitness and have a hard-core love of the Outer Banks, this triathlon is for you. One hundred percent (100%) of the net proceeds are shared by the Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
Outer Banks Marathon - November 9, 2014 - If you ask the writers of Runner's World, Marathon Guide, Coastal Living or Flipkey, you'll quick see that the Outer Banks Marathon is world-class. In fact, Coastal Living boasts, "Add a gorgeous water view to those 26.2 miles and you have a destination doubly worth training for."
Did you know that the Outer Banks Marathon is a North Carolina USA Track & Field State Championship race and Boston Marathon qualifying race? You'll be in prime company and surrounded by pristine scenery and history during your 26.2 miles. There are also multiple other races for those not quite ready to tackle the big one just yet.
Outer Banks Gobbler & 5k Fun Run - November 27, 2014 - What a way to start your holiday! According to the Outer Banks Running Club website, "Run, Eat, Nap. The Outer Banks Running Club once again invites you to start off your Thanksgiving morning with a family-friendly out & back 5k course through the Village at Nags Head while enjoying views of the Roanoke Sound."
The 3.1-mile course is a great distance for those honing their running skills and for marathon hopefuls to cut their teeth on. This race benefits the Outer Banks Running Club, enabling it to serve its members, the community and visitors by providing races, clinics and other events.
Jingle Bell 5k Family Fun Run & Walk - December 13, 2014 - With a full 5k and a half-mile children's fun run, the Jingle Bell Family Run & Walk is perfect for the entire family because it isn't a "race." The goal is to get adults and children to get up and move! Participants will support the Northeast NC Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as the Lower Currituck Food Bank.
In the spirit of fun, the Jingle Bell 5k events encourage you to dress for the holidays and they offer some delightfully unique prizes. "The first male and female overall who finish will receive a one-of-a-kind hand-carved driftwood Santa. The first 100 finishers in the 5K will receive a special holiday-themed medal. The two best holiday costumes for adult and child divisions as chosen by the judges will win a Gingerbread cookie house. Children in the half-mile will receive a candy prize for finishing and receive a special holiday-themed medal. All participants registered by Nov. 1 will receive a light green Christmassy scarf with the Jingle Bell 5K race logo embroidered on one end."
In addition to participation in one of the many races, you'll also find the quiet pleasure of Outer Banks fall vacations. Beachfront house rentals let you experience all the fun without the crowds. Plus, because of the geographic location, temperatures remain warm here much longer than in other parts of the U.S.
Head to the store for a new pair of running shoes, register for your preferred race and make your Outer Banks house rental now for the perfect off-season vacation.
