Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K
- Date Sat 3rd January 2026
- Time 8:00AM EST
- Location Carolina Beach, North Carolina
- Price $36.48 - $70.40
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km, Half Marathon
Event summary
Join us for an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday, January 3, 2026! Set against the stunning backdrop of Carolina Beach, New Hanover, this event offers participants the unique opportunity to race through rolling pine-laced single tracks along the scenic coast of North Carolina. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a brisk walk, choose between the 13.1-mile half marathon or the 3.1-mile 5K course, both specially designed to accommodate all levels of speed and ability.
The race kicks off and concludes at the American Legion Post #129, where participants can look forward to a celebratory atmosphere filled with exciting prizes, finisher medals, and delicious snacks. For those 21 and older, enjoy a refreshing beer on the patio after crossing the finish line! With limited spots available for both the half marathon and 5K, don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant community event that supports the Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks. Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable race day experience!
The race kicks off and concludes at the American Legion Post #129, where participants can look forward to a celebratory atmosphere filled with exciting prizes, finisher medals, and delicious snacks. For those 21 and older, enjoy a refreshing beer on the patio after crossing the finish line! With limited spots available for both the half marathon and 5K, don’t miss your chance to be part of this vibrant community event that supports the Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks. Mark your calendars, lace up your running shoes, and get ready for an unforgettable race day experience!
Organiser's Description
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
American Legion Post #129
1500 Bridge Barrier Road
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
- Beer provided to participants 21+ years old
- Snacks
- Water from 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 [https://runsignup.com/Race/CarolinaBeachStateParkTrailRace/Page-2] for 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.
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.
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
American Legion Post #129
1500 Bridge Barrier Road
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
- Beer provided to participants 21+ years old
- Snacks
- Water from 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 [https://runsignup.com/Race/CarolinaBeachStateParkTrailRace/Page-2] for 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.
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.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $5.40 Fee & Beanie
Sat 3rd January 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$70.40
OPENS AUG 25 -
5k
Incl. $3.48 Fee & Beanie
Sat 3rd January 2026 (8:30AM EST)
$36.48
OPENS AUG 25
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