Sledgehammer Beach Run

  • Date Sat 11th April 2026
  • Time 8:30AM EDT
  • Location N Topsail Beach, North Carolina
  • Price Free - $75.20
  • Races 7 races
  • Distances Half Marathon, 10km, 5km

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Sledgehammer Beach Run on Saturday, April 11, 2026, held at the stunning North Topsail Beach in Onslow, North Carolina! This exciting event offers participants the chance to run along the beautiful sandy shores with three thrilling race distances: a challenging Half Marathon, a scenic 10K, and a fun 5K. While in-person spots have sold out, there are still a few virtual options available for those who want to join in from afar.

This unique race not only tests your endurance but also honors the legacy of Dr. E.B. Sledge, a Marine and World War II veteran. A portion of the proceeds will support Semper Fi & America's Fund, aiding wounded service members and their families. Whether you're running for fitness, fun, or a worthy cause, the Sledgehammer Beach Run promises breathtaking views, a supportive community, and a memorable day on the beach. Mark your calendar, prepare for an inspiring run, and let’s celebrate our heroes together!

Organiser's Description

_WE HAVE SOLD OUT OF OUR IN PERSON SPOTS FOR ALL DISTANCES!_

_There are a few virtual options left open._

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Event Address:

2950 Island Drive

North Topsail Beach, NC

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Experience the beauty of North Topsail Beach while testing your endurance in the Sledgehammer Beach Runfeaturing a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. This unique race takes place right on the sand, offering both breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge.

Hosted by the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission, the event is held in memory of Dr. E.B. Sledge, a Marine and World War II veteran whose legacy continues to inspire. The mission of the Sledgehammer Beach Run is simple yet powerful: to honor the memory of Sledgehammer and all combat veterans.

Dr. Sledge, a lifelong Marine, spent his postwar years reflecting on the sacrifices and experiences of those who served alongside him. In his honor, a portion of race proceeds supports Semper Fi & Americas Fund, which provides assistance to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.

Add this bucket-list race to your calendar and run with purpose as you honor heroes, support a worthy cause, and take on the challenge of the Sledgehammer Beach Run.

COURSE INFORMATION

Half marathon, 10k & 5k course are all on the beach

**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.



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 to purchase any item from our race store. Your items will be available to pick up with your packet or shipped to you if you're doing the race virtually. We have a variety of items to choose from.






Reminder: this is a rain or shine event



_New this year_

Due to event popularity we're expecting to fill up the parking at the start/finish area. We have setup a shuttle at Beach Access #31 (address 4030 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach). It will start at 7:15am-8am and then resume from the finish at 9am through 12:45pm. LAST SHUTTLE LEAVES AT 8:00AM SO DON'T MISS IT.

This is a free shuttle and you will be given a parking pass if you park before 7:55am. The parking lot will be free for those with a parking pass until 1pm on April 11th only.

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THIS EVENT IS OWNED & OPERATED BY THE JACKSONVILLE-ONSLOW SPORTS COMMISSION. LEARN MORE ABOUT US AT WWW.PLAYJOSC.COM

Races

  • Sledgehammer Half Marathon Beach Run

    Incl. $5.20 Fee

    Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)

    $75.20

    CLOSED
    The entire course will be on the beach.Cutoff time of 4hours. Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments.
  • Sledgehammer 10k Beach Run

    Incl. $4.30 Fee

    Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)

    $59.30

    CLOSED
    Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments.
  • Sledgehammer 5k Beach Run

    Incl. $3.40 Fee

    Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)

    $43.40

    CLOSED
    Registration comes with finisher medal (only those that finish the race), drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, bib with chiming chip and access to finish line refreshments.
  • Sledgehammer Half Marathon Virtual Race

    Incl. $2.50 Fee

    $27.50

    CLOSED
  • Sledgehammer 10k Virtual Race

    Incl. $2.50 Fee

    $27.50

    CLOSED
  • Sledgehammer 5k Virtual Race

    Incl. $2.50 Fee

    $27.50

    CLOSED
  • Child Waiver

    Sat 11th April 2026 (8:30AM EDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    This category is for children ages 0-5 years old. They must be carried during the event. Strollers not a part of this event due to the terrain.

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Location

2950 Island Drive, N Topsail Beach, 28460, NC, United States

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