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
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 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.