Run Oak Island - Race Reviews

While the course runs along the ocean a lot, you cannot see the ocean because of dunes. Some scenic neighborhoods but much of the race you are running in the bike lane with traffic. Running past the lighthouse was very cool though. Mile markers were often missing. As a slower runner I found it disappointing that organizers began tearing down around the 5 hour mark, all except immediate finish line. I won my age group but had to hunt someone down to collect my award. Us slow runners ran just as far as the fast ones.

The race is billed to be friendly for walkers with a 7 hour cut off. Crossing the line at 6:15 and no signs of the beer or food as advertised. Volunteers were nice. Course was ok. Up and down a bridge at mile 23 is silly, Medal is huge.

This was my first time running Oak Island. Temperature was very good - started in the mid 30s and was up to the mid 50s by 11:00. Race starts nice and early at 6:45 (both marathon and half marathon). Parking is close by and plentiful and there were a decent number of toilets at the start line. However, no bag check, likely due to the fact that you can park within a 10 min walk. Also, I was able to pick up my bib about 40 min to the gun going off, which was great, because I was coming from out of town. The course is very nice, although you don't really see much of the ocean. The few fans that are out are super enthusiastic. There was one super cheerleader that I saw at least 4 times - she was over-the-top enthusiastic (in the best way) - other marathons need to hire her. Lots of hydration stations, which was great, but not a single gel to be had anywhere on the course - even though they had it listed on their website. That's a big no for me - it's fine if you say there won't be any, but to put on your site that you will and then not have it is just sloppy. As another reviewer mentioned - there is a steep bridge at mile 23, which didn't really add anything to the race. The finish line was fine - medal, water, a banana, a small little thing of BBQ (which to be fair was good), and a beer. Swag consisted of a t-shirt and a finisher long sleeve.

I ran this race 2022. The course was lovely, weather was amazing. I loved running close to the shore and winding through the neighborhoods. There were plenty of water/gatorade stops, although they did not provide any supplements. For me, that did not matter. I carry what I need. There are not a lot of spectators, which did not bother me. I am more keen on stunning scenery and this course did not disappoint. We could see the ocean and marshes throughout much of the course. My one complaint was the enormous bridge at mile 24. Why include that? It was not scenic and was brutal on the legs at mile 24. Having to go up and over then turn around and come back just seemed like torture especially when the surround neighborhood is so cute and quaint. Surely there is a way to skip that unwelcome monstrosity? Outside of my dislike of the beast-of-a-bridge, I loved the course. The race was very well organized. Staff/volunteers were gracious. I am a big fan of 'pretty' races and this one checked the box!

This was a very tough race. There was not enough support or runners to make it fun. Also, pelting rain for the last hour made for a very challenging time.

I participated in the half, but we vacation at Oak Island in the summer and I frequently have run parts of the course for the full that weren't on the half. Those areas are shady and offer some views of the intercostal as well as the ocean. The half course doesn't go near the intercostal and offered only a few views of the ocean, but it -- as well as the full -- is incredibly flat. Easy parking at the start/finish (though I was staying close enough to walk over) and tons of food afterward. The race is part of the BAM series, as in Big A-- Medal. And indeed the medal was a bit over the top. Make that a lot over the top. Similar races -- and BAMs -- are at three nearby islands. All in all, a nice event for what proved to be a leisurely training run.