Outer Banks Marathons
OK, so it’s no secret…I am not a runner. I do like my long walks and that’s all that they are. There are many people who run. Daily. If not daily, then several times a week or weekly. So, it should not be a surprise that many of these folks partake in organized marathons. These marathons and half marathons are put on by hundreds of organizations and for hundreds of causes. One such organization, Outer Banks Sporting Events, hosts several events every year. Marathons, half marathons, cycling events and more. Their bread and butter event is the OBX Marathon held every November.
The Different Events
There are literally dozens of runs every year out in the Outer Banks. There are runs on various holidays, such as Thanksgiving and New Years. When people talk about the main run events at the OBX, the OBXSE events are the ones that come to mind. These events offer great camaraderie, competition, as well as health and fitness. If that’s not enough, you’ll get t shirts, medals and an after party afterwards. These parties include food and beer!
- The season starts with the Running of the Leprechauns in March. This is a new event for this year, It involves a 5K or a 10K event at the Nature Conservancy. I am sure we will see runners out in their Irish best.
- April brings the Flying Pirate Half Marathon and First Flight 5K. This is a years old run where folks dress up in pirate garb and run on the West side of Hwy 158.
- The OBX Triathlon takes place in September. A triathlon is a combination swim, run and biking event. This particular event begins and ends in Manteo. You can even elect to form a relay team where each leg of the event is performed by separate individuals.
- Another September event brings the Outer Banks Cycle Event. The event takes place in Manteo along various routes depending on length. There is a 50 mile, 40K, 20K and 8K event. If cycling is your thing, this definitely warrants a look.
- And then the big kahuna event every Veteran’s Day weekend in November, is the Outer Banks Marathon. There is a 5K, 8K and Southern Fried Half Marathon on day one. Day two brings the picturesque, full fledged, Boston Marathon qualifying run in the Outer Banks Marathon. I say picturesque because the main event starts in Kitty Hawk and takes you through Nags Head. From there, you’ll go across the Baum Bridge, Virginia Dare Bridge, Manns Harbor Bridge and ending in Manteo.
So what are you waiting for? If running is your game, have a look at these events and start planning your stay with us. Don’t forget, there are other things you can do if running is not on your list of things to do. https://mvillaobx.com/our-obx-top-10/
We look forward to having you as our guests!
Aris
For anyone considering staying at Aris’ place and running the OBX races – DO IT!!! The location is perfect to the start/finish and pick-up/drop-off locations. You can relax the night before the race in the comfort of the condo. With a full kitchen, you can prepare your prerace breakfast and have plenty of time to clean-up after the race. You have plenty of other things to worry about for a race – don’t let your accommodations be one of your worries. I highly recommend staying if you are in town for any OBX race events or for any other get-away as well!
Thanks Kristi! What better commentary than from a person who lives this life twice a year. We appreciate your choosing to stay with us. Be careful though, you may have invited competition for M Villa OBX accommodations for race weekends! 🙂