It’s race day tomorrow on Ocracoke.
The Fourth Annual Foothills Brewing Carolina Blonde 5K/10K begins at 8 a.m. at Gaffer’s Sports Pub on Irvin Garrish Highway where it also ends, followed by the awards ceremony and a party, featuring the title sponsor’s own Carolina Blonde cream ale.
The Family Fun Run of one mile begins around 10 a.m. and ends at Ocracoke Coffee Company, Back Road and Sunset Drive.
More than 300 runners ran last year on the course that takes runners past the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the harbor, down historic Howard Street and back to the finish line at Gaffer’s Sports Pub. Food, music, and after race beverages will be provided at Gaffer’s after the race. Last year’s race raised more than $30,000 for three of Ocracoke’s non-profits with proceeds divided equally between WOVV Ocracoke Community Radio, the Ocracoke School Athletic Boosters Club and the Ocracoke Community Park.
Following both runs, at 12:30 p.m., the Community Park ball field will be dedicated.
“We’ll have a brief dedication then some ball games,” said Greg Honeycutt, who is the race director and fundraising organizer for the ball field.
Last minute runners may sign up for the race at Gaffer’s before it starts, but complimentary T-shirt sizes won’t be guaranteed.
Fees for 10K/5K tomorrow are $37 for adults; $16 for ages 18 and under before 4/12.
Fees for Family Fun Run are $15 (Free for ages 5 & under if accompanied by a paying adult).
The top three male and female runners will receive an award as well as the top three male and female finishers of each age category. Everyone completing the Family Run will receive a medal recognizing the event.
In addition to title sponsor Foothills Brewing, among the other major sponsors of the event are Ocracoke Coffee Company, the Jolly Roger, Wells Fargo, Ocracoke Civic and Business Assn. and Towne Bank.
To become a sponsor for the 2016 event which is scheduled to include a half marathon to benefit Ocracoke Child Care Center, contact Greg Honeycutt at 252-207-1305, or greg@oceanatlanticrentals.com.
