The Fifth Annual Carolina Blonde Ocracoke Island 10K/5K will add a half marathon this year and be held over two days Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24.
All three races begin at 8 a.m. starting at Gaffer’s Sports Pub.
The one-mile Mile Family Fun Run on Saturday will follow the 5K/10K. It will begin at Ocracoke Child Care Center, Old Beach Road, and end at Ocracoke Coffee Co., sponsor of the Fun Run.
Both the 5K/10 and half-marathon courses have been officially certified.
Close to $100,000.00 has been raised since 2012 benefiting Ocracoke Community Park, Ocracoke School Boosters Club and Ocracoke Community Radio.
This year the runs will add a fourth nonprofit beneficiary, Ocracoke Child Care Center.
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 Fun Run will receive a medal recognizing the event.
All 10k/5K runners will receive a T-shirt (sizes not guaranteed after April 7 pre-registration) with local artist design.
Beginning 11:30 a.m., Gaffer’s Sports Pub will host post run party. There will be no charge for 10k/5K runners. Food and beverages will be provided.
In addition to helping these great local charities, the run weekend brings visitors to the island that contribute to Ocracoke’s overall economy during an off season weekend, said Kari Styron, one of the race organizers.
“It is amazing to see this event grow each year,” she said. “Over the last four years, the race has raised over $100,000 for Ocracoke Island non-profits.”
In addition to the fees generated from race participants, the race seeks sponsors to help boost the overall proceeds to benefit these nonprofits.
Carolina Blonde Cream Ale is the title sponsor, and there are more than 45 local and regional sponsors.
For more information and to register for the races, visit www.runocracoke.com.
Any business or individual wishing to become a sponsor for this event should contact Greg Honeycutt, race director at greg@oceanatlanticrentals.com, or call 252-207-1305.
