The Oak Island Lighthouse Run & Walk began 20 years ago when Clarence Willie, a Chamber Board member, avid runner and retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel suggested the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce organize a 10k run/walk. The Chamber Board appointed Clarence Willie the Chair and with great enthusiasm the first run was held on April 10,1999.
We strive to make this event safe, fun, and enjoyable for all fitness levels. We hope you agree, the Oak Island Lighthouse 1/2 marathon, 10 K and 5 K courses showcase the best scenery on the North Carolina Coast.
What other course can you see salt marshes, the Atlantic Ocean, wide beautiful beaches, and have a Lighthouse as a cheerleader?
Because of the planning involved to make this event fun, safe and enjoyable for all, it was necessary to make this decision well in advance of the race date. “There is no way to accurately predict what public health challenges we will still face in April”, said Ilene Evans, Co-Chair of the Oak Island Lighthouse Run Committee.
In addition to the number of entries, the Lighthouse Run relies on the commitment of several local student and civic volunteer groups to ensure the success of this event. “Our decision has taken into consideration the health and safety of our volunteers as well as our participants.” said Seth Robbins, Co-Chair of the Oak Island Lighthouse Run Committee. Robbins continued, “The early nature of this decision is out of respect for the training efforts put forth by race participants.”
“We look forward to reconvening in April 2022 and thank our sponsors and participants for the support and understanding of this decision.”
“The management team at Go Time supports the 2021 Lighthouse Run in their decision to forgo the 2021 event for spring of 2022. Each race we work with has had to face unique challenges in their choice as whether or not to have in person racing. Participant experience, and safety, isn’t something that the Lighthouse Run or Go Time are willing to compromise on, and we back the decision to wait to invite the running world back to Oak Island in April of 2022” Colin Hackman, President of GoTime.
The Oak Island Lighthouse Run/Walk is held annually the third Saturday in April with the exception being when the Easter weekend falls on the same weekend. The Oak Island Lighthouse Run is an event of the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. For further information visit: http://www.oakislandlighthouserun.com, call (910) 457-6964 or stop by the Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce at 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461.