Race Info

RACE HISTORY

The Oak Island Lighthouse Run & Walk began 21 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.

In 2006, the Oak Island Lighthouse Race under the leadership of Chairman Seth Robbins added the first 5k.  This was a popular addition especially for those that didn't want to tackle the G.V. Barbee Oak Island Bridge. 

In 2012, the phenomenal growth of the event led organizers to rethink the logistics of a point to point run and with the addition of the 1/2 marathon it was the perfect opportunity for route changes.  Beginning in 2012, all the runs began and ended at the N.C. Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell.

In 2016, after record participation in 2015, we outgrew our location and were compelled to move the race from the NC Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell to Middleton Park Extension in Oak Island.  We added back the 1 Mile Fun Run and a Costume Contest to go with a Jimmy Buffett theme.  

In 2017, we added the Masters (40+) and Grand Masters (50+) Overall Male and Female divisions to the Half, 10k and 5k and in keeping with the Jimmy Buffett theme the finisher medal as a margarita glass on a lanyard.

In 2018, the event moved away from the Jimmy Buffett theme and focused on creating the best experience for the runners while highlighting the uniquely beautiful coastal community we call home. 

Highlights for 2019 include:

• Arrive early on Saturday and participate in the Chalk Art at the Start from 6:00am-7:00am.  Sponsored by Pescado y Amor Paint Studio. 
• Enjoy a race day stretch led by Ilene Evans, yoga instructor at 7:00 a.m. and again at 7:45 a.m.
• After your run enjoy your drink tokens with a beer from our local brewery, Check Six Brewery  or take your token to one of the participating locations throughout our town.
• Celebrate your run with a complimentary SnoBall.
• Half Marathon Finisher Medal is a 3-D medal.

We strive to make this event safe, fun, and enjoyable for all fitness levels.  We hope you agree, the Oak Island Lighthouse 1 Mile Fun Run, 5k, 10k & 1/2 marathon 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?

Due to the Easter Holiday, the Lighthouse Run is a week earlier in 2019.  We hope you will join us and have a great run on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS:

This event is possible with the continued support and cooperation from the Wilmington Road Runners, Town of Oak Island, Town of Caswell Beach, Art @ 211 The Ricky Evans Gallery and our very organized timing company GoTime Race Solutions.