Outer Banks Annual Events - Sports & Fitness

Swap out your witch’s broomstick for running shoes for this Halloween activity. The Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run is an annual event held on the last Saturday of October. The 5K course takes runners from the Roanoke Island’s Coastal Studies Institute to the Dare County Center on the scenic trail full of woodland and marsh views. Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female runners. The Sweet Treat Fun Run follows the 5K and is open to both walkers and runners. Costumes are strongly encouraged, so you can channel your outer Nike as well as inner one for this event. The Dare to Scare 5K and Sweet Treat Fun Run is organized by OBX GoFar, and you can register for either race on their website.

Calling all swashbucklers, buccaneers and everything in between to lace up your finest running shoes and enjoy a great race through some beautiful scenery. You and the members of your crew can walk, jog or run in this half marathon or 5K that’ll take you through the picturesque maritime forest in Nags Head Woods, along the Albemarle Sound and around the Wright Brothers Memorial. And don’t forget, a respectable pirate always looks his or her best, so make sure you’re dressed for the part. Prizes are awarded to the best-dressed and most enthusiastic participants. After the run, you and fellow scallywags can celebrate with the Pirate Jamboree in Nags Head. There is free beer and food for runners and live music to groove to. This Outer Banks event is held in mid-April. Go to www.flyingpiratehalfmarathon.com to register.

If you’re a windsurfing fiend or have a serious appreciation for the sport, the annual Hatteras Wave Jam is an Outer Banks event that shouldn’t be missed. The Wave Jam is part of the U.S. East Coast Windsurfing Competition and Tour featuring the top national and international windsurfers. There are all different levels of competition to add variety to the event. Hatteras is one of the premiere windsurfing spots on the East Coast thanks to the wind and water conditions on the barrier islands. This advantageous environment makes Hatteras windsurfing an awesome sport for athletes and spectators alike. The Outer Banks is proud to host this week-long annual event where you can watch the pros put their talent to the test. For more information or questions, get in touch through the event's Facebook page.

Bring in the New Year a different way by joining locals and visitors for a 5K along the Beach Road. The start gun goes off at about 10:45 p.m., and you can run, walk or bike your way into the New Year. Just show up at Tortugas' Lie on the Beach Road in Nags Head at 10:45 a.m.; no registration or entry fee is required.

Give thanks for the enthusiastic and supportive local running community that’s made possible by the Outer Banks Running Club. The Outer Banks Running Club’s main fundraiser, the OBX Gobble 5K and Fun Run, is an annual Thanksgiving event that the entire family is invited to enjoy. The courses take participants through Nags Head, making it hard not to feel thankful for the environment’s natural beauty. This family friendly event is open to all runners, joggers and walkers. Runners who want to include younger participants with them are encouraged to bring baby strollers, jogging strollers and wagons. Runners who aren’t enticed by the length of the 5K can opt for the Fun Run, which has a 9/10 mile course. All who finish the race receive a finisher’s award. This annual event is held on Thanksgiving morning with the 5K first, followed by the Fun Run. Go to the Outer Banks Running Club’s website to register in advance.