Sledgehammer Beach Run
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About the race
The Sledgehammer Beach Run takes place March 26–27, 2027 in North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, at 2950 Island Drive. The event includes in-person and virtual race options held on the sand.
Offered distances include:
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles) on the beach, with a four-hour cutoff.
- 10K (6.2 miles) on the beach.
- Sunset 5K (3.1 miles) on the beach.
- Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual 10K, and Virtual 5K options.
Registration for in-person races includes a finisher medal for those who complete the course, a drawstring bag, exclusive restaurant discounts, a bib with a chiming chip, and access to finish-line refreshments. T-shirts and other apparel are available for purchase from the race store and can be picked up with a race packet or shipped to virtual participants.
A free shuttle is provided on March 27 from a designated beach access lot; attendees who arrive early receive a parking pass that allows use of the parking lot until early afternoon on that day. The event is rain-or-shine.
The run is presented by the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission and is held in memory of Dr. E.B. Sledge, a Marine and World War II veteran. A portion of proceeds supports Semper Fi & America’s Fund, which assists wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
