Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon

Event overview

The Carolina Beach State Park Trail Half Marathon & 5K is a trail running event in Carolina Beach, NC, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The race starts and finishes at American Legion Post #129, 1500 Bridge Barrier Road, Carolina Beach, NC 28428. Registration opened August 6, 2025. Participant caps are 300 for the Half Marathon and 300 for the 5K.

• 13.1 miles
• 3.1 miles

The listed entry fees at the time of publication are $65 for the Half Marathon and $33 for the 5K.

Course, logistics, and awards

Both courses run on Carolina Beach State Park trails that include pine-lined single track, shoreline sections, forested areas, and passage through a maintained campground. The Half Marathon consists of two loops and has a course cutoff of 3.5 hours (16 minute per mile pace). The event is timed.

Finish-line amenities include a finisher medal for all finishers, snacks, and water supplied by Culligan. Participants 21 and older are provided one beer on the American Legion patio. A beanie hat is given to participants who register by December 2, 2025 and attend pre-race packet pickup or the race.

Awards: both events present top 3 overall male and female. Age-group awards are given top 3 male and female in listed age brackets for each event. Parking is available at a nearby Food Lion; parking behind the Food Lion or near loading docks is prohibited. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.