Ocean Fest 5K Beach Run

WHAT
Ocean Fest 5K Beach Run

ABOUT
The ocean has given us so much, and we've decided it's high time to return the favor!

Support Mother Ocean and nonprofits that protect her by running/walking in the Ocean Fest 5K on the beautiful sands of Surf City, NC.  Enjoy running on the beach while knowing that you are supporting efforts to keep our oceans clean and healthy...then stick around to soak in a full day of fun. Ocean Fest is a free, two-day beachside eco/surf/art/music festival with a beer garden, kids zone, and top regional and national bands playing in downtown Surf City until 10 pm.

Note: This run takes place entirely on the sand/beach.  

DISTANCES OFFERED
5K Run or Walk - This is manually timed. 

WHEN
Saturday, May 2, 2026

START/FINISH LINE 
100 North Shore Drive, Beachside
Surf City, NC  28445

HOW TO REGISTER
Register Before the Race: Click on the SIGN UP button in the upper right corner.  Online registration closes 30 minutes before the race starts.
Register At Pre-Race Packet Pickup or On Race Day:  To register at packet pickup or race morning onsite, you must be able to register online from your phone. 

PARKING
Paid parking throughout the town of Surf City.
Check out www.theoceanfest.org website for shuttle bus information.

SCHEDULE
For a full schedule of events, check the Ocean Fest website 

ABOUT OCEAN FEST
The mission of Ocean Fest, Inc. is to celebrate and protect Mother Ocean while supporting other likeminded nonprofit organizations.

Ocean Fest is a two-day live music, arts, surf, eco festival to benefit the ocean.  The organization also works throughout the year to mobilize its coastal community to better protect Mother Ocean through beach/coast cleanups, pop-up events, and the ongoing work with Topsail Island Eco Friendly establishments.

Join fellow runners on May 2, 2026 for the Ocean Fest 5K Beach Run. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Surf City.