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Crystal Coast Running & Fitness Events - 2026 Schedule

Crystal Coast Running & Fitness Events - 2026 Schedule
Week of October 12, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Friday, October 16th - Saturday, October 17th
Atlantic Beach

Have a lot of stamina and want to explore the coastal North Carolina region in its entirety? Then you’ll want to grab your friends and family and sign up for the massive but all-around fun Tuna Run 200 Relay. This relay race that extends more than 200 miles from start to finish takes participants on a fascinating tour of eastern North Carolina, and eventually lands in the heart of the Crystal Coast in the sunny town of Atlantic Beach.

Saturday, October 17th 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Newport

The Crystal Coast Highland Games is an annual celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage that brings together athletes, musicians, dancers, clans, vendors, and visitors for a day of culture, competition, and family-friendly entertainment on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Held each fall in Newport, the event showcases many of the traditions that have made Highland Games popular around the world, offering attendees an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Scotland without leaving the coast.

Week of October 19, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24th
Emerald Isle

Rapidly becoming a favorite tradition for active Crystal Coast visitors and locals alike, the Emerald Isle Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5K Races are a great opportunity for folks to discover the gorgeous communities and shorelines of Emerald Isle and beyond, while supporting a worthy local cause and enjoying a little competitive spirit in the heart of the Outer Banks.

Week of November 2, 2026 - November 8, 2026
Saturday, November 7th
Beaufort

Take in one of the most scenic new routes of the Crystal Coast with this unique fitness event that is celebrating its 7th year in 2025. The Beaufort Bridge Run 5K & 1+ Mile Dog Strut, with its unique course that includes two new bridges, has become one of the most popular races in the region with visitors from all over eastern North Carolina and the country taking advantage of this fun running event that features unparalleled views.

Week of November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026
Friday, November 13th - Saturday, November 14th
Beaufort

The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is one of coastal North Carolina’s most popular history-themed festivals, transforming the waterfront town of Beaufort into a lively seaport filled with pirates, soldiers, merchants, and colonial-era characters. Held annually in downtown Beaufort, the event celebrates the town’s rich maritime heritage and commemorates the historic Spanish attack on Beaufort in 1747, as well as the region’s connections to the legendary pirate Blackbeard and other seafaring figures.

Week of November 23, 2026 - November 29, 2026
Thursday, November 26th 8:30 AM
Pine Knoll Shores

The Pine Knoll Shores Turkey Trot is a popular Thanksgiving Day tradition that brings together runners, walkers, families, and visitors for a morning of fitness, fun, and community spirit along North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Held annually at McNeil Park in Pine Knoll Shores, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities and offers a festive way to start the holiday before gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving celebrations.

Crystal Coast Map
Emerald Isle Indian Beach Pine Knoll Shores Atlantic Beach Shackleford Banks Beaufort Morehead City Cape Lookout Cedar Island Harkers Island New Bern
New Bern Firemans Museum

The New Bern Fire Department began as a fraternal organization and was originally called the "Atlantic Hook & Ladder Company," and was the first chartered fire department in the state of North Carolina. This original company became inactive...

Anchor's Away, Oceanview House in Emeral...

It is Anchor's Away as you set sail, release your troubles, and savor a phenomenal vacation in the heart of pretty Emerald Isle! This roomy home has a Reverse-Floor Plan, ocean and pier vistas and a private pool located in a maritime forest. The...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 4 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 8
Spectacular Views! OCEANFRONT 8 BR, 4 BA...

We are pleased to host you in our comfortable oceanfront home, Sea Star. Whether you are looking for a charming hideaway, a fun gathering place for the family, or an impressive fishing destination, Sea Star is the place to be! This splendid sea...

  • Emerald Isle
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • 4 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 18
Lookout Cruises

Visitors can enjoy the Crystal Coast’s most coveted and hard-to-reach shorelines, or just embark on a breezy cruise of the open waters in search of dolphins and sunsets, with a trip that’s guided by Lookout Cruises. This local tour...

Ocean Club B301--Corner, Top Floor Ocean...

This is a top floor, oceanfront corner unit, which means that no one will be above you and additional windows for additional brightness. There are many upgrades throughout our unit, but most importantly the view is spectacular. One of our favorite...

  • Indian Beach
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
Shackleford Wild Horse & Shelling Safari

Take a quick and scenic ferry ride with your experienced guide over to the pristine Outer Banks Island of Shackleford Banks, which is part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. There, you are introduced to the wild horses of Shackleford...