April 13 – Kitty Hawk, N.C.
2013 will see the fourth annual Flying Pirate Half Marathon & First Flight 5k. Last April it was a rainy Sunday morning when the start gun rang out and thousands of runners were released onto the half-marathon, beginning in Kitty Hawk at Dominion Power on The Woods Road and finishing in Nags Head behind the YMCA. Nevertheless, the race reached capacity last year, with 2,500 registered participants. Mile markers along the 13.1-mile course were manned by enthusiastic local volunteers and student groups, cheering the runners on and handing out water and Gatorade. The half-marathon included the nation’s largest pirate-themed costume contest and judges were present along the course, judging not only costume creativity but enthusiasm too.
All that morning the rain continued to soak the tenacious runners, who were greeted at the finish with cheers and medals and a warm egg biscuit sandwich. The post-race party was shortened by the rain, but the accomplishments of the runners, volunteers, and event staff were nothing short of spectacular.
100% of the proceeds from this year’s event will be shared by two local nonprofits: the Dare Education Foundation, working to maximize student potential by providing resources to benefit students and teachers in all Dare County Schools, and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, providing financial assistance for families in crisis.
For more information or to register, please visit www.obxmarathon.org.
