Blackbeard's Half Marathon

Getting to the start is part of this race. Ocracoke sits at the southern end of the Outer Banks with ferry access only, and most runners stay within walking or biking distance of the start near 1718 Brewery. The half closes a weekend that opens with the Scallywag 5K and 10K, and entry money goes to the island's community radio station, the school athletic boosters, and the community park.

Flat the whole way. Runners head north on the Ocracoke multi-use trail toward Cape Hatteras National Seashore, circle the Park Service campground, then return south and wind through village neighborhoods to the finish. The trail sections have almost no shelter, which makes wind the main variable on an otherwise fast layout.

Late April on Ocracoke is usually mild at a 7:00 start, in the 50s or low 60s. Wind off the sound and the ocean matters more than temperature, and a headwind on the return leg can undo an even first half.