FAQs

The following FAQ's apply to the Outer Banks Marathon and Flying Pirate races.

Is there a deadline for registration?
Registration will close once runner limits are met. We will post a notice on the OBSE and race home page if/when registration is approaching our runner limits.  Otherwise, registration will remain open until approximately one week before race weekend, and in-person registration can be done at the race EXPO.

Are the courses certified?
Yes, by USA Track & Field (USATF). The certification numbers for the courses are:
NC-07018-PH Outer Banks Marathon
NC-07017-PH Outer Banks Half Marathon.

Is the Outer Banks Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes. We will forward race results to the Boston Athletic Association for runners who meet Boston's qualifying standards.

How tall is the Washington-Baum Bridge?
1.05 miles long, 82' tall (from the surface of the water), with a 650' climb to the top at a 4% grade.

What time do the races start?
Race times are posted on the home page of each event.

Course time limits?
Yes.  Please go to the event home page for course time limits.

Walker-Friendly?
Yes, all of our road races are walker-friendly.

Ipods/Headphones allowed?
Yes.

Where will the races Start and Finish?
A course description/map is posted on each race web page.

What is a 'Wear-Your-Number' shirt?
It's a high quality technical shirt printed with your Outer Banks Marathon or Half Marathon race number, race logo, and your name or a personalized message. This is an official race shirt and can be worn in place of the normal paper number. This shirt has been offered to Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon participants only.

Will this event be Chip Timed?
Yes, the Chronotrack Timing System, provided by Lin-Mark Computer Sports.  The Chrontrack D-tag will be attached to your race bib and the D-tag must be removed from the bib and attached to your shoes, as shown here . NOTE: Championship Chips cannot be used for the races as the D-tag technology is different.  You must use the Chronotrack D-tag.

Where should I stay?
Please check out our Accommodation Sponsors for places to stay . The Outer Banks offers an array of lodging options, such as hotels, motels, inns, and beach cottages. You may also go to www.outerbanks.org for places to stay.

What else is there to do on the Outer Banks?
The Outer Banks is a playground for adults and kids alike! Offering a variety of adventure, art, dining, history, watersports and beach fun, there just is no time for boredom!! To find out where to play, dine, shop and more, please visit www.outerbanks.org .

Where do I pick up my race number and t-shirt (e.g. packet pick-up)?
Participants must pick up their race number, participant t-shirt and race bag in person at the race EXPO. There is no race day packet pick-up. To pick up packets, registered participants must be prepared to show a valid photo ID or their www.Active.com registration confirmation. Click here for EXPO location and directions.

If I can't make it to the EXPO, can a friend or family member pick up my race packet?
Yes, with a signed note from you and/or a copy of your ID (license).

Will there be Transportation to both marathon/half marathon Starts?
Yes. Shuttle service will be available to transport runners to the Start and back to their car after the Finish. The service is free to all registered runners. A shuttle schedule will be available online closer to race day and included in the race program, found in your race bag.

Will there be a Gear Bag Service?
Yes, for the Outer Banks Marathon & Half Marathon, and the Flying Pirate Half Marathon.  BYOB...Bring Your Own Bag!  UPS will be at the Starts to collect your bags and transport your gear to the Finish...thanks, UPS!  You will receive a label in your race bag at packet pick-up (it's a tear-off label attached to your race number). Make sure you fill out your tag and follow the instructions given.  GREEN NOTE: Our 2010 race bags are re-usable grocery bags.  If you plan to utilize our Gear Bag Service, please use a closeable bag (zippered, drawstring, keeping the size to 16"x20" or less), like a small duffel bag or backpack, thanks!

Will there be adequate rest room facilities at the Start and along the marathon/half marathon courses?
Yes, there will be port-a-potties at the Start, the Finish and about every 2-3 miles along the courses.

How many water stops are there on the course?
Water will be available at key areas along the marathon and half marathon courses.  Specific locations will be posted on each race site.

Energy Gels?
Yes, assorted flavors will be available at key areas along the marathon and half marathon courses.

Gatorade?
Yes, in various flavors.  Gatorade Endurance Formula (TM) is the exclusive sports beverage of the Outer Banks Marathon and Gateway Bank Half Marathon
Marathon — at mile 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 25
Half Marathon — at mile 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12.

Is there a Post Race Party?
Yes!  You can "Party Like a Pirate!" at one of our Pirate Jamborees!  Your family and friends are invited to join in the celebration, which will include live music, beer, food vendors and award ceremonies.

Will Medals be given out to finishers?
Yes.

Age Group Awards?
Age group awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group for all 5K, 8K, half marathon and marathon races (excluding the "Just For Fun 5K").  For the Outer Banks Marathon, there will not be a 10-14 age group award, as our minimum age limit is 16 years old to participate.  For the Outer Banks Half Marathon and the Flying Pirate Half Marathon, the 10-14 age group awards will be limited to runners age 12-14 years old.

Prize Purse?
Yes, we have a prize purse for the Outer Banks Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K, and for the Flying Pirate Half Marathon.  Check back soon for a breakdown.

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