Races & Course Info

The Flying Pirate Half Marathon, winding its way through the natural beauty that is North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is like no other. Come run with us and cover some spectacular ground!  After finishing the Flying Pirate, you will have run one of the most beautiful parts of the East Coast – literally!  Don’t take our word for it – come see for yourself.

The Flying Pirate course is the first half of the Outer Banks Marathon course.  Click here to see a "live" version of the Outer Banks Marathon course, which shows the first half of the FP course (minus the Finish).  The Live Google Map was created by runner, Thea Ganoe...thanks, Thea!

Course Description
Begin your journey in historic Kitty Hawk, home to the birth of aviation. Run with the ghosts of the Wright Brothers as you meander the Memorial Trail on the edge of the picturesque Albemarle Sound. This part of the course is flat, but don’t run so fast that you miss the incredible Outer Banks scenery. Sea oats, herons, egrets and sound views create a relaxing start to your 13.1 mile-long journey.

After just a few miles you’ll be greeted by the real Outer Banks – the people who make up this warm, close-knit community. Feel the energy boost as they applaud your run down residential Bay Drive on your way towards history.

At mile 8 you’ll run along the base of the famous Wright Brothers Monument, marking the location of the first flight that took place on December 17, 1903. Look up and you are sure to see planes flying overhead. You’ll be running where flight began!  Imagine adding wings to your shoes and take flight.

Just two miles down the road, yet another surprise is in store. Around mile 10, you’ll enter the Nags Head Woods Nature Preserve. This lush maritime forest will amaze you with its understated beauty. All the beauty of trail running, along a well-packed, dirt road.

No one said this was going to be easy. At about mile 12, you’ll leave Nags Head Woods on a narrow trail with off-road conditions. You are on the home stretch to the Finish!  Take in the beauty of this awesome maritme forest and give yourself a pat on the back...you made it!  Now it's party time!!

NOTE: The Outer Banks is at sea level and the point-to-point course is mainly flat. There is one point of course elevation, with the Nags Head Woods Preserve around mile 12.

The First Flight 5K is one of the most exciting 5K's in the area!  Not only do you run UP to the Wright Brothers National Memorial (with the most spectacular views of the Outer Banks!) but you finish in the presence of Orville and Wilbur Wright...literally!

Course Description
The National Park Service has partnered with Outer Banks Sporting Events to offer a road race on park property.  This out and back course will have you running up and around the memorial and along the same path that Orville and Wilbur Wright took on their first flight!  Course map available soon!