Run Oak Island (BAM! Race Series)
Oak Island, NC
- 26.25 Miler, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Run Oak Island is the first race of the BAM! Race Series located on the lower Brunswick County Islands! BAM is short for #BigAssMedals and the medals do not disappoint! Oak Island is a beautiful coastal island large enough for a FULL MARATHON! The annual Run Oak Island events will … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Feb 13):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 50 | 65 | 64 | 64 | 59 |
| L (°F) | 32 | 52 | 40 | 43 | 42 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Nice Coastal Town Race
Oak Island and neighboring Southport were great to hang out in before the race. I’m writing this three months after I did the race so I have forgotten some details. … MORE
Oak Island and neighboring Southport were great to hang out in before the race. I’m writing this three months after I did the race so I have forgotten some details. But the start and parking were relatively easy on marathon day. If you do the 5k the day before the parking is much more difficult. The course is pretty flat outside of the out and back on the bridge over the intercoastal. There are pace groups at 30 minute intervals if you want to run with people. There’s an option for an ultra that adds a half mile to the marathon course. The finish area seemed unremarkable from my memory but the medal is the biggest thing I’ve ever seen. I would consider going back for the half because I really liked the area.
Great beach race
This is a beautiful setting and beach. As far as beaches go, it's nice, there's no tacky boardwalk, it is a beach for peace and enjoyment. The route has some … MORE
This is a beautiful setting and beach. As far as beaches go, it’s nice, there’s no tacky boardwalk, it is a beach for peace and enjoyment. The route has some inclines but considering what I normally run on I still say its pretty flat. I ran the half and there are two choices for the half: east or west. One being flatter and the other having an extremely long time limit. I am still recovering from a knee injury so I did the west course and walked it. Lots of encouraging people-I guess I looked worse than I thought. I didn’t think that the overpass out and back was bad at all. The after party was big with vendors and booths. The swag was a short sleeved tshirt with super soft material. Maybe not my favorite color, but comfy. The medal is huge! and nice.
A terrific racing experience
Well-organized race with friendly volunteers, gorgeous medals and shirts, and tasty refreshments after. Coastal Race Productions consistently offers quality races - good communication, friendly staff and volunteers, and the best … MORE
Well-organized race with friendly volunteers, gorgeous medals and shirts, and tasty refreshments after. Coastal Race Productions consistently offers quality races – good communication, friendly staff and volunteers, and the best medals! Oak Island is a beautiful setting as are the other BAM beach races.
5 shoe rating - Run Oak Island NC
The Oak Island Marathon by Coastal Race Productions is a 5-shoe experience from start to finish. Runners are treated to beautiful coastal scenery, highlighted by the iconic Oak Island Lighthouse, … MORE
The Oak Island Marathon by Coastal Race Productions is a 5-shoe experience from start to finish. Runners are treated to beautiful coastal scenery, highlighted by the iconic Oak Island Lighthouse, with outstanding course support that keeps you hydrated and encouraged every mile. At the finish, the legendary Big Ass Medals and awesome swag make the effort worth it, and the celebration continues with a lively after party full of music, food, and community spirit—an unforgettable coastal marathon experience.
The staff and volunteers are the BEST!
Being one of the LAST finishers had the crowd thinned out, but the workers still there cheered for me like I was The FIRST. The photographer was still there taking … MORE
Being one of the LAST finishers had the crowd thinned out, but the workers still there cheered for me like I was The FIRST. The photographer was still there taking photos, and the race director was there cheering everyone on at the finish.
Beach town race
I chose to get up at 2 am to drive the 2.5 hours to this race. The course for the half marathon was quite flat and was mostly through neighborhoods. … MORE
I chose to get up at 2 am to drive the 2.5 hours to this race. The course for the half marathon was quite flat and was mostly through neighborhoods. There wasn’t really much opportunity to see the ocean from the course due to the sand dunes. The medal was pretty big and the t-shirt was a nice soft blend.
Fun, Sunny Run at the Beach
Really well-produced race with first-class medal and shirt. Ample aid stations. Great looping course that takes you on the street fronting the ocean to the island interior and even out … MORE
Really well-produced race with first-class medal and shirt. Ample aid stations. Great looping course that takes you on the street fronting the ocean to the island interior and even out and back on the bridge over the intercoastal waterway. But it is all street running, and the sun comes up early: 50s feel HOT in February. Great barbecue at the finish. Mediocre beer. Best medals in racing — though your pre-race packet is just going to be their colorful T-shirt and a number. Could do more with swag (see Gorilla events in Nebraska) that emphasizes what’s local and awesome about the Grand Strand! Decent field for all races that mix throughout. You’re never likely to run alone, but the walkers and 5K and 10K-ers could distract you.
Fine Island for a Long (or Short) Race
BAM does it better than just about anyone, and they have the track record, busy race calendar, and incomparable swag to prove it. This has got to be their highlight … MORE
BAM does it better than just about anyone, and they have the track record, busy race calendar, and incomparable swag to prove it. This has got to be their highlight — over and above North Myrtle and Myrtle and Ocean Isle and Sunset, Oak Island just brings together the right blend of island-covering courses, top-tier support, a sprinkle of avid spectators, and top-notch awards and after-race festivities to keep you going back. Runners are their top priority, and it shows. Well worth the pricey fees. Great expo, fine shirts, and BIG ASS MEDAL.
Not flat
1st half was better than the 2nd. You’re more exposed to the winds and it was in our face for several miles. The bridge at mile 22/23 that you literally … MORE
1st half was better than the 2nd. You’re more exposed to the winds and it was in our face for several miles. The bridge at mile 22/23 that you literally turn around at and hit twice with no relief was a real buzz kill. Overall course wasn’t really flat I had just under 450ft in ascent. I would run Jekyll Island GA again b/c it was more quaint, pretty, and truly flat. I’m not unhappy by any means though for doing it. I still think it was a good NC option. The medal is as big as my head which I didn’t expect, 🤣
save your energy for the bridge
Mostly flat course with one large bridge near mile 22 going over the intercoastal waterway as the course elevation map indicates. traffic is open during portions of the course and … MORE
Mostly flat course with one large bridge near mile 22 going over the intercoastal waterway as the course elevation map indicates. traffic is open during portions of the course and one section of sidewalk running for the marathon so keep alert.
Not much community support along the course but maybe due to most homes being summer houses?
Nice, small town vibe with good restaurants and fun places to explore.
Great fun!
The race was extremely well organized, from bib pickup to post-race goodies. I signed up for the “East” half marathon, which was to be finished in 3:30 or sooner. I … MORE
The race was extremely well organized, from bib pickup to post-race goodies.
I signed up for the “East” half marathon, which was to be finished in 3:30 or sooner. I felt prepared, and couldn’t have asked for better conditions – low 50s to start, overcast, and a steady breeze off the ocean. I was going for a recent PB – I hadn’t run an organized race since 2012 – but I developed severe lower back pain over the last 3.1 miles that made for an agonizing finish. I made it, but my son, who finished well ahead of me, met me at the 13-mile mark and we crossed the finish line together, after which I collapsed into his arms. He had to help me get to a place where I could sit, but, amazingly, after a beer, banana, and barbecue, I was almost completely recovered.
There were plenty of volunteers who were knowledgeable and supportive, and my overall experience was 100% positive. The BAM – Big Ass Medal – is just that and my favorite since I began organized running in 1978.
I’ll be 68 this Friday and hope I’ll still be running when I’m 98. That’s the plan, anyway.☺️
Kind to those near back of pack
The locals were extremely friendly, as were the volunteers. The pacers were very talkative, though I fell well behind them. There was a lot of encouragement from volunteers near the … MORE
The locals were extremely friendly, as were the volunteers. The pacers were very talkative, though I fell well behind them. There was a lot of encouragement from volunteers near the end of the race, even after 5 hours.
Flat and fast beautiful weather in febr!
Friendly people great scenery perfect weather! Well organized race with lots of support. Good music, good route, great weather for after party. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxxxxxxx MORE
Friendly people great scenery perfect weather!
Well organized race with lots of support.
Good music, good route, great weather for after party. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxxxxxxx
Simple No Fuss Race
I ran the west course of the half, which takes you down the island and up over the bridge. The elevation gain isn’t horrible but you have to run it … MORE
I ran the west course of the half, which takes you down the island and up over the bridge. The elevation gain isn’t horrible but you have to run it out-and-back so if you never run hills this might slow you down. There wasn’t anything special about this one except maybe the medal size (it’s called BAM for a reason). Everyone there was super nice and the BBQ at the end was amazing! I thought it was pricy for what you got and there isn’t much to do in this area outside of the race itself.
Weird awards system but good course supp
This event has two half marathons - one "fast and flat" and the other with a big bridge at mile nine. They combined the results so everyone who ran the … MORE
This event has two half marathons – one “fast and flat” and the other with a big bridge at mile nine. They combined the results so everyone who ran the course with the bridge was competing in the same group as those who didn’t. That felt unfair. Otherwise, the race is supported well and the area is very pretty.
First BAM race
This was my first ever BAM race and it was fantastic. The energy was great, it was well organized and the medals are awesome. The weather was chilly but perfect … MORE
This was my first ever BAM race and it was fantastic. The energy was great, it was well organized and the medals are awesome. The weather was chilly but perfect for running. The wasn’t much for scenery except some nice homes a few streets off of the beach. Parking can be a little challenging and traffic control needs to be managed a bit more. I watched as a driver nearly ran over a runner approaching the finish line. I enjoyed the race and will be back to run again next year.
Great race, flat course
I did the East Course for the half option (they give you two routes to choose from). It was flat and fast and the weather was perfect! The run out … MORE
I did the East Course for the half option (they give you two routes to choose from). It was flat and fast and the weather was perfect! The run out to the lighthouse was mostly shaded while there was a bit more sun on the way back in running adjacent to the beach. Great medal and everything went off smoothly from packet pick up, race start, and there were a ton of volunteers on the course to make sure you went the right way. Overall great race and the flattest course I’ve done in my 12 half marathons.
HUGE GLORIOUS MEDAL/NICE COURSE
I ran this race in the series of my quest of tackling all 50 states. Overall it was a nice course, nothing to stand out, but a gentle course in … MORE
I ran this race in the series of my quest of tackling all 50 states. Overall it was a nice course, nothing to stand out, but a gentle course in warming up for the year. However, living in NC for 12 years may be the reflection of seeing the same scenery over and over, but coming from living in the west now, the warm weather this time of the year is an awesome option. The delicious BBQ at the end was much appreciated and everyone has that southern hospitality, so friendly and welcoming… love that! Also, you are presented this huge medal (bigger than your hand) that is well designed and beautiful. Great choice for NC!
BAM IT, COLD AND WET
I wish I was in Kansas, I wish I was in Kansas, I wish I was in Kansas — as I click the heels of my Brooks Trascends to try … MORE
I wish I was in Kansas, I wish I was in Kansas, I wish I was in Kansas — as I click the heels of my Brooks Trascends to try and transcend the cold and wet rain. Who ordered this weather at the last minute. This was a run you had to complete with your mind over matter, because it didn’t matter that I was out of my mind.
I spent the night at the Wilmington Airport and caught a Lyft to the start line where I was met with the cold and the rain immediately stepping out of the car. I changed in the car, dropped my bag off and had two minutes to cross the start line — talk about cutting it close. But when you running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks to celebrate your 50th Birthday Year in the midst of a pandemic, cutting it close is better than nothing.
Speaking of cutting it close, if you’ve been following my AUDACIOUS ACTIONS, you might have read an article (or two) or heard a podcast (or two) of how I was the victim of a workplace shooting where I literally came one millimeter from having a bullet fragment hit my femoral artery — that’s cutting it close. If you haven’t read it, you may click on this link to listen and learn about just how close I came to bleeding out in a company parking lot —
Aaron’s Audacious Goal.
https://murfieldcoaching.com/2021/01/12/what-is-your-2021-audacious-goal/
Speaking of parking lots, the race course seemed like it was becoming a parking lot for boats to sail in from the Atlantic Ocean to begin the marathon.
If you run for the BLING, you most definitely will want to sign up for BAM races, who spare no expense making you feel like the training and the run was worth it and making you feel like you should have pushed through to finish if you were not able to. I for one was not able to push through the elements and the stress my body had to endure. My PTSD had kicked in between miles eleven and thirteen causing me to experience sever depression and crying spells. In addition, the cold made the pain in my glutes more sensitive. Add to it the fact that my fingers had frozen together while running.
I just couldn’t continue, so I stopped at mile 14; where a lady whose husband had ran the marathon asked me if I wanted a Body Armour and a banana. I wanted to mile fifteen then turned back onto the course and headed down the home stretch.
BAM put on an excellent event in spite of all the challenges Covid brought to bear. I definitely want to complete their series at some point in the future.
Worth it for the medal!
I ran this race during COVID, so my experience was likely different than in other years. The weather made things particularly difficult--it rained the entire time, and it was chilly … MORE
I ran this race during COVID, so my experience was likely different than in other years. The weather made things particularly difficult–it rained the entire time, and it was chilly and windy. I was soaked through within the first mile. My flight there the night before was delayed 2.5 hours so I missed packet pickup, but the race director was extremely kind and told me it would be okay to pick it up on race morning (even though they had repeatedly said this would not be an option).
We were told this would be a cupless race and we would need to provide our own hydration–volunteers would only fill up our bottles. I brought a backpack for my water, but they ended up having cups/bottles on the course anyway. At the finish line, there was delicious pork BBQ. I received the best medal I have ever earned–an enormous sea turtle that opens up locket-style. They are known for awesome medals, and they certainly did not disappoint. They also gave us a thin finisher’s jacket (only to marathoners). I had to purchase a t-shirt separately when I registered (it is not a tech shirt, just a regular cotton t-shirt). They were also supposed to give us fleece blankets, but they didn’t arrive in time due to COVID. Overall, I would say the swag was excellent! They also provided free photos as you cross the finish line (look for them on Facebook).
The course was relatively flat except for a bridge at the end (out and back, so you get the hill on both sides). The view of the beach was blocked by dunes and buildings. I might have enjoyed my stay more had it been a sunnier day!