They’re running once again on the Outer Banks. After a two year break because of COVID, long distance running is back with the Flying Pirate Half Marathon this morning.
Actually it was a whole weekend of running with a 5K on Saturday, but the big event, or course, is the half marathon.
Today’s race was actually two races in one. Back in November, Outer Banks Sporting Events, the sponsor of the race, had hoped to stage the Outer Bank Half Marathon, but a nor’easter with 50 mph winds made it pretty clear it wasn’t going to happen as scheduled. So a lot of the runners today were using the Flying Pirate as a makeup day.
It was a great day for a race. Low 60s at the start and even at the finish with bright sunshine, the temperatures never got much above 70.
This was the first time for the course that was run this years. Runners started behind First Flight Middle School and made their way to Nags Head Woods, following the dirt road back out to the main part of the town. They then crossed Colington Road and headed to Bay Drive. That’s all residential, but paralleling Kitty Hawk Bay, it’s quite a nice run.
Runners retraced their steps until they got to the Wright Brothers Memorial and then looped around it.
For the most part a flat course, although there is a small elevation gain at Nags Head Woods and the end of Bay Drive. Flat, but according to every runner we spoke to, very nice indeed.
Chad Motz, a local runner from Nags Head, turned in the best time at 1:15:56.9.
Next up for OBSE will be the Outer Banks Triathlon, September 16-18.
Things are really picking up on the Outer Banks. Come be a part of the excitement and plan your stay in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.