Prior to meeting my in-laws, I knew nothing about the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the barrier islands that sit out on the Atlantic Ocean. Growing up in Ohio, we spent our Spring Breaks in Florida and if we were traveling to a beach in the summertime, it would be to the shores of Lake Erie. Sure, I had read about the Wright Brothers and Misty of Chincoteague, and the wild horses that populated the remote shores of Virginia and North Carolina but never did the Outer Banks register as a place to visit.
The Outer Banks offer stunning views and a prime running experience. Stretches of beach give those knees a break and you can run for miles on paved paths alongside NC 12 stretching from Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores up into Duck, Corolla, Carova and the off-road area with wild horses.
(Check out this 3.9-mile route exploring Duck, NC created with the FASTZach app)
While we spend many summer months and often holidays on the beaches, the best-kept secret is a trip to the Outer Banks (OBX) in fall months. The temps are perfect, the waters are still warm, and all the tourists have returned back home.
Seizing upon the beauty of the area, Outer Banks Sporting Events has done a great job creating a vibrant running culture and destination races. A favorite of ours comes up in early November – The Outer Banks Marathon and Southern Fried Half Marathon. Beginning in Kitty Hawk (home to the Wright Brothers First Flight), the OBX Marathon offers a point to point course that ends in Manteo. Can’t make the marathon? Check out the other OBSE race opportunities and experience the Outer Banks by foot, by bike, with Half Marathons, Triathlons or Beach Obstacle Races.
Make a vacation out of that race experience! Some places we recommend – Coastal Explorations for kayak tours and paddleboard excursions, The Wright Memorial, Corolla Lighthouse, the Whalehead Club and of course, the Wild Horse Tours. The fabulous thing about destination races – the family can join and you can recover from your race day while on vacation in this spectacular OBX destination.
(Check out this 3.4-mile route exploring the Wright Memorial created with the FASTZach app)
SEE MORE IN YOUR MILES
Remember, there’s always somewhere new to explore no matter where you’re running, walking, biking, or scootering! #FindYourRoute!
Active Lifestyle Tips for Destination Running 