Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

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950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo NC

Saturday, October 24th, 2026

Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Date

Event Date: The race will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Rain or Shine: This is a rain or shine event.

Time

5k Start: 8:00 a.m. - begins at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI).
Fun Run Start: 9:00 a.m. - begins at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).
Check-in: Will be announced closer to the race.
Packet Pickup: Post race at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).

Location

5k Start: Coastal Studies Institute 850 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981.
5k Finish: Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954.
Fun Run: Begins and finishes at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.

Transportation

Pre-race Transportation: Provided for runners parking at the finish line.
Shuttle to CSI: Will be announced closer to the race.
No Return Trips: Between VTCC and CSI.

Entry Fees

Early Registration: $40.00 if received by September 14, 2026.
Registration Fee: $45.00 from September 15 – October 24, 2026.
Day of Registration: $50.00 on race day (October 23 & 24, 2026).
Virtual Participants: $15.00 for Virtual 5k without shirt, $40.00 with shirt.

Shirts and Medals

Shirt Availability: Not guaranteed unless pre-registered by September 14, 2026.
Merchandise: Limited shirts for registrations after September 14, 2026.
Race Packets: Include materials provided by sponsors.
Awards: Top three male and female 5k finishers, and top costume contest winners.

Virtual Participants

You can complete your run/walk 5k any time from registration until race day. You can submit your official race time on runsignup.com via the event. All virtual participants are expected to complete the run/walk 5k on an "on your honor" basis. Dare County Employees wanting to receive a Wellness Point must submit proof of their 5k completion using screenshot of a fitness tracker (Apple Watch Activity, Run Keeper Activity, Fitbit Activity, etc.) showing the distance, time, and date the event was completed. It must be emailed to crystal.corbin@darenc.gov no later than October 24, 2026 at 11:59 pm, no exceptions. Medals will be sent to all virtual participants within 2 weeks of the event date.

Non-Race Participants

5k Pre-race festivities will be held prior to the 5k Race at CSI. This will be open to all runners and spectators. Fun Run Pre-Race festivities will be held prior to the Fun Run at VTCC.

Parking and Traffic

IMPORTANT: It is highly recommended for participants who are driving to park at the finish (VTCC/Government Complex lots) and shuttle to the start. Please give yourself enough time as arriving late may prevent you from doing the race on time. Please do not expect to drive directly behind race participants to leave: this will not be permitted under any circumstances. Entering or exiting the CSI Campus will be closed to all vehicles at 7:50 am until it is safe to enter/exit.

Packet Pickup

ALL PARTICIPANTS PACKET PICK UP: Friday, October 24, 2026. Please stop by the Virginia Tillett Community Center located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC between 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. to pick up your packet, swag & shirt (if applicable). If you registered AFTER SEPTEMBER 14, all shirts and swag will be first come, first served. If you cannot pick up your packet on Friday, please check in at the registration table at the 5k start (CSI) to receive your bib prior to the start of the race.

Registration Information

ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026. YOU CAN STILL REGISTER BY PAPER FORM IN PERSON AT THE VTCC OR START LINE FOR $50.00 THROUGH RACE DAY. 5k Registration ends at 7:45 a.m. and Fun Run Registration is from 8:15-8:45 a.m. on the day of the event.