Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Date

The race will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Rain or shine event.

Time

• 5k Start: 8:00 a.m. - at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI).
• Fun Run Start: Begins after the 5k at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).
• Check-in: Announced closer to the race. Late registration and check-in at CSI.
• Packet Pickup: Post race at VTCC.

Location

The 5k run/walk will begin at Coastal Studies Institute, 850 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981, and finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954. The fun run will begin and finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.

Transportation

• Pre-race Transportation: Provided for runners parking at the finish line.
• Rides Announcement: To CSI will be announced closer to the race.
• No Return Trips: No return trips from VTCC to CSI.

Entry Fees

• $45.00: If received by September 14, 2026.
• $50.00: From September 15 – October 23, 2026.
• $55.00: During packet pick up or on race day, October 23 & 24, 2026.
• $20.00: For Virtual 5k without shirt: $40.00 with shirt.
• $20.00: For Fun Run without shirt: $40.00 with shirt.

Shirt Availability

Shirt availability is not guaranteed unless pre-registered by September 14, 2026. Shirts will be limited for registrations received after this date. Shirts may not be available for Race Day registrations. Please pre-register to ensure a shirt and/or medal. Shirts are long sleeve. 5k participants are guaranteed t-shirts if registered by September 14, 2026. For late registrants, t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Race packets will include sponsor materials. Awards will be given for the top three male and female finishers of the 5k, and top costume contest winners. Medals provided for all participants. Fun Run participants are guaranteed a race medal, spooky swag, and some sweet surprises.

Virtual Participants

You can complete your run/walk 5k any time from registration until race day. 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, showing the distance, time, and date the event was completed. It must be emailed to [email protected] no later than October 23, 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

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: It is highly recommended for participants who are driving to park at the finish (Dare County 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. The parking lot at VTCC will be closed to race participants and spectators. Participants may drop off at the start but may not see them reach the finish. There will be strict rules about vehicles entering or exiting CSI: you will not be able to leave until the last runner/walker has cleared the area, NO EXCEPTIONS. The area will be patrolled by volunteers that will block traffic. Entering or exiting the CSI Campus will be closed to all vehicles at 7:50 am until it is safe.

Packet Pick Up

ALL PARTICIPANTS PACKET PICK UP: Thursday, October 22. Please stop by VTCC located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC between 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to pick up your packet, swag, and shirt (if applicable). If you registered AFTER SEPTEMBER 14, all shirts and swag are first come, first served. This includes Virtual Race Registrants who wish to purchase a shirt. If someone else is picking up your packet, please email [email protected] with your permission and their information. If you cannot pick up your packet on Thursday, check in at the registration table at the 5k start to receive your bib prior to the race. You may pick up your swag items post race at the packet pickup table inside the VTCC.

Online Registration

ONLINE REGISTRATION ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026. YOU CAN STILL REGISTER BY PAPER FORM IN PERSON AT VTCC OR START LINE FOR $55.00 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.

For More Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: https://www.darenc.gov/departments/public-services/virginia-s-tillett-community-center/5k