Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

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

Event Schedule

• Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5k begins at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).
• Check-in: Will be announced closer to the race. Check-in and late registration at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI).
• Packet Pickup: Day of 5k packet pickup will be post race at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).

Location

• 5k Start: The 5k run/walk will begin at the Coastal Studies Institute 850 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981.
• Finish Line: Finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954.
• Fun Run: Will begin and finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.

Transportation

• Pre-Race Transportation: Provided for runners who choose to park vehicles at the finish line.
• Rides to CSI: Will be announced closer to the race.
• No Return Trips: There will be no return trips from the VTCC to CSI.

Entry Fees

• Early Registration: $45.00 if received by September 14, 2026.
• Standard Registration: $50.00 from September 15 – October 23, 2026.
• Day of Registration: $55.00 for registrations during packet pick up or on race day, October 23 & 24, 2026.
• Virtual Race Fee: $20.00 for Virtual 5k without shirt, $40.00 for Virtual 5k with shirt.

Shirt Availability

• Registration by Deadline: Shirt availability is not guaranteed unless pre-registered by September 14, 2026.
• 5k Participants: Guaranteed t-shirts if registered by the deadline.
• Post Deadline: Shirts will be available on a first register first serve basis.

Awards & Medals

• 5k Awards: Awards will be given for the top three male and female finishers.
• Costume Contest: Top costume contest winners will be recognized.
• All Participants: Medals provided for all participants.
• Fun Run Participants: Guaranteed a race medal, spooky swag and sweet surprises.

Virtual Participants

• Completion: Complete your run/walk 5k anytime from registration until race day.
• Official Time Submission: Submit your official race time on runsignup.com.
• Dare County Employees: Submit proof of completion for Wellness Points.
• Medal Distribution: Medals will be sent to all virtual participants within 2 weeks of the event date.

Non-Race Participants

• Pre-Race Festivities: Festivities will be held prior to the 5k Race at CSI, open to all.
• Fun Run Festivities: Will be held at VTCC prior to the Fun Run.

Parking and Traffic

Important Notice: Participants are highly recommended to park at the finish (Dare County Government Complex lots) and shuttle to the start. Please allow enough time to do so.

Participants may drop others off at the start but may miss seeing them finish. Entry and exit from the Coastal Studies Institute will be restricted during race times to ensure safety.

Packet Pick Up

• When: All Participants Packet Pick Up on Friday, October 23, 2026.
• Location: Virginia Tillett Community Center located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC.
• Time: Pick up between 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Proxy Pickup: If someone else is picking up your packet, email permission to the provided address.

Online Registration

Registration ends at 11:59 P.M. on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Late registration available 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. day of event.

For More Information

Visit: Dare County 5k Information