Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Race Overview

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

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5k begins at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), Fun Run begins after the 5k 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). Day of 5k packet pickup will be post race at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).

Location: The 5k run/walk will begin at the 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: Pre-race transportation will be 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

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

Shirt and Medal Information

Shirt availability is not guaranteed unless pre-registered by September 14, 2026. Shirts will be limited for registrations received after September 14, 2026. Shirts may not be available for Race Day registrations. Please pre-register to guarantee a shirt and/or medal. Shirts are long sleeve. 5k Participants are guaranteed t-shirts (with sponsors logos and names if applicable) if they are registered by September 14, 2026. For those who register after September 14, 2026, t-shirts will be available on a first register first serve basis.

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. 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 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 in order to do so as arriving late may prevent you from being able to do the race on time. The parking lot at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center will be closed to race participants and spectators.

You may drop a participant off at the start and watch them across the start line, but keep in mind doing so may prevent you from seeing your participant reach the finish. This year we will be extremely strict when it comes to anyone driving out of or into the entrance of Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) out of an abundance of caution to ensure all participants are safe while on the course. You will not be able to leave the Coastal Studies Institute parking lot until the last runner/walker has cleared the area, NO EXCEPTIONS. The area will be patrolled by volunteers that will block the area. 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: Thursday, October 22. Please stop by the Virginia Tillett Community Center located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 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. This includes Virtual Race Registrants who would like to purchase a shirt. Please keep this in mind when picking up your items. If you are having someone else pick up your packet, please email lara.lewis@darenc.gov with your permission and who will be picking up for you. If you cannot pick up your packet on Thursday please check in at the registration table at the 5k start (Coastal Studies Institute) to receive your bib prior to the start of the race. You may pick up your swag items post race at the packet pick up table inside the VTCC.

Registration Details

ONLINE REGISTRATION: ENDS AT 11:59 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026. YOU CAN STILL REGISTER BY PAPER FORM IN PERSON AT THE 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. day of event.

More Information

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