Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run

Date

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

Time

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

Location

• 5k Run/Walk 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 Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.

Transportation

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

Entry Fees

• Early Registration: $45.00 if received by September 14, 2026.
• Late Registration: $50.00 from September 15 – October 23, 2026.
• Race Day Registration: $55.00 on October 23 & 24, 2026.
• Virtual 5k Fees: $20.00 (without shirt), $40.00 (with shirt).
• Fun Run Fees: $20.00 (without shirt), $40.00 (with shirt).

Shirt Availability

• Pre-registration Guarantee: Shirts will be guaranteed for those registered by September 14, 2026.
• Limited Shirts: Availability is not guaranteed for registrations after September 14, 2026.
• T-shirt Details: Long sleeve shirts for 5k participants if registered on time.
• Packet Inclusions: Race packets will include materials provided by sponsors.

Awards

• Top Finishers: Awards for the top three male and female finishers of the 5k.
• Costume Contest: Awards for top costume contest winners.
• Medals: Provided for all participants.
• Fun Run Participants: Guaranteed race medal, spooky swag, and sweet surprises.

Virtual Participants

• Completion Window: Can complete the 5k any time from registration until race day.
• Time Submission: Submit official race time on runsignup.com.
• Proof for Wellness Points: Dare County Employees must submit proof of completion.
• Deadline for Submission: Must be emailed by October 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

Non-Race Participants

• Pre-race Festivities: Held prior to the 5k at CSI, open to all runners and spectators.
• Fun Run Festivities: Held prior to the Fun Run at VTCC.

Parking and Traffic

• Parking Recommendation: Park at the finish and shuttle to the start.
• Time Management: Arrive early to ensure timely participation.
• Parking Restrictions: No parking at Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.
• Traffic Control: Strict enforcement on entrance/exit during race times.

Packet Pick Up

• Date: Thursday, October 22.
• Packet Location: Virginia Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC, 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Shirt Availability: First-come, first-served for after September 14 registrations.
• Proxy Pickup: Email authorization required for someone else to pick up your packet.

Online Registration

• End Time: Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
• In-Person Registration: Available by paper form at the VTCC or start line for $55.00 through race day.
• Race Day Registration Times: 5k ends at 7:45 a.m., Fun Run from 8:15-8:45 a.m.

For More Information

• Visit: Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run Information