Sledgehammer Beach Run

Event Address:

2950 Island Drive

North Topsail Beach, NC

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Experience the beauty of North Topsail Beach while testing your endurance in the Sledgehammer Beach Run—featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, and Sunset 5K. This unique race takes place right on the sand, offering both breathtaking views and a rewarding challenge.

New this year

We will host the 5k on Friday evening as a Sunset 5k. 

Schedule of events

Friday Evening

Sunset 5k at 6:15pm

Saturday Morning

Half Marathon at 8:15am

10k at 8:20am

Note: For the first time runners will be able to sign up for the 5k AND either the 10k or Half Marathon since they will be on two separate days! 

About the event

Hosted by the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission, the event is held in memory of Dr. E.B. Sledge, a Marine and World War II veteran whose legacy continues to inspire. The mission of the Sledgehammer Beach Run is simple yet powerful: to honor the memory of Sledgehammer and all combat veterans.

Dr. Sledge, a lifelong Marine, spent his postwar years reflecting on the sacrifices and experiences of those who served alongside him. In his honor, a portion of race proceeds supports Semper Fi & America’s Fund, which provides assistance to wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families.

Add this bucket-list race to your calendar and run with purpose as you honor heroes, support a worthy cause, and take on the challenge of the Sledgehammer Beach Run.

Course Information

Half marathon,10k & 5k course are all on the beach

**Half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Anyone left on the course after the fourth hour will be picked up by a staff member and will be disqualified for awards.

 

T-shirts

In order to keep the cost of races low for runners we have created the option to purchase a shirt instead of just including one in the registration. Register and select to purchase any item from our race store. Your items will be available to pick up with your packet or shipped to you if you're doing the race virtually. We have a variety of items to choose from. 

 

Reminder: this is a rain or shine event

 

Shuttle only available on March 27, 2027

Due to event popularity we're expecting to fill up the parking at the start/finish area. We have setup a shuttle at Beach Access #31 (address 4030 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach). It will start at 7:15am-8am and then resume from the finish at 9am through 12:45pm.  LAST SHUTTLE LEAVES AT 8:00AM SO DON'T MISS IT.

This is a free shuttle and you will be given a parking pass if you park before 7:55am. The parking lot will be free for those with a parking pass until 1pm on March 27th only. 

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This event is owned & operated by the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission. Learn more about us at www.playjosc.com