First-ever Labor Day Lighthouse 5K at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is coming Sept. 2
A brand new 5K race is launching in the shadow of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse this Labor Day, September 2, and the inaugural event will give participants an up-close look at the ongoing restoration project while supporting a range of Hatteras Island charities.
The new-in-2023 Barrier Island Group (B.I.G.), in cooperation with the National Park Service, will be hosting the 5K run or walk through the newly-designed Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds and surrounding park and pathway, with stunning views of the scaffolded lighthouse along the way.
“Celebrate Labor Day by joining the 5K run/walk through the newly designed Lighthouse grounds and the new multi-path,” stated B.I.G organizers in an announcement about the event. “There’ll be stunning views of the scaffolded lighthouse as craftsmen work to complete its renovation.
“Registrants receive a commemorative shirt, with a scaffolded Lighthouse, an eco-friendly reusable running cup, [and] an awesome finisher medal. Enjoy post-race refreshments steps from the beach by the original lighthouse location!”
B.I.G. technically started with the Run the Rodanthe Bridge 5-mile and 5K race in April 2022, just before the new Rodanthe Bridge or “Jug Handle” Bridge opened to the public in July 2022.
Since then, the folks behind the Run the Rodanthe Bridge event have organized and created a new running/athletic group that has had a number of milestones since officially forming in 2023.
The B.I.G. organization hosted a grueling 0.1-meter (or 328-foot) race at the annual Shuck Hatteras Festival in December 2023, and in July, B.I.G. launched the first-ever “4 for the 4th Race” in Avon to coincide with the 4th of July holiday.
The upcoming Lighthouse 5K is the latest ambitious venture for the new Barrier Island Group, and it promises to be a favorite new annual event, thanks to a setting that is unmatched on the Outer Banks.
For more information and to register for the event, visit www.barrierislandgroup.com.
“This event supports Hatteras Island Meals, the Buxton-Frisco Pathway Project, and the OBX Buddies,” stated B.I.G. organizers. “Support your community, get a healthy start to your holiday, and bragging rights for being the first to run the Labor Day Lighthouse 5K!”
