YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon

Join us for the Lion Pride 5K! Experience our premier event starting at the St. Mark Catholic School rear parking lot and winding through the scenic neighborhoods of Tanbridge and Windemere.

This single-loop USATF Certified 5K Course race boasts a notably fast and flat course, ideal for runners striving for a personal best or just seeking a day of friendly competition. As you cross the finish line, an extraordinary celebration awaits

DELICIOUS FOOD AT OUR 5K EVENT FOR ALL REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS

Get ready to fuel up with a mouthwatering feast at our 5K event! We're bringing together a tantalizing mix of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Chicken and Beef Tacos

Savor the vibrant and authentic taste of our chicken and beef tacos, lovingly prepared by the Hispanic community. Each taco is a burst of flavor, featuring tender, seasoned meats wrapped in warm, soft tortillas. These tacos are a true celebration of tradition and taste. Whether you prefer the rich, smoky flavor of beef or the succulent, juicy chicken, these tacos are sure to delight your taste buds and give you the perfect energy boost.

Egg Rolls

Our Vietnamese Catholic community will be joining us and providing 1000 eggrolls.

Hot Dogs by the Knights of Columbus

Indulge in classic comfort with our sizzling hot dogs, expertly grilled and served by the Knights of Columbus. These hot dogs are a nostalgic treat, offering a perfect blend of savory goodness and smoky flavor. Enjoy them topped with your favorite condiments—whether it's tangy mustard, sweet relish, or creamy ketchup, each bite promises a deliciously satisfying experience.

Join us for a culinary adventure that celebrates community and flavor, right at the heart of our 5K event. These delectable dishes are not to be missed!

This is not just a race. It's a community gathering in support of St. Mark Catholic Church and School. Whether you're aiming for a new record, supporting a worthy cause, or simply seeking an evening of fun, fitness, and delicious food, the Lion Pride 5K guarantees an unforgettable experience. Register today and become part of something truly amazing!

WHAT

The Liam Strong Charity Beach Run was created to honor our son, Liam Fredric Batten, who we lost at 6 months of age to childhood cancer. In the short time he was here, Liam inspired every person he touched in more ways than we can put into words. We want to honor Liam and give back to all of the doctors and nurses at North Carolina Children’s Hospital that are so special to our family.

WHEN

Sunday, September 20, 2026

WHERE

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

23 E Salisbury Street

Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

PARKING

Parking is available through metered parking (can be paid with CC).

PACKET PICKUP

Saturday, September 19, 2026: Flying Machine Oyster Bar* (530 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480)

4-6PM

*If you cannot make it to Pre-Race Packet Pickup, we do offer last chance pick-up on Sunday morning. We encourage you to get your packet on Saturday to avoid lines on race morning.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Johnnie Mercer's Pier

23 E Salisbury Street

Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

8:00 AM - Last Chance Packet Pick Up

(**If you picked-up your packet on Saturday, you do not need to check in race morning, just head to the start line)

CHECK IN WILL END AT 8:50am, after this time, you can register and complete the race but you will not be able to be timed.

8:40 AM - Warm-up provided by ISI Elite Training Wilmington

8:50 AM - LOVE for LIAM - speeches to honor Liam from Bryan and Charlotte Batten, and UNC Children's Hospital. Important announcements will also be made at this time.

9:05 AM - 5K Starts

9:15 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run Starts

10-10:20 AM - Awards

All Race Registration is online. Please register before arriving at the race.

AWARDS

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

Top male and female finisher under 18

Top 3 boys and girls - 8 and under; and 9-17

5K

Top Male and Female Overall Finisher

Top 3 Male and Female Finishers in Age Groups - 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

Swim The Loop starts and finishes at the Dockside Restaurant, which is located on Airlie Road (Wilmington side of the Intracoastal Waterway). The race will start at a high tide to ensure an even, but challenging tide pattern throughout the 3.5-mile swim. Don’t be fooled though; there will be times of incoming tide, falling tide and some slack tide.

Mott’s Channel Sprint starts at the Trailborn Surf & Sound, located on Wrightsville Beach, and finishes across the intracoastal at the Dockside Restaurant on Airlie Road. The course is approximately 1.3 miles long and is a point-to-point swim. The race will start at a high tide to try and ensure a slight incoming to slack tide throughout the 1.3-mile swim.