Events in New Hanover County, North Carolina | 2026-2027

Stoked To Go Out ® [stokedtogoout.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sat, May 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Description

13TH ANNUAL GREY LISTON MEMORIAL PIER TO PIER OPEN WATER SWIM / STOKED TO GO OUT!

Stoked (adjective) – slang

Being in an enthusiastic or exhilarated state

The annual Stoked To Go Out (STGO) open...

13TH ANNUAL GREY LISTON MEMORIAL PIER TO PIER OPEN WATER SWIM / STOKED TO GO OUT!

Stoked (adjective) – slang

Being in an enthusiastic or exhilarated state

The annual Stoked To Go Out (STGO) open water swim is exactly that – a gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, exhilarated to get out there, charge it, take the bull by the horns, meet the challenge head-on, commit, and take the literal plunge. Inspired by the life and legacy of Grey Liston, the STGO open water swim takes participants 1.7 miles from pier-to-pier in the Atlantic Ocean, off the picturesque coast of Wrightsville Beach, NC.

And, since all STGO proceeds benefit the UNCW Grey Liston Scholarship in Athletics Endowment fund, not only does this event honor the spirit of Grey and drive our mission to battle complacency in life, it also allows for us all to enable the education and participation of future swimmers and divers.

Stay Stoked and join us on May 16, 2026!

The Stoked To Go Out Race Team.

1.7 Miles Open Water Plunge Swim

New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Liam Strong Charity Beach Run [instagram.com] [Register at runsignup.com]

Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 9:05 AM

Description

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...

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+

1 Miles 5k Fun Run Run

23 E Salisbury St, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon [runsignup.com]

Sat, Sep 26, 2026 at 6:50 AM

Description

Founded in 1979, as the Pepsi Triathlon, the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon is a favorite event among locals and triathletes near and far. This event creates a lot of excitement and...

Founded in 1979, as the Pepsi Triathlon, the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon is a favorite event among locals and triathletes near and far. This event creates a lot of excitement and enthusiasm within the race community because of its scenic location in beautiful Wrightsville Beach. The course is flat and the distances are short, making it a great first event for new triathletes, and a great time trial for more experienced racers.

In recent years, the YMCA has added a Youth Triathlon event in addition to the traditional Sprint Triathlon, increasing the participation in younger athletes. The Y has also added a Corporate Relay Division to encourage local businesses to come out and compete for a very large trophy to display in their business, not to mention bragging rights for the year!

Today the event is comprised of the traditional sprint triathlon and a youth triathlon, increasing the participation in younger athletes. We've also introduced a corporate relay division to encourage businesses to come out and compete for a very large trophy to display in their office, not to mention bragging rights for the year!

Race History

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina's Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon first held in 1979, was the brainchild of Karl Sutter, a then resident of Wrightsville Beach. Karl was competitive by nature and had been college swimmer. A few years after college, Karl had taken up running to get back in shape, and one day sprained his ankle and then turned to cycling as an outlet for fitness while his injury healed. When reading Sports Illustrated in the spring of ‘79 he noticed a small article about the first Ironman triathlon with it’s 12 participants that was held in Hawaii the prior fall. Karl approached the local YMCA which was under the direction of Jack Morris at the time, and a new event for the area was born. This triathlon originally named the Pepsi YMCA Triathlon would become the first and longest running triathlon on the east coast of the US with its start of 99 participants that September, 1979.

Cycling Run Sprint Swim Triathlon

New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Seaside Shuffle [runsignup.com]

Sat, Oct 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Description

Whether you shuffle fast or shuffle slow, we welcome you to one of Wilmington’s oldest and FASTEST road races. The blazingly fast, flat course is good for those who run for speed or those who run for...

Whether you shuffle fast or shuffle slow, we welcome you to one of Wilmington’s oldest and FASTEST road races. The blazingly fast, flat course is good for those who run for speed or those who run for fun. This community race is open to all runners. Local students and their families are encouraged to run. All race proceeds benefit the Wilmington Road Runners Scholarship Program.

Registration includes:

Race Shirt - while supplies last

Post Race Coffee and Breakfast

This longstanding community race is presented by the Wilmington Roadrunner’s Club.

*YOUTH RATE for participants under 18 is $20 and does not include a race shirt. You may purchase a race shirt while supplies last at packet pick up or on race day.

3.1 Miles Run

New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

The 16 Hour Lock-In [facebook.com] [Register at ultrasignup.com] - Instagram

Sat, Nov 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM

Ultra

1010 State Park Road, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28428, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

Wrightsville Plunge [runsignup.com]

Fri, Jan 01, 2027 at 12:00 PM

Description

Celebrate 12 Years of Plunging for Purpose

Join us at Wrightsville Beach on January 1st and kick off your New Year by Plungin' for a Purpose!

The 12th Annual Wrightsville Plunge benefits Communities...

Celebrate 12 Years of Plunging for Purpose

Join us at Wrightsville Beach on January 1st and kick off your New Year by Plungin' for a Purpose!

The 12th Annual Wrightsville Plunge benefits Communities In Schools of Cape Fear, which works to help keep kids in school, and on the path to graduation. Its a great way to support our region's youth, and have a blast at the same time!

Registration includes a free shuttle from Wrightsville Beach Park, fun photo ops, a costume contest, and your choice of a long-sleeve tee, short-sleeve tee, beanie, or trucker hat.

Plunge

703 S Lumina Ave, New Hanover County, North Carolina, 28480, United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps

6 events in New Hanover County, North Carolina

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