3 running events in New Hanover County, North Carolina

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+

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.

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.