This was the 4th Annual Run Sunset Beach half marathon and 5k, hosted by Coastal Productions with the BAM Series (big ass medals) of Oak Island, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isles, and Holden Beach. There were approximately 750 half marathoners (not sure of 5k runners since results are still not posted online 4 days later).
Sunset Beach, just north of Myrtle Beach, is a very quaint beach town that consists of both mainland and barrier island and neighbors the remote space of Bird Island Reserve.
When I registered, the race was set to start and finish on the island, so I quickly snatched up a steal of a deal Airbnb room rental. Unfortunately, last minute, the race moved the start/finish (with no explanation) to the mainland and utilized a shuttle system which was even further from where I was staying. Thankfully the host of my stay drove me to Start (or this could have been walked or biked about 1-2miles, but there is a bridge to deal with). From speaking to locals, this race has changed courses a few times.
COMMUNICATION
There is a Facebook page which is active, but lacking on answering people's questions.
The website had accurate information and frequent emails were sent advising of the new shuttle system.
PACKET PICK UP
The packet pick up was located outside of Sunset Beach in Callabash at a community center, which was fine with me as I passed it on my drive in. There was a long line waiting to get your bib. Only a shirt and bib was provided, without bag, even though they had a bag check at the Start.
COURSE
This circle course started at Sunset Beach Park located just over the bridge on the mainland. Right away we go up over the somewhat steep, but short bridge, circle the island (with no ocean views), then back over the bridge, onto some open major roads, and finishing up through a golf course community.
START
The setting of the start/finish ended up being absolutely gorgeous. Sunset Beach Park has intracoastal views with the sun rise and has several swings to relax on.
The porta potty lines were about normal in wait (5-10min).
Word of mouth was the shuttle system was backed up, which led to them delaying the race 15 minutes.
All the sponsor vendors were out if you wanted to shop/talk
A megaphone was used, but was entirely too low, so only the people up front could hear what they were saying. All I heard was 'you should always run against traffic.' Later I learned this was important with the open busy roads we would be running on without cones/barriers.
RESULT
The sun rose approximately 640a, so this was already a late start of 7a for late May. Then with the delay until 715a, the temps and humidity was already getting miserable. I forgot my Camelpak, so was praying the water stations every 1.5 miles would be properly stocked.
The first half of the race (bridge and island) actually wasn't that bad but once we went head on into traffic on the mainland, I became a little worried as some cars would not even move over or slow down. There was not a single cone out protecting the runners from traffic and there really was not even a bike lane to run in.
Most of the race was in direct sun, but thankfully some clouds rolled in towards the second half, and the golf course section of the last couple miles was shaded.
I felt pretty good for most of the course but was definitely slowed down with the heat.
HYDRATION STATIONS
I am still a little dumbfounded on why the race would decide that hose water is acceptable for a race. Did we not pay for this race? Where did the money go? Growing up with well water for hoses, I was shocked at first, but no one seemed to have the same reaction as me. I kept asking the volunteers if it was actually potable and not well water, and I finally received an answer of 'sure.' All I know is heat, and unfiltered water, leads to stomach craps. There was only one station that had bottled water, yet on Facebook they were thanking sponsors for providing water! Thankfully I did see a group of spectators passing out individual water bottles, so I snagged one of those which helped me for the first 6 miles. I definitely did not drink enough water for the hot race, too afraid of stomach issues later.
No GU was given, but they did have a ice pop station around M9. They were only passing out half sized ones and they were mostly melted. I later learned the slower runners did not get any at all. I also grabbed a huge chunk of ice to cool down my body.
SPECTATORS
There were a couple of people at the end of their driveway on the island that cheered us on, but other than that, there were no spectators other than the finish.
FINISH
At the finish, you were immediately handed your medal and an ice cold cloth. The park was a nice relaxing area to hang out and celebrate, after you waited in the very long line for your beer (2) and pizza (2small slices) and a second line for an Icee (which I ended passing on because I was tired of waiting).
PHOTOS
Free finish line photos were posted on Facebook in no particular order.
SHIRT/MEDAL
The gender specific shirt is a cute design. The fabric is a little rough though.
The medal is what the race tries to use to hook you to register. And I have to admit, it is pretty damn big (and heavy). I like how it has the local imagery. Pieces come off on the front and back of the medal and has magnets, which I assume means it connects with the other destination course medals.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sunset Beach, NC is a very small area. Myrtle Beach is nearby if you want to stay there and drive in, but I would highly suggest against it. Rent a house on Sunset Beach island and enjoy the peacefulness of this small, very friendly community! Pick a house closer to Bird Island Reserve, and you get the less crowded part of the beach!
MUST DOs of SUNSET BEACH
-walk or bike south on the beach and find the Kindred Spirit mailbox
-kayak the intracoastal (i heard there are wild goats on one of the islands)
-enjoy a peaceful dusk or dawn on one of the swings at Sunset Beach park
-have a beer and mingle with locals over live music at Mavericks
-carbo load at Robertos
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Staying in Sunset Beach, NC was an absolute joy and I definitely regretted I did not stay a second night. Maybe it was my Airbnb hosts that made me feel like family, maybe it was their awesome beach house that had so many places to kick back and relax, maybe it was the peaceful white sand beaches, maybe it was the overly friendly people everywhere I went....but it definitely was not the race. Unfortunately this race needs to make some major improvements before I would recommend it. Running into direct, heavy, and fast traffic is not safe and to pay to run in a race, there should be some road closure for us. Using hose water, whether it is regular drinking water or not, is not good. Everything else I can forgive, even the late start. But when you pay to run a race, these are the two things you can not slack on.
HM#73
13.1 -2:32
Pink Feet's half marathon calendar runs from March to February with the final race being the full marathon at The DONNA Marathon! I am on Year 7 of a 10 year mission to complete the 50 states while also running a half marathon a month; all to help spread the word of breast cancer prevention, early detection, and living a healthy lifestyle including running and walking. My goal is to raise $100,000 for breast cancer charities. Current donations are going to The DONNA Marathon whose beneficiaries are The Mayo Clinic and Donna Foundation.