Isaac Bear Early College High School Volunteering Website

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon
2023-09-30 06:00 - 11:00 UTC | Wrightsville Beach Park, 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC, 28480
The YMCA Wrightsville Beach triathlon first held in 1979 was the brainchild of Karl Sutter, then a resident of the beach. Karl was competitive by nature and had been college swimmer , then a few years after college had taken up running to get back in shape. While running one day he sprained his ankle and 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 Wilmington YMCA which was under the direction of Jack Morris at the time and a new event for the area was born. This triathlon 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.
The course was laid out and the swim would be across Banks channel from the Blockade Runner sound side beach to The South Channel dr. mini park on Harbor Island where there were stairs to exit the water. The cycling took the then favored training route of the time off the beach following Greenville, Masonboro, and Myrtle Grove Loop roads, south on Carolina bch rd , over Snows Cut bridge to follow Dow rd to Kure Bch where the first water stop would be. From there back through Carolina Bch , back over the big bridge and up River rd to downtown Wilmington. Once in downtown the run took the course established by the Wilmington Jaycees and their River to the Sea run route of Market st, through Forrest hills to Park ave switching to Wrightsville ave to continue to the finish at Wrightsville Beach Park. The distances were 1/2 mile swim, 42 miles on the bike, followed by the 10 mile run. All 99 triathlets finished that first year.
During these first years and being an infant sport about the only rule was each athlete had to wear a helmet. The transition area was a grassy park and one could choose a spot to park your bike, there were no bike racks. Most current day rules did not exist. Drafting and personal support cars with spare bikes/parts was just fair game. We had very little traffic control and for the most part we fended for ourselves while on the road. Nutrition during the event was granola, fruit, soft drinks, and candy bars. Gels and energy bars were not yet invented. The common practice of the day was to change clothes for each leg of the race too. Tri shorts came in the mid 80’s.
Over the years the distances and routes changed to meet the different time periods. Those first years the distances almost matched the current 1/2 Ironman distance which is 1.1 mile swim followed with a 56 mile bike ride and then a 13.1 mile run. A full Ironman is 2.2 swim, 112 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run. In some of the following years the then popular “olympic” distance of 1/2 mile swim, 26 mile bike, and a 10 k run was the distance to be counted on to draw the necessary number of participants to make the event successful.. Currently and for the last number of years the event went to the popular Sprint distance of 1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run. This distance helped grow the number of athletes and as of 2010 stands at more than 1400 paid entries.
Karl Sutter was the race director the first year and handed over the job to Jim Mincher who took over responsibilities for the 1980 and 1981 events. The following year Jim Ritch had fun being race director but after a 2 year stint relinquished the reins to yet another Jim who was Jim Honneycutt. All four of these directors were members of the YMCA , the Wilmington Road Runners and The Cape Fear Cyclists clubs here in Wilmington. Without the help from the club members organizing the triathlon would have been difficult. To keep from burning out the volunteer race directors the YMCA took over the organizing responsibilities with Y staff. This led to Nancy Rife, Perry Maxwell, and Gray Lambeth taking the duties for the next 20 years. Setup Events (an event coordination business from Kure Bch) with founder Bill Scott partnered with the Y in year 2000 and the event has flourished with 1200-1400 entries selling out months in advance. This jump in attendance was due to triathlons gaining in popularity as a “new” sport, changing to the short “sprint” distance which was more achievable for most people, and Bill Scott’s newer established race production company.
Each summer as the mid September event draws near the triathletes come in droves to Wrightsville Beach each morning. On just about any morning as the sun begins to shine at the beach all sorts of friend/family groups hit the waters and pavement in and around W Bch to ready themselves for the fun of doing the race. For some this race has become an annual family tradition while others dabble in the swim, bike, and running event to see just what it is all about. All triathlons draw the serious athletes who are very fast and take the sport seriously. This race is an event for all types of people and the reasons for participation vary so wide one could write a book.
One local resident Frazier Perry age 81 has participated nearly every year and continues to do so. The late Henry forrest was one of the original 12 triathletes in the first Hawaiian Ironman event back in 1978. Henry had the luck to be stationed at Camp Lejune for much of his career in the marines and also participated in the YMCA race for many years. He even went back to Hawaii to participate in the 25th anniversary full Ironman event and did a respectable time of at the age of 50 something. Sadly Henry was taken by Pancreatic cancer or he would still be on the starting line as excited as ever and ready to hear the start gun.
This event has become a major fund raiser for the YMCA over the years. According to Dick Jones the current Y director this event raises money for community outreach in our county. Dick has also turned into a triathlete much because of the good energy being radiated from all involved in such a great event. While interviewing Dick for this article he just wanted to thank the Town of Wrightsville Beach, New Hanover county, and The city of Wilmington for allowing such a major event to take place, because without their cooperation it would not be possible.

Surf to Sound 5K
2023-09-16
Whether you’re an experienced runner, an occasional jogger, or simply looking for a fun walk across the Surf City Bridge, the Surf to Sound 5K is the perfect event to celebrate the landscape, businesses and community that make up Hampstead, Topsail Island, and Surf City.
Starting in Soundside Park, participants will head across the Surf City Bridge and back to the island, while taking in the Topsail Sound and views of the Atlantic Ocean for 3.1 miles. Hurry up or take your time, but don’t miss the first-annual Surf to Sound 5k this fall!

Go Jump In The Lake
2023-09-04 07:00 - 11:00
MAKE A SPLASH THIS LABOR DAY!

Don’t miss the 13th running of the Go Jump in the Lake 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk.
This year Southport Rotary is working together with Brunswick Wellness Coalition to make this family-friendly event even more fun with park activities for children and more.
We invite you to run, walk, or roll – but don’t forget to make a SPLASH into the lake at the finish line. There are prizes for best Finish Line Splash!
This event promotes health and wellness in our community and raises funds for New Hope Clinic’s charitable healthcare programs, as well as for other Rotary funded organizations.

Fleet Feet Battle for Independence Road Race
2023-07-04 06:30 - 23:30
Kick off your Independence Day with a race!
The Battle for Independence is a 4th of July race in Wilmington, NC, giving participants the chance to battle it out along Independence Blvd. on Wilmington’s scenic Cross City Trail. The race is flat and fast, helping draw in the best athletes in our region, but is also family friendly for runners of all ages.
We treat each Battle for Independence Race participant with southern hospitality as we celebrate the birth of our nation and honor those who serve.

Willie Stargell 5K Road Race
2023-05-20 06:30 - 23:30
WE ARE FAMILY!
Grab your family and friends and join our family as we run (or walk) the Willie Stargell 5K Road Race on Saturday, May 20, 2023 to help patients living with kidney disease.

The Willie Stargell 5K Road Race takes place at Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington, North Carolina offering a flat course for both the 1 Mile and 5K events. This is the perfect course for a PR. There is a virtual option if you cannot join us in person. The popular finisher medals and awards will be back.

Baseball Hall of Fame Member Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away from kidney disease in 2001. The Willie Stargell Foundation gives hope to those fighting this disease through research and patient care.

Emerge Ortho 5K
2023-05-20 06:30 - 23:30
The EmergeOrtho 5K is the end of the season celebration 5k race for Girls on the Run, Heart & Sole, and STRIDE participants. Come join boys and girls, grades 3rd-8th, as they celebrate their accomplishments of the season! A fun and festive atmosphere, EmergeOrtho 5K celebrates friends, family and wellness! Public runners are welcome as this race provides much needed scholarships for future Girls on the Run and STRIDE participants. Professional race production by the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina and Full Send Racing ensures a fun, safe, and accurate 5k race experience!
NEW for 2023 – Start and Finish on the UNCW Track with post-race activities and fun at the track infield!
Your race registration includes:

Race Shirt
Race Day Fun for the whole family!
Chip Timing
Race Awards

Wilma Dash
2023-05-11 16:30 - 19:30
The WILMA Dash is Wilmington, North Carolina’s ONLY All-Female 5K!

The race is presented by WILMA Magazine.

It is a great event for first-time runners, walkers, and for seasoned runners looking for a personal best.
After the race, stay for the WILMA Dash Health Fest at the start/finish inside the Convention Center Expo Hall. Entry is included with your WILMA Dash registration. The Health Fest includes local health & wellness exhibitors, food, drinks, awards and more! Check out the vendors among our WILMA Dash sponsors.
Not participating in the Dash, but still want to be a part of the action? The Health Fest is open to everyone and all ticket/donation proceeds will benefit NourishNC. See Race Info for more details.

Race For The Planet
2023-04-23 08:00 - 17:00
NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM at FORT FISHER
RACE FOR THE PLANET
APRIL 23, 2023
ITS MORE THAN A RACE.
IT’S MOVEMENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FOR YOU, FOR THE NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM, AND FOR THE PLANET.
The 2023 Race for the Planet welcomes racers of all skill levels with a fun,
no-pressure atmosphere to do something healthy for themselves and for the planet.
Proceeds from this event will support the conservation and sustainability efforts of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
WE ARE EXCITED THIS YEAR TO OFFER 3 GREAT RACE OPTIONS
IN-PERSON 5K
1 Mile Run (TIMED)
Virtual 5K
SUNDAY, April 23, 2023 – 8:00
Your race registration includes:

Race Shirt – Sustainabili-TEE
Race bib and chip timing
Sun Catcher Awards for Top Age Group and Overall Winners
Admission to the Aquarium
Fun for the Whole Family

Volunteer Sign here -> https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NC/KureBeach/RaceforthePlanet5K

Steve Haydu St. Patrick's Lo Tide Run
2023-03-11 | Carolina Beach Elementary School, 400 Fourth St. S, Carolina Beach, NC, 28428
The 19th Annual Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run is back again in Carolina Beach on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
Come decked out in your green St. Patrick’s Day attire and join thousands as we run or walk to raise money for local cancer warriors in need of financial assistance.
Can’t join us in person, then participate virtually!

2023 CAPE FEAR HEART BALL
2023-02-25 18:00 - 23:00
Together, we are relentlessly focused on the heart of our community. Through the Heart of Cape Fear Heart Ball campaign, we celebrate our collective success in driving change, funding science and improving behaviors – no matter where, or how, we gather. That means taking our efforts beyond the ballroom, working every day to help every heart.
In more than 150 communities across the country, Heart Ball supporters unite with a shared purpose to raise the critical funds we need to ensure our work continues. Throughout our campaign we celebrate our milestones, we thank our sponsors and we honor our heroes. We come together to achieve something bigger than ourselves. We live fierce and fight for all.

Novant Health Wilmington Marathon
2023-02-24 - 2023-02-26 | Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington, United States

Special Olympics Polar Plunge & Run
2023-02-18 08:00 - 16:00 | Kure Beach Pavillion, 105 Atlantic Ave, Kure Beach, NC, 28449
RUN – PLUNGE – OR BOTH
Because Some People Are Just Worth Freezing For!
Help support local Special Olympics athletes by participating in the Polar Plunge & Run.
Choose from the 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, or by taking a chilling plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. Run for a great cause on a great 5K course open to all ages and skill levels. Race participants will not be required to plunge, but are encouraged to heat up with the run/walk and cool down with the Polar Plunge – because some people are just worth freezing for!

Live music, vendors, food trucks and games make this a one-of-a-kind special event not to be missed!

Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run
2023-02-11 07:00 - 11:00 | Wrightsville Beach Park, 321 Causeway Drive, Wrightsville Beach, NC, 28480
You are going to be in LOVE with this race!

Treat yourself this Valentine’s season to a heart-themed race with spectacular views of Wrightsville Beach.

The Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run includes a 5K or 10K, or make your heart beat a little faster and run both the 5K AND 10K in the Double Trouble event (Double Trouble runners run the 5K at 8am, and 10K at 9am).

This is a great race for beginners with a flat and fast course. The Double Trouble event is the perfect race for people training for a full or half marathon.

Get into the spirit by wearing your red, white, and pink and bring your Valentine to Wrightsville Beach!

Azalea Sun Run
2023-02-04 10:00 - 14:00
Azalea Sun Run presented by Harris Teeter
Join us at the beach! The Azalea Festival is excited to host the Azalea Sun Run on the sand at Wrightsville Beach. The event includes a 5K and 1 Mile on the beach. You can walk or run either event. This is a great way to stick to those New Year Fitness Goals and get ready for spring and the Azalea Festival!
After Sun Run Fun! Immediately following the Sun Run, the Oceanic Restaurant is hosting the After Sun Run Fun event for all participants and their families. All participants receive a special discount in their registration.
Volunteers! Email MegTadlock@NCAzaleafestival.org for more information

Dune Restoration + Beach Cleanup
2023-01-28 10:30 - 14:30
Come join us for our 9th annual Cape Fear Surfrider Foundation Dune Restoration event with the help of the Town of Carolina Beach using their curbside collected resident Christmas trees. We also will be hosting a beach cleanup as well. This event is always a great way to kick off the year by helping to stop erosion of our dunes and reduce spending on beach re-nourishment, and also helps to rebuild natural habitats, protect ocean front property, and divert old trees from the landfill. Coffee and donuts will be provided to help replenish our amazing volunteers for all their hard work!
Please do not bring your tree as the Town of Carolina Beach provides the trees and we are only permitted to use a certain number for the event. If you want to recycle your tree via the county, please check out the post on @newhanoverco for drop off locations.
What to Bring: Shovel, tape measure & scissors

Southern Tour Ultra
2023-01-22 | Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington, United States

William H. Craig Race For Life 5K and 10K
2022-12-10 | Legion Stadium, 2149 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC, 28412, United States

The Shakori 40
2022-12-09 - 2022-12-10 | 1439 Henderson Tanyard Rd Pittsboro, NC US 27312

Wilmington Historic Half & 5K
2022-12-02 - 2022-12-03 | Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington, United States

Wrightsville Beach Turkey Trot
2022-11-24
Please contact Heather Wiley at VPM@capefearhabitat.org for volunteer opportunities.

The Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon
2022-11-12 - 2022-11-13 | 21 North Front Street Wilmington, NC 28401

Iron Man 70.3 NC
2022-10-13 - 2022-10-15 | Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington, United States

Swim the Loop
2022-10-07 - 2022-10-08 | 1308 Airlie Road Wilmington, NC US 28403

Run for the Ta Tas
2022-09-30 - 2022-10-01 | Wilmington, North Carolina, Wilmington, United States

YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint Triathlon
2022-09-23

Cooperhead 20K
2022-08-26 - 2022-08-27 | Brier Patch Hunting, 11471 US 17, Wilmington, NC, 28411
