Whether you’re running along quiet beaches, scenic streets, or tranquil nature preserves, the Brunswick Islands offer some of the best places to run in North Carolina. Stretch out, take a deep breath, and explore these incredible running routes along our portion of the Carolina coast.

The Beach: Run Along 45 Miles of Scenic Shoreline

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands boasts 45 miles of scenic and uncrowded beaches – perfect for a change of pace from your usual running routine. Running on sand provides a low-impact workout that strengthens stabilizing muscles in the knees and hips. If you are new to beach running, it’s important to start slow and adjust your pace as your body gets used to the soft surface.

A foamy wave coming up to shore

Tips for Beach Running:

  • Prepare for the sun: Apply sweatproof high SPF sunscreen, wear UV-protective clothing, and a hat.
  • Check the tides: Beach conditions change depending on the tide, so plan your run accordingly. Our tide chart is here to help.
  • Stay hydrated: Bring water and know where restrooms and water stations are located along your route.
  • Remember the beach is not flat: Balance the strain on the leg closest to the water by turning around at the halfway point of your out and back run.

For a meditative morning run, consider a visit to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island. A two-mile roundtrip from the last public beach access on Sunset Beach, the Kindred Spirit Mailbox holds the prayers, secrets, and stories of all who take the time to pen their innermost thoughts on the pages of the notebooks inside.

Now that you are prepared to take on your beach run, get out there and enjoy it! Afterwards, a quick plunge into the ocean makes for the perfect cool down!

Coastal Towns: Historic and Picturesque Running Routes

Not a fan of beach running? Explore the charming coastal towns of NC’s Brunswick Islands with a run along scenic side streets complete with waterfront views. 

two wooden chairs on a wooden deck overlooking a road and the Cape Fear River below in Southport NC

Southport:

Named one of the “Best Coastal Small Towns” by USA Today, Southport is a runner’s dream. Lace up your shoes and take in the views of historic homes, live oak-lined streets, and waterfront locales. For history buffs, stop by the Fort-Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors’ Center for a copy of a self-guided walking tour which you can take in while on the run. Movie fans should also keep an eye out for filming locations such as the Old Smithville Burying Ground and River Pilot’s Tower, which appeared in A Walk to Remember and The Summer I Turned Pretty.

Ocean Isle Beach:

Southern Living named Ocean Isle Beach the “South’s Best Tiny Town” for its picturesque canal views and easy-going environment, which also makes it a fantastic place to run. Starting at Town Center Park, head towards the Ocean Isle Beach Pier before picking the direction of your run. Head east for passing views of the canals along E 2nd Street before turning around at the Ocean Isle Beach Nature Trail, or head west along First Street for a run alongside the beach.

Oak Island:

The longest of the Brunswick Islands, Oak Island is home to Caswell Beach and the Oak Island Lighthouse. If starting your run from the lighthouse’s public parking lot, travel along Caswell Beach Rd before taking a left along E Oak Island Drive. Sidewalks along the island’s major thoroughfare will take you from one end of island to the other, but a left onto SE 58th Street will also lead you to E Beach Drive and a route with easy access to the beach.

Nature Trails: Get Off the Beaten Path

For those who prefer trail running, the Brunswick Islands are home to many parks and nature preserves that showcase the area’s natural beauty while taking runners off the beaten path. As you set out on your run remember to stay on designated paths, bring back everything you brought with you, and enjoy the chance to connect with nature.

a wooden railed walkway leading from a forest into a clearing of marsh river grasses at the Belville Riverwalk Park

Brunswick Riverwalk Park at Belville:

This park offers a 1/3-mile walking trail with scenic nature views along the Brunswick River. It’s the perfect spot when you’ve got a lighter day on the training calendar.

Brunswick Nature Park:

Located ten miles from Leland, this park boasts five miles of hiking trails, plus mountain bike trails and paddle routes. While on your run, stop at one of the park’s viewing platforms to catch your breath, take a sip of water, and enjoy the serenity.

Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve:

For an off-the-grid run, visit this 174-acre preserve that offers two self-guided learning trails where you can enjoy a run in the shade of oak, hickory, and pine trees.

Running Community and Clubs in the Brunswick Islands

A run is always more fun with some company! Join one of the many local running clubs in the Brunswick Islands to connect with fellow runners during your visit.

  • Sunset Beach Run Club: Meet Monday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Sea Trail Convention Center. This is a regular meeting of Grand Strand Running Club members, but all runners are welcome. For more information visit their Facebook page.
  • Oak Island Run Club: Meet on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. at the Oak Island Recreation Center. This is a regular meeting of Grand Strand Running Club members, but all runners and walkers are welcome.
  • Brunsco Striders: Meet on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in Mulberry Street Park in Shallotte.
  • SOHO Running Club: Weekly meetings across the Brunswick Islands. For more specific locations and times visit their website.

a pair of black running shoes on the beach

Annual Races and Running Events in the Brunswick Islands:

For those looking to race, there are a variety of ways to put your training to the test throughout the year. From ultra marathons to 1-mile fun runs, there are several annual running events across the Brunswick Islands.

Check out the Bald Head Island Conservancy’s “Turtle Trot 5Ks” throughout the year. Details for Run Sunset Beach 2026 are TBA but the event is commonly held in the spring.

Wherever you find yourself in the Brunswick Islands for this year’s Global Running Day or any other day of the year, there’s a perfect running route to match your running style. Whether it’s a peaceful beach run, a historic coastal town route, or a nature trail through a preserve, you’ll find plenty of places to explore and races to run. For more information, or help planning your trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands, visit www.ncbrunswick.com.