Events
Sledgehammer Half Marathon Beach Run
Sledgehammer 10k Beach Run
Sledgehammer 5k Beach Run
Sledgehammer Half Marathon Virtual Race
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends April 5, 2025 at 9:45am EDT
Sledgehammer 10k Virtual Race
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends April 5, 2025 at 9:45am EDT
Sledgehammer 5k Virtual Race
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends April 5, 2025 at 9:00am EDT
Race Postponed
New Date: April 5, 2025
After speaking with transportation officials, and in light of the potentially hazardous road conditions that may endanger travelers to the event, coupled with the absence of numerous volunteers to support our event (due to school closings and bus transportation), we have chosen to postpone our Sledgehammer Beach Run until April 5.
For those not familiar with this area, our community is not equipped like other places that receive heavy amounts of snow. In the past, the roads have been very dangerous days after a snowfall because the temperature melts the snow and then refreezes, leaving a heavy layer of ice on the roadways. The major roads may be clear to drive but many of the other roads and bridges could be dangerous.
Runners, you will have the following options. You will have until February 5th to decide on your option.
Here Are Your Options:
Description
Take in the views and explore North Topsail Beach while running on the beach in either our Half Marathon, 10k or 5k.
Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission is proud to present the "Sledgehammer Race Series" in memory of Dr. E. B. Sledge. The mission statement of the "Sledgehammer Race Series" is: To Honor the memory of Sledgehammer and All Combat Veterans." Sledge was a lifelong Marine who spent the remainder of his post war years coming to terms with what he and his fellow combatants experienced during World War II.
E. B. "Sledgehammer" Sledge chose to volunteer for the U. S. Marine Corps in 1942. He was assigned to K company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Division (K/3/5) where he reached the rank of Corporal in the Pacific Theater. Sledgehammer was a 60mm mortarman at Peleliu and Okinawa where he served with Corporal R. V. Burgin and PFC. Merriell "Snafu" Shelton. Sledgehammer also served as a rifleman and stretcher bearer when fighting was too close for effective mortar use.
Sledge would go on to earn a doctorate in biology and was a beloved professor at the University of Montevallo. In 1981, Sledge published his memoir, With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa, which centered on his combat experiences during the Pacific Campaign. His book was used as a reference for Ken Burns' PBS documentary, "The War" and Tom Hanks and Stephen Speilbergs' HBO miniseries "The Pacific" starring Joseph Mazzello as Sledge.
Course Information
Half marathon, 10k & 5k course are all on the beach
**Half marathon cut off time is 4 hours. Anyone left on the course after the fourth hour will be picked up by a staff member and will be disqualified for awards.
Enjoy FREE beer from Salty Turtle Beer Company (Half Marathon & 10k Runners only) finish line snacks provided by Onslow County Tourism and a Hot Cocoa Bar presented by Fit4Life Richlands!
T-shirts
In order to keep the cost of races low for runners we have created the option to purchase a shirt instead of just including one in the registration. Register and select to purchase any item from our race store. Your items will be available to pick up with your packet or shipped to you if you're doing the race virtually. We have a variety of items to choose from.
Hotel Discounts
Available under our Visitor Information tab
Reminder: this is a rain or shine event
This event is owned & operated by the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission. Learn more about us at www.playjosc.com
Place
N Topsail Beach, NC US 28460
Race Causes
Race Series Sponsors
Thank you to our JOSC Race Series Sponsors
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.playjosc.com.
About Us
Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission
JOSC owns and operates multiple events that have a direct impact on sports tourism for Onslow County. We also strive to produce funds to contribute to the promotion of other events happening within the county. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to foster economic impact and quality of life through sports in Jacksonville and Onslow County.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
2025 Finisher Medal
