Storm the Beach=Family Fun
And they’re off! Competitors begin running the 2015 Storm the Beach. Photo, Kip Tabb
A mile or so into Storm the Beach, as Team Phillips of Lewes, Delaware, scrambled over another obstacle, Mom (Karen) Phillips commented, “It’s a good family activity.”
Seeing her later in the race, she did mention that just how good an activity, might be the subject of discussion later in the day, but she was right—Storm the Beach is a great family activity.
Finishing together.
Sponsored by Outer Banks Sporting Events (OBSE), the same folks who put the Outer Banks Marathon together every year, Storm the Beach is a 5K obstacle course beginning at Jennette’s Pier, heading south for about a mile and a half (2.5K) then back up the beach, under the Pier, to the finish line.
Sack obstacle. One of the challenges that had to be overcome.
It is a race that can be run for challenge and time. However, what stands out in covering the race, are the families that are participating to create a memory that is different than the usual vacation time. There are kids that look like their ten, nine or maybe even eight years old on the course, their parents helping them over walls or encouraging them to just keep going.
Overheard after passing the turnaround, father speaking to his son. “We’re more than halfway now. Think you can do it?” There’s a nod. “Think you can run?” Another nod. And off they go.
Sue Everhart and Winnie Twiford leading Pack’s Pacers.
It wasn’t just visitors who were on the beach. Sue Everhart and Winnie Twiford leading Park’s Pacemakers were concerned that the picture the North Beach Sun took showed them running (it did). “Our coach at Outer Banks Boot Camp would be really upset if we weren’t running,” Winnie said.
But they stopped for a moment to reflect on the race. “If you’re concerned about your time, it’s a tough race. Otherwise it’s really fun,” Sue said.
A helping hand from Mom.
It was apparent that the OBSE team understood that the race was about groups and families enjoying an experience together—the obstacles were fun, creative and geared to challenge but not overwhelm. The pace was, well, walking; but that’s ok, because just about everyone got to the finish line.
All net proceeds from Storm the Beach and OBSE events are donated to the Dare County Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
Final race results were not available at the time we were posting the story. As soon as they are posted, we’ll include them.
