Neptune’s 8K Race 2026 — Virginia Beach, VA

Join us for Neptune’s 8K Race — one of the area’s oldest and most beloved races! Enjoy ocean views as you travel along our fast and flat course during this beginner-level friendly race. Neptune's 8K Race begins on Atlantic Avenue just outside of Neptune's Park at 31st Street, moves north on Atlantic Avenue before turning at 37th Street to run all the way south and around Rudee Loop, then back north again to finish at 30th Street with a post-race party in Neptune's Park at 31st Street. Each Runner Will Receive: Neptune Festival T-Shirt Neptune’s 8k Race Finisher Medal Course Entertainment One ticket to Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship Post Race Party in 31st Street Park (includes pizza, beer, hard seltzer, non-alcoholic beverages, DJ, and more!) RACE DAY TIMELINE 6:30-7:30AM – Late Registration (if available) and Packet Pickup in 31st Street Park 7:40AM – Warm up at Start Line on Atlantic Avenue, 30th Street 8:00AM – National Anthem, Wheelchair Start, Runners right after 9:30AM – Post Race Party, Awards (Top 3 male/female/overall announced, all other awards will be mailed upon certification) 9:45AM – Kid’s Crab Crawler (start on Atlantic Avenue) 11:00AM – Post-Race Party Ends PACKET PICKUP Friday, September 25 3:00pm-8:00PM Smartmouth Pilot House 313 32nd Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Saturday, September 26 6:30AM-7:30AM 31st Street Park 31st Street & Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach Oceanfront If you are unable to make packet pickup and would like to have a friend or family member pick it up for you, make sure that person has a copy (either on phone or printout) of your registration confirmation when they arrive at packet pickup. If you plan to consume alcohol at the post race party, you will need to get your ID checked to receive a wristband. We will conduct ID checks and put a wristband on at Smartmouth during packet pickup and on race day in 31st Street Park. Also join us for our Boardwalk Weekend Festivities, which include everything from the Neptune’s Art & Craft Show, International Sandsculpting Championship, and Grand Parade, to over 20 FREE concerts, Beach Yoga + Fitness Experience, Poseidon’s Playground Family Fun Zone, and so much more!