Beaufort Bridge Run 5K & 1+ Mile Dog Strut 2026 — Beaufort, NC

The Beaufort Lions Club is pleased to announce our 8th Annual Beaufort Bridge Run 5K Race and 1+ Mile Dog Strut on November 7, 2026, with the course going on and over the two bridges in Beaufort. These events are the only ones to feature both Beaufort bridges – the high-rise Gallants Channel (Grayden Paul) Bridge and the Turner Street Bridge. With this run/walk event, the Beaufort Lions Club will be starting our 2nd decade of fundraising road races. Previous events of this popular Fall race were the Glow Run in 2015 and 2016, the Front Street Gallop races in 2017 and 2018, the inaugural Beaufort Bridge Run in 2019 and 6 more BBRs starting in 2020 going through 2025, attracting hundreds of participants – running, walking and barking for charitable causes supported by the Beaufort Lions Club. The Beaufort Bridge Run is a ‘race destination’ for elite, casual and novice runners (and walkers), literally giving the participants – locals and visitors – a spectacular view of our amazing town! Dogs are only allowed to participate in the Dog Strut. No dogs allowed in the 5K on the high-rise bridge per the NCDOT! Strollers are welcome in both events! Remember, the first 200 to sign up will get a BBR2026 T-shirt! Register by October 5, 2026 to guarantee size. ONE SHIRT PER PAID PARTICIPANT. FREE T-SHIRTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RUNNERS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD , but can be purchased separately in advance, if available. T-shirts must be picked up at early registration or race day. No t-shirts can be mailed pre- or post-race. The legendary Backstreet Pub continues to be our official host of the Beaufort Bridge Run Post-Race Party! Beer, Mimosas, Bloody Marys will be available. Thanks to Liz Kopf for all she does in support of the Bridge Run, the Lions Club and Beaufort! Fabulous breakfast foods are available at Cru Coffee & Cafe, another one of our longtime sponsors! The Beaufort Bridge Run is held in historic Beaufort NC, offering magnificent views of the town, Gallants Channel and Taylor's Creek. There is always plenty to do and so much going on in and around the "BeauZone". After the event, Bridge Runners/Walkers, friends and family can visit the Olde Beaufort Farmers' Market, open from 9:00am until 1:00pm, and stroll down Beaufort's beautiful, waterfront boardwalk and famous Front Street to visit amazing shops and restaurants, many of which are sponsors for the BBR2026. So, please, plan to spend some time after the race and see why Beaufort has been voted the Best Small Town in the South by Southern Living Magazine! In addition to highlighting awareness of diabetes and its health effects, we are seeking sponsors to fund projects for several non-profit organizations that help people in our community, which includes Beaufort, Morehead City, Down East, Carteret County beaches and surrounding areas. Our course is USATF certified and runners are chip-timed. Fees (until midnight, November 1st, 2026) Adult - $35 Under 12 - Free Active military (with ID) - $30 After October 26, 2025 - $40, Military - $35.00 Registration & Packet Pickup Registration and packets for pre-registered participants will be available November 6th at Cru Wine Bar & Coffee Shop from 4:00pm - 6:00pm, and the morning of the race, 7:00am - 7:55am, at the corner of Middle Lane and Craven Street, Beaufort NC. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE, NO IN-PERSON REGISTRATION ON RACE DAY BUT YOU CAN STILL REGISTER ONLINE UNTIL 7:55am NOVEMBER 7th! Course See Course Maps for details. Awards Awards will be given in the following categories: 5K Overall Female: 1st, 2nd, 3rd places 5K Overall Male: 1st, 2nd, 3rd places 5K Overall Female Master (40+): 1st, 2nd, 3rd places 5K Overall Male Master (40+): 1st, 2nd, 3rd places 5K Oldest Female: 1st place (if different from age group award winner) 5K Oldest Male: 1st place (if different from age group award winner) 5K Youngest Female: 1st place (if different from age group award winner) 5K Youngest Male: 1st place (if different from age group award winner) TOP 3 MALE & FEMALE IN THE FOLLOWING AGE GROUPS: 12 & Under 13-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 and 70+ Overall Dog Strut: 1st, 2nd, 3rd places Giveaway: T-Shirt - Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Extra Extra Large ($3.00 additional charge for XXL) First 200 registered receive T-Shirts. ONE SHIRT PER PAID PARTICIPANT. FREE T-SHIRTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RUNNERS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD, but can be purchased separately in advance, if available. T-shirts must be picked up at early registration or race day. No t-shirts can be mailed pre- or post-race.