(Courtesy: OC Tri Running Sports)

Who: OC Tri Running Sports

What: Ocean City Island to Island Half Marathon & 5K

When: Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7 a.m.

Why: To benefit Worcester Youth and Family Counseling

Ocean City Tri Running Sports will hold its 12th annual Island to Island Half Marathon & 5K on Saturday, April 30.

According to OC Tri Running, half marathon runners will start at Assateague Island and finish their 13.1 miles in the historic Ocean City Inlet. This year’s 5K runners will run on the historic Ocean City Boardwalk, finishing in the same location as the Half Marathon runners. Organizers say last year’s event was a huge success and they are hoping 2016’s race is even better.

Christopher Rodriguez, of Salisbury, Md., has participated in this event for four years and plans to continue in the future.

Christopher Rodriguez after the OCMD Island to Island Half Marathon in previous years (Photo: Christopher Rodriguez)

“I look forward to running a personal best. Three years back, they flipped the direction of the race so it ends on the boardwalk, so the best part is crossing the route 50 bridge and seeing the great crowd pushing you through the last two miles to the finish. This race always bring several thousand people together for a great event and my hope is that the race will continue to grow and motivate more and more to run and reach that finish line.”

Both races will begin at 7 a.m. with a one hour time limit for the 5K and a 3 hour 15 minute time limit for the half marathon.  According to OC Tri Running Sports, the new half marathon course change and the new 5K start time will allow the 5K runners time to finish and cheer on the half marathon runners.

This year’s race limit is set at 4,500 runners and once the limit is reached all registration options will close.

On top of a great race and cause, OC Tri Running Sports says this year’s post party will be the ‘most fun and entertaining post race party of the year with food, refreshments, live music and an award ceremony,’ beginning once runners cross the finish line.

Fager’s Island will offer $4 spring seasonal craft beers from Flying Dog Brewery, Evolution Craft Brewing Company, RAR Brewing and Dogfish Head Brewery on Saturday from 2-6 p.m. on the deck with live music from The Stims. Bad Monkey will also offer specials on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m. with 2-for-1 drinks. Sunday breakfast at the Bad Monkey starts at 9 a.m., featuring $5 Tito’s Bloody Marys.

This years race will once again benefit Worcester Youth and Family Counseling.

(Courtesy: OC Tri Running Sports)

Race Packet Pickup

Friday, April 29

Location:  Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot

Pick Up Time: 1 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Bring identification to receive your age identifying wrist band and save time at the post-race party.
• Half Marathon bags will be clear this year for safety reasons. You will be responsible for putting your bib number on your bag for bag-check. This is the only bag that may be submitted to the bag-check.
• There will be limited day-of registration this day.

Saturday, April 30: Half Marathon and 5K

Location: Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot
Pickup Time:  5:15 a.m.-6:15 a.m. There will be no day-of-registration.

• You must pick up your own packet. Please do not send someone else to pick up your race packet for you. If you cannot make the Friday pickup then simply arrive early Saturday morning at the starting area to pick up your own packet there. You will be asked to present a photo ID when you claim your race packet.

Bus Schedule Revised

Because of the large volume of half marathon runners and the geographical layout of the course, OC Tri Running Sports has revised the bus schedule.  Buses will pick up half marathon runners at the Inlet parking area located at the packet pickup area.  It is recommended you follow the schedule listed below.  Buses will be loaded in alphabetical order of runners last name.  Please review this schedule to find the appropriate time for your bus departure.  Buses are for Half Marathon runners only!  If you cannot make your assigned bus departure you will be responsible for finding your own transportation to the starting area on Assateague Island.  Locate your bus departure time that coordinates with first letter of your last name: LAST

NAME                      DEPARTURE TIME

• A – H                       5:15am
• I – P                         5:45am
• Q – Z                        6:15am

The last bus will leave at 6:15 a.m. There will be no transportation to Assateague once this bus leaves the Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot.

Race Maps

For more information on this event, visit octrirunning.com/ocean-city-md-running-event/ocmd-island-to-island-half-marathon-5k.

Know of a race coming up you would like us to feature? Comment below or email lholloway@wboc.com.