Ocean City 5K Races

Major options include the Storm Warriors Boardwalk 5K benefiting the Life-Saving Station Museum and the 5K within the November Ocean City Running Festival at the Inlet. Summer charity and fitness events occasionally add shorter races—search Visit Ocean City and runsignup.com for current calendars. Do not confuse with Ocean City, New Jersey boardwalk races.

Sources: Visit Ocean City · Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Ocean City Running Festival

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The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum hosts this annual out-and-back 5K on the south end Boardwalk—runners and walkers raise funds for museum exhibits and the Museum of Ocean City. Day-of registration and packet pickup often open at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start. The race runs rain or shine.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Town of Ocean City · Visit Ocean City

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Storm Warriors typically lands on a Saturday in early November—recent listings used November 7, 2026. The Running Festival 5K shares marathon weekend in mid-November. Summer 5Ks appear sporadically—verify each event because museum and promoter dates shift yearly.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Ocean City Running Festival · Visit Ocean City

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Storm Warriors uses an out-and-back layout on wooden planks—fast for leaders, casual for walkers enjoying ocean views. Running Festival 5K routes also highlight Boardwalk segments near the Inlet. Expect seams between planks; wear familiar shoes and pace corners where trams cross.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Ocean City Running Festival · Town of Ocean City

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Storm Warriors registration runs through RunSignup with online and day-of options—museum sites link official forms. Running Festival 5K registers through ocrunfest.com with tiered pricing by date. Screenshot confirmation QR codes; cell service stutters near the Inlet on race morning.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Ocean City Running Festival · Visit Ocean City

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Storm Warriors directs runners to the Inlet parking lot with free participant parking on race morning. Arrive before roads tighten for the 9 a.m. gun. Running Festival 5K shares Inlet staging—follow marshal instructions and read height limits for oversized vehicles.

Sources: Town of Ocean City · Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Visit Ocean City

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Pets are prohibited on the course during Storm Warriors and similar Boardwalk races—service animals follow ADA rules. Hot planks and crowds stress most dogs anyway. Spectators should leash pets away from runners on narrow planks.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Town of Ocean City

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Storm Warriors permits baby joggers on the 5K only—bicycles, rollerblades, and skateboards are banned for safety. Start at the back of the pack and yield on out-and-back turns. Violators may be removed from the course.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Town of Ocean City

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Yes—Storm Warriors welcomes speedy runners and casual walkers on the same out-and-back course. Awards focus on overall and age-group leaders; walkers still support museum fundraising. Arrive early for day-of bib pickup lines.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Visit Ocean City

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Storm Warriors recognizes overall male and female winners plus age groups from 14 and under through 70+. Ceremonies often follow immediately after the race near the museum. Running Festival 5K may hold a separate morning awards stage before marathon finishers peak.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Ocean City Running Festival

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Fees support the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum and development of the Museum of Ocean City—exhibits, programming, and research library projects benefit from your entry. Treat the race as a cultural fundraiser, not just a timed run.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Town of Ocean City

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Packet pickup at the museum pairs well with a quick maritime history visit—confirm exhibit hours around race operations. The museum preserves coastal rescue heritage that matches the Storm Warriors theme. Donations beyond entry fees welcome.

Sources: Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum · Visit Ocean City

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