Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run
Sat, Oct 24, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Embrace the Halloween spirit with a costume-friendly 5k or a sweet treat fun run, complete with spooky swag and festive energy.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyJoin the Dare to Scare 5k & Sweet Treat Fun Run for a spirited autumn event in Manteo, NC. This Halloween-themed race invites runners and walkers to embrace the festive atmosphere, complete with a costume contest and pre-race festivities. Whether you are aiming for a top finish in the 5k or enjoying the fun run with spooky swag and sweet surprises, it is a delightful way to celebrate the season.
From the organizer
Date: The race will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Rain or shine event.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5k begins at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), Fun Run begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC). Check-in will be announced closer to the race. Check-in and late registration at Coastal Studies Institute (CSI). Day of 5k packet pickup will be post race at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center (VTCC).
Location: The 5k run/walk will begin at the Coastal Studies Institute 850 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981, and finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954. The fun run will begin and finish at the Virginia S. Tillett Community Center.
Transportation: Pre-race transportation will be provided for runners who choose to park vehicles at the finish line. Rides to CSI will be announced closer to the race. There will be no return trips from the VTCC to CSI.
Entry Fees:
$45.00 if received by September 14, 2026. $50.00 from September 15 – October 23, 2026. $55.00 if registering during packet pick up or on race day, October 23 & 24, 2026. $20.00 for Virtual 5k without shirt, $40.00 for Virtual 5k with shirt. $20.00 for Fun Run without shirt, $40.00 for Fun Run with shirt Shirt availability is not guaranteed unless pre-registered by September 14, 2026. Shirts will be limited for registrations received after September 14, 2026. Shirts may not be available for Race Day registrations. Please pre-register to guarantee a shirt and/or medal. Shirts are long sleeve. 5k Participants are guaranteed t-shirts (with sponsors logos and names if applicable) if they are registered by September 14, 2026. For those who register after September 14, 2026, t-shirts will be available on a first register first serve basis. Race packets will include any materials that sponsors provide to the VTCC. Awards will be given for the top three male and female finishers of the 5k, and top costumer contest winners. Medals provided for all participants. Fun Run Participants are guaranteed a race medal, spooky swag and some sweet surprises.
Virtual Participants: You can complete your run/walk 5k any time from registration until race day. You can submit your official race time on runsignup.com via the event. All virtual participants are expected to complete the run/walk 5k on an "on your honor" basis. Dare County Employees wanting to receive a Wellness Point must submit proof of their 5k completion using screenshot of a fitness tracker (Apple Watch Activity, Run Keeper Activity, Fitbit Activity, etc.) showing the distance, time and date the event was completed. It must be emailed to crystal.corbin@darenc.gov no later than October 23, 2026 at 11:59 pm , no exceptions. Medals will be sent to all virtual participants within 2 weeks of the event date.