Thousands enjoy summer vacationing in the Outer Banks of North Carolina but few, otvher than locals, appreciate OBX in November — except for runners.

This fall, a few friends and I journeyed to Kitty Hawk, N.C., for the Outer Banks Marathon to brave rain, wind and cold temperatures in the pursuit of BQs, PRs, good times and good beers.

Outer Banks Marathon is actually a weekend of running events. The marathon with almost 800 individual runners and 14 teams and the more popular half marathon with 1,822 participants are run on Sunday. Runners also may choose to run 5k or 8k distances on Saturday or Challenge races, combinations of a Saturday and a Sunday event.

Outer Banks Marathon began in 2006 as an idea among four Outer Banks runners and has become a major event for the region. When I ran the inaugural race, businesses and residents of the area seemed surprised by the number of people who were attracted to running 26.2 miles at the beach in the off season.

But OBX Sporting Events Executive Director Ray Robinson reports that over its 11-year history, the Outer Banks Marathon has made a $50 million dollar impact to communities along and near the race route. The race this year included runners from all 50 states and 12 countries, attracting several elite athletes from Kenya and nearby Richmond and Chapel Hill.

All of the OBX events are held on the relatively flat terrain of the barrier islands. Marathon runners begin with a tour of back roads and beach homes, a loop around Wright Brothers Memorial and a short trip through Nags Head Woods on sandy single-track before heading to the main north-south highway.

Half marathon runners join them for a long, flat stretch broken by short jaunts through neighborhoods before heading to the finish at Manteo. Runners encounter only one major hill, a mile long climb and descent of the Washington-Baum Bridge with four miles to go in the race.

Weather can be challenging at the beach in November, as participants in Saturday’s 8k and 5k events discovered. Temperatures dipped to the mid-30s and gusting winds made it feel much colder on the Kitty Hawk High School track. But once runners entered the shelter of Nags Head Woods and sound side back roads, they cruised comfortably along the scenic back roads.

Conditions changed overnight to nearly perfect for this year’s marathon and half marathon — temperatures in the 50s with a tailwind for most of the point-to-point course from Kitty Hawk to Manteo. I was quite comfortable in shorts and short sleeves, though I did scoop up a pair of discarded gloves for the first few miles of my half marathon.

Although the field is relatively small, Outer Banks offers runners perks of larger events, including a small expo with lots of event swag, finisher’s medals for all distances, color-coded technical shirts, shuttle service and bag drop. There’s also a great post-race street party in the village of Manteo with free food, beer and music. I overheard one finisher commenting over pulled pork sandwiches and sweet potato fries, “This is the best race food I’ve ever had.”

Jinny Hertweck of Butler was understandably elated at her Boston-qualifying 3:47:09 finish, a personal best by over four minutes and good for a 1st place age group award.

“I liked everything about it,” she said. “I have no complaints.”

All three marathon runners in my group set new records at Outer Banks with two of them qualifying for Boston. In all, over 9 percent of finishers at Outer Banks post Boston Marathon qualifying times.

Although Outer Banks Marathon continues to offer a quality race experience, Ray Robinson realizes that the event must improve to compete with other races and to combat the general decline in marathon participation.

Next year’s race will be rebranded with a new logo and website. OBX Sporting Events will offer a Season Pass to all five of its events including the marathon and the Flying Pirate, a half marathon and 5k held in the warmer month of April.

For more information about Outer Banks Marathon, Flying Pirate or other OBX races, visit www.obxse.org.

Upcoming events

Saturday, 9 a.m.: WALKer Run 5k, Conneaut Lake. Out and back from Fireman’s Beach. 814-382-3839 or www.walkerrun5k.com

Dec. 2, 9 a.m.: Jingle Bell Run 5k, Pittsburgh. Benefits Arthritis Foundation. 412-250-3343 or tnewberry@arthritis.org

Dec. 2, 9 a.m.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City. Also costume contest. 814-677-3152, ext. 101 or dalem65@msn.com

Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.: RunSantaRun 5k, Cranberry Township. Holiday themed run through Graham Park with finisher’s medal, Santa shirt, post race hot chocolate and cookies. www.runsanta5k.com

Dec. 2, 10 a.m.: It’s a Wonderful 5k, Indiana. Run around the lake at Blue Spruce Park. runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/Indiana/ItsAWonderful5K

Dec. 2, 10 a.m.: Lakeview Area Public Library’s Jingle Bell Dash 5k Run/Walk & Kids Fest Fun Run, Stoneboro. Half-mile kids run starts at 11 A.M., fun fest with games, crafts, visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. beckiwilliams@hotmail.com

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: The Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 4 or 8 miles starting at South Park Fairgrounds. 724-348-6012 or bmcglothlin@hotmail.com

Dec. 3, 10 a.m.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, State College. 570-690-3772 or nvhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Dec. 9, 9 a.m.: Jingle Dash 5k, Ellwood City. Starts at Riverside High School. Azmeanmom2@gmail.com

Dec. 9, 10 a.m.: Snowflake 5k Run/Walk, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. 814-774-3209 or dan.a@erierunners.club. Online registration at BigWhiteTrailer.com/register

Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m.: Frosty Frolic 5k, Canton, OH. Run through holiday light display from Garden Center. Finishers medals. www.runcanton.com/frosty-frolic

Dec. 10, 7 a.m.: Trot for Tots 5k & 10k, Oakdale. Out and back on Panhandle Trail. 412-490-0881 or events@lightspeed-racing.com

Dec. 10, 9 a.m.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Starts at Mercer Pike Trailhead of Ernst Trail. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com

Dec. 15, 9 a.m.: Green Beret Christmas Crawl, Morgantown, WV. Half marathon mostly on rail trail. 304-791-4040 or cleon372@gmail.com

Dec. 16, 11 a.m.: Old Fashioned Christmas in Volant 5k and Kids Fun Run, Volant. Out and back course, finishers’ medals, gift wrapped presents to winners. Hollyford614@gmail.com

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.: Harmony Silvester, Harmony. Also 1 Mile Fun Run at 4:15 P.M. Part of New Year celebration with post race music, fireworks. www.harmony-pa.us

Race results

Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, Oct. 21: James Hommes, 1st Overall M, 1:13:28; Erika Suhy, 1st Overall W, 1:24:09; Gar Bercury, 1st Masters M, 1:19:45; Catherine Hrach, 1st Masters W, 1:41:05; Olivia Reddick, 1st 20-24 W, 1:27:19; Melissa Conjack, 2nd 30-34 W, 1:29:24; Todd Roberts, 2nd 50-54 M, 1:32:15; Linsey Schnur, 1st 35-39 W, 1:32:56; Rod Groomes, 1st 60-64 M, 1:37:58; Stephen Hepler, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:38:09; Mike Brown, 2nd 60-64 M, 1:39:08; Malcolm East, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:41:22; Jinny Hertweck, 1st 45-49 W, 1:42:20; Katherine Colton, 3rd 40-44 W, 1:44:17; Joel Zanicky, 3rd 20-24 M, 1:47:39; Jennifer McKnabb, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:50:01; Debbie Fugate, 3rd 50-54 W, 1:51:44; Cecil Crouch IV, 2nd 19 & Under M, 1:59:36; Paige Wilczynski, 1st 19 & Under W, 2:02:18; Sara McClintock, 2nd 19 & Under W, 2:05:14; Haylie Mcswaney, 3rd 19 & Under W, 2:11:41; Louis Yossa, 3rd 70+ M, 2:24:03; Patricia Neubert, 3rd 65-69 W, 2:44:16; Michael Fatigante, 1:21:26; Jack Kelley, 1:30:35; Jeff Conaway, 1:31:39; Mike Fagan, 1:32:40; Tyler Ross, 1:33:02; Roger Lutz, 1:34:05; Mike Bellack, 1:35:25; Gwendolyn Musser, 1:35:59; John Brock, 1:36:53; Melanie Lutz, 1:36:58; Greg Marburger, 1:37:15; Mike Fabrizzi, 1:37:19; Amanda Fleming, 1:37:52; Anthony Beilstein, 1:37:58; Christopher Mager, 1:38:07; Nick Radio, 1:38:48; Brent Collins, 1:39:02; Matthew Corbin, 1:39:30; Alex Gore, 1:39:44; James Relihan, 1:39:54; Joseph Beilstein, 1:40:00; Andrew Anauo, 1:40:15; Chris Cutone, 1:41:37; Brian Kalmar, 1:42:39; Cecil Crouch III, 1:43:57; Charles Huth, 1:44:17; Holly Palmer, 1:44:21; Brian Davis, 1:44:33; Brian Lasko, 1:44:33; William Marsh, 1:45:19; Jeff Diehl, 1:45:24; Cindy Edkins, 1:46:15; Wess Brahler, 1:46:55; Amanda Zacchia, 1:47:12; Alana Johnston, 1:47:22; Nicole Voll, 1:47:38; Jon Haverstick, 1:47:52; Joseph Kulbacki, 1:48:08; Dave Convery, 1:48:47; Gillian Scott, 1:49:17; Justin Bloom, 1:49:46; Andra Titus, 1:50:21; Kris Poloyac, 1:50:25; Jeff Harshman, 1:50:32; Connie Hoffer, 1:50:39; Robert Todd, 1:50:40; Daniel Beggs, 1:51:06; Tracey Smith, 1:51:07; David Fugate, 1:51:17; Crystal Wonderling, 1:51:17; Steven Andritz, 1:51:35; Kelli Hartman, 1:51:42; Sam Poloyac, 1:51:54; Geno Mell, 1:53:08; Patrick Prazenica, 1:54:06; Nicole Prioletti, 1:54:22; Lauren Corl, 1:55:19; Renee Simons, 1:55:28; Holly MAtsko, 1:55:50; Patrick Reitz, 1:55:54; Beth Davis, 1:56:09; Colleen Diehl, 1:56:27; Allen Long, 1:56:46; Samantha Maley, 1:56:52; Jim Csonka, 1:56:54; Micci Hutterer, 1:56:56; Samson Wyant, 1:57:22; Lori Fromlak, 1:57:35; Anthony Brewer, 1:57:47; Tiffany Benigni, 1:58:20; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:58:27; Carrie Blawas, 1:58:57; Bryan Shoemaker, 1:58:58; Matt Smith, 1:59:29; Patrick Hennon, 1:59:42; Chris Yuhouse, 1:59:53; Jeff Jokl, 2:00:16; Amanda Muscatello, 2:00:43; Lesley Bachman, 2:01:00; Lee Thompson, 2:01:24; Scott Cavanaugh, 2:01:29; Julia Taylor, 2:02:40; Michael Bruno, 2:02:43; Paige Rickey, 2:02:44; Robert Knobeloch, 2:02:50; Heather Slater, 2:03:02; Ellie Tourney, 2:03:38; Jaime Schmitt, 2:04:07; Victor Wilczynski, 2:04:15; Christi Gregori, 2:04:37; Erik Bardy, 2:05:03; Karen Callihan, 2:05:14; Brandi Drake, 2:05:43; Caleb Rauscher, 2:05:53; Christy Hamilton, 2:06:01; Katie Jamison, 2:06:14; Jodi Baxley, 2:06:30; Maria Assay, 2:07:22; Doug Tichen, 2:07:32; Towner Scheffler, 2:08:15; Phil Shinsky, 2:08:18; Katie Kukieza, 2:08:24; Wayne Toy, 2:08:39; Robert Mcswaney, 2:11:40; Don Reinsel, 2:12:02; Nick Barker, 2:12:13; Leigh Baxter, 2:12:16; Diane Mcmillen, 2:12:19; Patrick Wyant, 2:12:52; Luke Deemer, 2:13:43; Charles Tanner, 2:14:01; Amy Lutz, 2:14:12; Kelly Mcgee, 2:14:14; Ben Elverson, 2:14:44; Lisa Moss, 2:15:13; Marcia Furman, 2:15:43; Eric Mazanek, 2:15:44; Eric Poole, 2:15:51; Gary Mcclintock, 2:15:59; Maureen Hewko, 2:16:19; Elinore Kneidinger, 2:16:40; Karin Christoff, 2:16:44; Katie Fuhrman, 2:16:51; Karen Beilstein, 2:18:09; Viswa Kalindi, 2:18:14; Bob Pakozdi, 2:18:23; Mary Tola, 2:18:48; Phil Lope, 2:20:02; Elizabeth Svoboda, 2:20:44; Katie Amerson, 2:21:40; Allison Gundlach, 2:22:48; Amy Farr, 2:23:25; Lana Kramer, 2:23:53; Tarra Prince, 2:23:59; Shawn Manning, 2:24:00; Michael Manning, 2:24:03; Holly Collins, 2:24:05; Katie Mangieri, 2:24:59; Ronald Change, 2:25:45; Emily Glacken, 2:26:33; Linda Denny, 2:26:53; Alex Mcclintock, 2:27:35; Julie Rinaman, 2:27:36; Daniel Mitchell, 2:27:36; Sandra Mitchell, 2:27:37; Gordon Cooper, 2:28:14; Cristi Cooper, 2:28:14; Deborah Bukowski, 2:29:55; Rachelle Kelley, 2:30:05; Debbie Huth, 2:30:09; Jenna Sass, 2:32:12; Erin Mcclintock, 2:34:53; Angela Chapman, 2:34:58; Eric Anderson, 2:34:59; Jodi Porterfield, 2:36:27; Leslie-Ann Lasko, 2:37:02; Heidi Fleming, 2:39:04; Cheryl Stasiowski, 2:39:43; Stacy Cramer, 2:40:34; Anne Blake, 2:41:08; Mary Sue Wilczynski, 2:41:12; Travis Furman, 2:43:49; David Lockerman, 2:44:17; Melissa Ignatuk, 2:44:50; Clinton Champagne, 2:51:59; Julia Meyer, 3:09:13; Benda Meeder, 3:10:07; Joni Tierney, 3:10:07; Angela Durci, 3:34:42

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle