COUNTDOWN TO RACE DAY
RACE DAY IS
Sat. November 14, 2026
Race Starts at 8:30am
What Others Are Saying...
Great course! Seriously, I was stoked and energized. I want to come back next year and beat my time. The starting line, stating at the ocean at sunrise was UNREAL. Beautiful!
So beautiful being able to see the ocean while running! The Inlet is the perfect place to have the finish line and village. There’s a ton of room, it’s right near the beach, and you get to see all the sights.
You guys absolutely nailed this race. From pre-check-in, to check-in, to the race and post-race. A remarkable way to prepare and conduct a race.
Requirements
Registrants must be 10 years of age and be able to complete the 4.97 mile course in under 1.5 hours (15 min/mile pace). Those who are under 10 may still be eligible to participate but must seek a waiver by contacting customerservice@corrigansports.com.
Field Size
The 8K field will be capped at 750 runners, with a total of 3,500 runners in all events; although the Race Director reserves the right to change the size of the 8K field.
Registration
Online registration for the Ocean City Running Festival ™ will close Nov. 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm or earlier if the field is filled. In-Person Registration will be available at packet pick up if space remains. Please register early to take advantage of the best pricing and to avoid a sellout.
Once you have registered, please take the time to confirm the accuracy of the information. You may be able to look up and edit your information by following the instructions HERE. Many of your questions can be answered by visiting our FAQs page or within the Runner Information Packet that will be published just before race week.
Opportunities to UPGRADE to a longer distance, DOWNGRADE to a shorter distance or DEFER your entry until 2027 are available with specific deadlines. Details and deadlines are available on our FAQs page.
NO MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ENTRIES | NO REFUNDS | NO RACE TRANSFERS
The 4.97 Mile Course
The Hoop Tea 8K course will cover much of the famous Ocean City boardwalk. The race will start and finish in the inlet parking lot along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. After covering portions of Baltimore Avenue and N. Division Street and crossing under the “Boardwalk” archway the route will head north along the boardwalk to 27th Street where it will turn around and make its way back to the Jolly Roger at the Inlet amusement park and finish in the Inlet parking lot.
SWAG- '26 GEAR COMING SOON
Join a Social Team
Having the support of your friends during your training and race is priceless, but we decided to add an extra incentive! Regardless of when your teammates register, the entire group will get a $10 refund once your team reaches 10 or more members. The refund will go directly back to the card used to pay for registration. PLUS there’s potential for teams to win extra benefits and deals!
💰 Teams of 10 or more = save $10 per team member
🎪 Teams of 40 or more = get a tent at the finish line
🎁 Prizes for things like the biggest & most festive teams
✨ Increase the fun by running together
🥇 Members can sign up for any live race distance and still be eligble for your team!
To See What Social Teams Have Already Registered CLICK HERE.
Course Amenities
HYDRATION STATIONS
The 8K course will consist of 2 water stops which each being staffed by a wonderful local volunteer group and stocked with water and Gatorade. Runners are permitted to bring your own hydration system (such as a camelbak) if you prefer.
Each water station will also offer port-a-pots for runner use.
MEDICAL SUPPPORT
Our wonderful medical partner Atlantic General Hospital is there for you, even during your virtual race. Learn more HERE.
Atlantic General Hospital will provide medical support on the course and in the finish line area. The Atlantic General staff will include certified doctors, registered nurses, physician assistants and EMTs and will provide the necessary medical attention to any patient in need. We are grateful to have the Atlantic General Hospital associated with the event.
ON COURSE SNACKS
Bananas and Herr's Salty Snacks will be available on the marathon course in two locations on the back half of the race.
Energy Gels will not be provided. Please plan to bring your own if you think you will need them out on the course.
POST RACE SNACKS
As Giant Food celebrates its 90 Anniversary, we welcome their support of our participants after they finish the race. Fruit, such as bananas and apples, as well as snack bars and bottled water will be available to help you recover after crossing the finish line. In addition, the Giant Pharmacy Airstream trailer will be on site with giveaways and coupons for your future shopping.
Awards
Overall Winners: Trophies will be awarded to the overall male and female champions as well as to the second and third place finisher.
Awards Ceremony: The 8k Awards Ceremony will take place at the Main Stage in the Ocean City Inlet at 9:30am. Only the Overall Winners from the full marathon, half marathon, 8k , and 5k will be awarded at the ceremony. Age group awards will be mailed.
Age Groups: Prizes go to the top overall non-elite male and female age group finishers for the marathon in each of the following divisions: 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74, 75 +
Age group awards are mailed in December after race results are declared official.
NO DUPLICATION OF AWARDS. Disclaimer: We will not ship age group awards internationally. VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RACE AWARDS. Awards will be issued to those who complete the official course live on race day.
