THE ISLAND INDEPENDENCE

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled, we would however,

 like to invite you to join us at

The Battle for Independence on July 2, 2016.

$2500 CASH PRIZES
What is The Island Independence?
The Island Independence is the largest fourth of July weekend athletic event in eastern North Carolina, and it is getting even better. Not only will our island play host to the largest annual running road race in Pender County, and the largest fourth of July race in the region – this year will feature even more in what makes Topsail Beach an exciting athletic destination: Stand-up paddle boarding. Whether you run the 5K, or paddle your way through the pristine waters of Banks Chanel – there is something to do for all the family members. Are you good at running and paddling? Be the “King of the Island” and compete to see who has the fastest aggregate time in both the 5k run and the paddle. Offering cash prizes at this event helps draw in the best athletes in our region, but our events are indeed designed to be all inclusive. We treat each participant with our famous southern hospitality. Elite athletes race side by side with first timers with high fives and big smiles for all. Enjoy the beach, water views, races, outdoor activities, and great family fun that will be sure to put a smile on everyone’s face during this year’s 4th of July weekend!

Stay up to date with the latest news!

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Schedule Of Events
Friday, July 1, 2016

Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445

4:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Packet Pickup & Onsite Registration
9:00 p.m.: Surf City annual fireworks display

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445

6:30 a.m. – On-site Registration Opens
7:15 a.m. – 5K/1 Mile Registration Closes
7:30 a.m. – 5K & 1 Mile Starts
9:00 a.m. – 5K Awards
9:30 a.m. – Paddle Board Race Starts
10:30 a.m. – Paddle Board Awards

Packet Pickup & Onsite Registration
Friday, July 1, 2016

4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Packet Pickup & Onsite Registration

Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445

 

Saturday, July 2, 2016

6:30 a.m. – 7:15 a.m.

Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445

 

Pre-registered participants may pick up their race numbers and shirts at packet pick up listed above. For those who wish to register in person, you may do so at any Packet Pickup listed above.

Location of Race

 Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445

RUN
Race Distances
Distances

5K  – TIMED (Disposable Chip Timing/Live Results)

1 Mile – UNTIMED (Great for kids and families)

Individual Awards

Individual Awards

Top 3 overall male and female finishers will receive a cash prize

1st Male: $200
2nd Male: $100
3rd Male: $50

1st Female: $200
2nd Female: $100
3rd Female: $50

1st Place Male Active Duty Military will receive $100
1st Place Female Active Duty Military will receive $100

1st Place Master Male: $50
1st Place Master Female: $50

Top 3 age group finishers will receive a medal: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

Start Times

Start Times

5K – 7:30 AM

1 Mile – 7:35 AM

Please plan to be at the starting line 10 minutes prior to the start of the race wearing your race number on the front of your shirt. You may walk the 5k if registered, however we ask that athletes walking the 5k line up at the back of the starting area.

Team Awards

5k Team Awards

Teams are comprised of five athletes. All teams must include at least two women.
Team awards are tabulated by using the lowest net combined gun time. (i.e if each runner runs 20:00 then the total team time is 1:40:00)

Top team of 5 runners wins$500

2nd team of 5 runners wins$200

Teams wishing to participate in the team awards need to sign up with the team name listed exactly. Then have the team captain verify the correct roster either during packet pickup on Friday or during the preregistration period up to :30 minutes before race start. Members not listed on their appropriate team will not be changed after the race has begun. Team rosters of preregistered teams will be listed on this website, and updated periodically.

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Course Information

Course

The Island Independence 5k course is quite simply the fastest 5k course possible. Designed for and by runners this course has been created for speed – with a few nice water views. No 180 degree turns here, just long cross wind straightaways and mild right angles. Want to PR? The net elevation change is fewer than 2 feet. The island is ready for your best.

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Award
RACE SWAG

All participants receive a custom beach towel – that’s right, a beach towel! Unlike any other races in the area, you will be guaranteed a beach towel by registering by June 17, 2016.  Check back as the race gets closer to see the final design.

PADDLE
Schedule and Race Information

 

Start Times

9:30 AM – Paddlers Meeting – All competitors of the Island Independence Paddle Board Race MUST attend this safety briefing on the dock behind the Assembly Building.

9:40 AM – One Mile Fun ‘Paddle for Parkinson’s’ –  A horn will sound to signify the start, however no results will be tabulated as timing is not provided for this ‘race’. All proceeds from this event will go to the Michael J Fox Foundation. All paddle craft are permitted.

10:00 AM – 5k Competitive Race – This is the race for more serious paddle-boarders. Men and women will be restricted to using 14′ or 12’6 SUP classified boards as presented in the WPA Handbook (1.b.c.)

10:45 AM – 4 x 1 Mile Team Relay – Both experienced competitor and novice may compete side by side in this no drafting battle. Paddlers using either 12’6” or 14′ boards will work around the course once before tapping paddles in an exchange zone so the next paddler can take off. Teams may not use the same athlete twice and all teams MUST include at least one female competitor.
Please plan to be at the starting line – in the water – 10 minutes prior to the start of the race wearing your race number on the front of your body where it can be easily seen by staff and course officials.
Distances and Divisions

1 Mile Paddle for Parkinsons – UNTIMED (Great for kids and families) – One lap of our one mile flat-water course. 100% of the proceeds from this division go to support the Michael J Fox Foundation

 

5K  – TIMED (Disposable Chip Timing/Live Results) – Three laps of our one mile flat-water course. Enter this division and the 5k to attempt to be “King of the Beach”

4 x One Mile Team Relay TIMED (Disposable Chip Timing/Live Results) – Four Paddlers each do a one mile loop. This is great for competitive folks that are more interested in paddling one lap, and then perhaps enjoying a cold one.

Awards

1 Mile Paddle for Parkinsons – UNTIMED (Great for kids and families)
Ribbons for Kids

5K  – TIMED (Disposable Chip Timing/Live Results)
1st Man & Woman: $100
2nd Man & Woman: $50

4 x One Mile Team Relay TIMED  (remember teams must include at least one female)
1st Team: $200
2nd Team: $100 

Course Information

Banks Chanel is a No Wake Zone directly in front of the start finish area at the Assembly Building. Spectators (over 500 or so from the 5k run and others) get direct lines of sight to the entire course. The 5k will be easy to observe, but the longer lap race is even better. The relay should be fantastic with all those participants yet to paddle having knowledge of what has happened and, perhaps more importantly what needs to happen to get favorable results.

There is the potential for fast moving tides in either direction and our triangle course will allow race officials to make the call before the race to determine direction. Chop is rare in Banks Channel, so get ready to fly.

A minimum of two safety boats will work the inside of our one mile course.

KING OF THE ISLAND
King of The Island Prizes and Rules

The man and woman that have the highest rank from the 5k run and the 5k paddle will be awarded the “King/Queen of The Beach” cash prize of $100 each.

This will be scored by taking the athletes OVERALL place in each race and adding them together: lowest score wins.

For example; if Mark finishes 100th in the 5k Run but finishes 3rd in the SUP then he is awarded 103 points. Where John finishes 50th in the 5k Run, but 35th in the Paddle – John would score 85th

85 is less than 103 – therefore John scores lower, therefore John WINS.

Competitors have to enter the ‘King of the Island Division’ below to be open to this award. (It also gets the athlete a discounted entry into the events, however competitors in the King of the Island will only get one SWAG towel.)

If a competitor is disqualified he will take one more point than the last competitor in the event for which he/she was disqualified.

The race director handles all disputes.

 

About the Cause

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensure the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today. With your support, we can all help in the fight against Parkinson’s.

Parking

 At the Historical Society Assembly Building of Topsail Island

Show pride by dressing in Red, White & Blue!

REGISTRATION

Registration has closed for 2016

Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2016
There is a $3 online credit card processing fee.

FAQ & GUIDELINES

Waiver: The Registration Agreement & Liability Waiver is linked to the Online Registration. This must be selected and approved during registration.

Packet Pick-Up: Family or Friends may pick-up your Race Packet at Packet Pick-Up.

On-Site Registration: Registration is available starting one hour prior to race start. It closes 20 minutes prior to start.

Timing: Jaguar Bib Chip Timing will be used to time this race

Weather: This race is rain or shine. It will be postponed, rescheduled or cancelled if a severe weather warning is in effect.

Refunds: There are no refunds, registration will be accepted as a donation.

Entries are not transferable to other races Timed by Go Time as each race is organized by a different group.
We must stick to this policy as race items have been purchased based on current registrations and it is not fair to choose who receives a refund and who does not.