
From the Organizer
A 5k race with 20 or more strength, endurance, and agility stations along the way! The course includes open field, woodland and shallow water running. Course is mostly flat with strength, endurance and agility stations located throughout.
Our Tough Oaks race has two heats, the first is the "Elite Heat" which is for participants who are looking to challenge themselves to strictly run the course and complete all of the required penalties for failed obstacles.
EX. Complete a 200ft walking lunge without stops. Failure to complete obstacle means 20 penalty burpees before moving on to the next obstacle.
We have adults, teenagers, and even some very athletic children compete in the Elite Heat.
The "Open Race" is more family friendly with scaling options and is untimed. Participants are encouraged to complete obstacles or do penalties however, it is not required. If a participant feels unable or is running with children and needs to scale obstacles or penalties, they are totally allowed. Families with young children participates every year and have a blast! For parents with kids under the age of 10, we ask that they run with their kids as some of the obstacles could be dangerous for younger children without adult supervision. We do have obstacle supervisors throughout the race to help direct and explain obstacles, but not to oversee child safety.
We stagger start (putting families with kids at the back) so no pile up or waiting around for obstacles occurs. We love to see family and friends come out to cheer the athletes on as they cross the finish line.
*EMS with be on site during race*
Fees:
Elite Heat: $50
Open Race: $45
Children 12 & under: $25
Pre-Race Day Family Night
Join us for a Family-friendly event the evening before the 2026 Tough Oaks Obstacle Course Race at Camp Albemarle. Racers may pick up their packets and preview the course, while friends and family enjoy live music, yard games, and food trucks. Our race sponsors will be on-site with booths to greet participants and distribute materials.
Date: Friday evening (September 18, 2026)
Location: Camp Albemarle, Newport, NC
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
81°
Typical Low
65°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Newport/Morehead City Wfo, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
32 ft
Nearest Airport
EWN
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport · 23 mi
Major Hub
RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport · 131 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Tough Oaks OCR (Obstacle Course Run), put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
103
Days to train
Coming Up
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227 miles away
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417 miles away
Face the Forest 5K (Obstacle Course Race)
220 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Obstacle course races combine running with walls, rope climbs, carries, and mud — testing strength, grip, endurance, and mental toughness all at once.
No two races feel the same, and it is a truly unique endurance sport.
Mud, obstacles, and miles. Raw fitness meets mental grit in a way no other sport matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tough Oaks OCR (Obstacle Course Run)
Sep 19, 2026