If running, walking, and scenic coastal views are your thing, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for races in Coastal Delaware. 

From festive holiday-themed 5Ks to scenic half-marathons near the beach, the region is packed with events for runners and walkers of all levels. 

This first part of our 2026 race guide highlights early-year races across Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Milton, Georgetown, Bethany Beach, and Millsboro. Check it out: 

4th Lover's Lane Valentines Boardwalk 5K — Rehoboth Beach

This Valentine’s-themed 5K is a fun and feel-good way to kick off the year on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. 

The out-and-back course takes runners and walkers from the boardwalk toward Gordon’s Pond at Cape Henlopen State Park and back, with plenty of fresh ocean air and beautiful coastal views along the way. 

Whether you’re coming with your partner, a group of friends, or showing up solo, it’s the kind of race where everyone moves at their own pace and the vibe is more about enjoying the morning than chasing a personal record.

Pre-registered participants (by 2/10) are guaranteed a long sleeve cotton race shirt, so it’s definitely worth signing up early. 

After the race, there will be refreshments available, plus chocolate and bagels from Surf Bagel while supplies last. Best of all, the event supports local charities in the Cape Region.

And don’t miss the Cupid Fun Run, where the kids steal the show! 

At 9:50am, young runners will race 200 meters north on the boardwalk and 200 meters back to the finish line, while the 5K crowd gathers nearby to cheer them on. 

It’s a sweet, energetic moment that makes the whole Valentine’s Day morning feel even more festive.

• Date: Saturday, February 14th
• Location: 1 Rehoboth Avenue
• Time: 10am
• Cost: $30-$40
• Register here

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Inaugural Sandhill Summer Countdown 5K Run/Walk — Georgetown

The inaugural Sandhill Summer Countdown 5K is a fresh new race that gives runners and walkers the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy one of Georgetown’s best open-air spaces. 

Held at Sandhill Fields, this event takes place on a course that winds through grassy trails and wide open areas, giving you that “big sky, deep breath” kind of feeling from start to finish.

Sandhill Fields is more than just a race location, it is a full outdoor recreation complex spread across 57 acres, with scenic walking trails, modern sports fields, and plenty of room to move. 

The course itself is designed for everyone, whether you are a seasoned runner trying to test your speed or someone who is just getting into 5Ks and wants a fun, low-pressure event. 

It is spacious, comfortable, and never feels cramped, which makes it a great pick for beginners, families, and casual walkers too.

And since it is a summer countdown theme, expect a lively, upbeat atmosphere that feels like the start of the season, even if you are still shaking off winter.

• Date: Saturday, February 21st
• Location: 20330 Sandhill Road
• Time: 9am
• Cost: $30-$40
• Register here

13th Lucky Leprechaun 5K — Milton

The Lucky Leprechaun 5K is one of those races that feels less like a typical run and more like a full-on community celebration. 

It is packed with St. Patrick’s Day energy, meaning you will see plenty of green outfits, shamrocks, fun costumes, and people showing up ready to have a good time.

This event has a great backstory too. It started as a small local race with only a handful of participants and has grown into one of Milton’s biggest spring traditions, pulling in hundreds of runners and walkers every year. 

That growth really says it all. People do not just run it once, they come back again and again because the vibe is so fun and welcoming.

The course is a loop, which makes it especially enjoyable because you are never far from the crowd, the cheers, or the energy of the event. 

It is also a great “do it your way” kind of race. People jog, walk, run, and even show up just to enjoy the festive atmosphere and support the cause. 

It is one of those events where you can take it seriously if you want, but you can also just show up and have fun with it.

And of course, it would not be a St. Patrick’s Day race without post-race treats and a little extra celebration waiting at the finish line.

• Date: Sunday, March 8th 
• Location: 105 Union Street
• Time: 11am
• Cost: $35-$40
• Register here

20th Shamrock Shuffle Half-Marathon & 5K Run — Lewes

The Shamrock Shuffle is one of the most scenic races you can do in Coastal Delaware, and it is easy to see why runners come back year after year.

Set inside Cape Henlopen State Park, this race takes you along the beautiful Gordon’s Pond Trail, surrounded by peaceful nature views, coastal landscapes, and that calm “only in the state park” atmosphere that makes every mile feel special.

You can choose between the 5K or the half-marathon, and there is also a relay option for anyone who wants to split the challenge with a friend. 

No matter which distance you pick, the energy is supportive and upbeat. 

People are cheering, encouraging each other, and celebrating that early-season feeling of getting back outside and moving again.

One thing to keep in mind is that the half-marathon is designed for runners and joggers, so it is not a walking event. 

The 5K is the better choice if you want to take it slow and enjoy the park at a relaxed pace.

Between the gorgeous trail, the organized race setup, and the classic Shamrock theme, it is an event that feels both challenging and fun without being overwhelming.

• Date: Sunday, March 15th
• Location: 1 Main Beach of Cape Henlopen State Park
• Time: 8am
• Cost: $30-$80
• Register here

14th Bunny Palooza 5K & 1M Walk — Bethany Beach

Bunny Palooza is one of the cutest and most family-friendly races of the season, and it brings a festive Easter vibe right to Bethany Beach. 

The event includes both a 5K run and a one-mile walk, so it is easy for everyone to join in, whether you are a serious runner, a casual walker, or someone just looking for a fun weekend activity by the ocean.

The 5K course takes participants through the charming streets of Bethany and ends with a finish on the boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which honestly feels like the perfect reward after a run. 

Meanwhile, the one-mile walk is designed to be extra relaxed and fun. It is also the option where dogs are welcome..

The event also includes a Kiddie Dash before the main race, and it is exactly what you would imagine: pure chaos in the best way. 

It adds such a fun energy to the morning and makes the whole event feel like a community celebration rather than just a race.

Bunny Palooza is hosted by the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation, so it is also a feel-good event that supports a great cause. 

• Date: Saturday, April 4th 
• Location: 1 Garfield Avenue
• Time: 9am
• Cost: $15-$40
• Register here

1st Lewes 250 Celebration 5K Walk/Run — Lewes

The Lewes 250 Celebration 5K is a brand-new race with a big purpose and an even bigger sense of hometown pride. 

Designed as part of Lewes’ celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this event is a fun way to honor history while enjoying one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Delaware.

The course begins at Georgia Beach and follows a fast, flat out-and-back route, making it a great choice for anyone hoping to set a new personal best. 

But it is just as perfect for walkers and casual joggers who simply want to soak up the scenery and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

And this is not the kind of race where people show up in plain workout clothes. Participants are encouraged to go all out with patriotic outfits, red, white, and blue gear, and anything that screams “USA energy.” 

There are even prizes for the best patriotic looks, so expect to see flags, sparkles, and maybe even a few running Uncle Sams.

Once the race wraps up, the celebration continues with a laid-back post-race hangout featuring classic fun treats like hot dogs, pretzels, and s’mores, plus a bonfire-style vibe that makes the whole afternoon feel like a party. 

• Date: Saturday, April 11th 
• Location: 1 Georgia Beach
• Time: 4pm
• Cost: $30-$40
• Register here

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3rd Race for Open Space 5K & 1M Walk — Lewes

The Race for Open Space is one of those feel-good events that reminds you why community races are so special. 

Now in its third year, this run and walk brings people together at George H.P. Smith Park for a morning of movement, fresh air, and support for an important local cause.

Participants can choose between the 5K or a relaxed one-mile walk, which makes this event super welcoming for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to participate without feeling pressured. 

The course travels through parts of Lewes neighborhoods and nearby areas, giving it a local, small-town charm that feels personal rather than overly competitive.

The race supports efforts to preserve the Fourth Street Preserve, helping keep the land protected, natural, and accessible for the public to enjoy with walking trails and open green space. 

You will also see plenty of community involvement, with opportunities for local businesses to sponsor and volunteers cheering people on throughout the event. 

It has that friendly, supportive vibe where it feels like everyone knows someone there, even if it is your first time showing up.

• Date: Saturday, April 25th 2026
• Location: 1 Dupont Avenue
• Time: 9am
• Cost: $20-$35
• Register here

2nd Plantation Lakes 5K — Millsboro

The Plantation Lakes 5K is the kind of race that feels like a mini event night out, not just a quick run. 

The race starts and ends at Plantation Lakes Golf & Country Club and winds through a resort-style community that really does feel like a hidden gem. 

Think well-kept streets, peaceful views, and a course that feels scenic and relaxing instead of busy and chaotic. 

There is also a one-mile walk option, which makes it a great pick for families, casual walkers, or anyone who wants to join in without committing to the full 5K distance.

And the best part is what happens after the finish line. The Taste of the Shore Food Rally turns the event into a full community gathering, with local food vendors serving everything from seafood to comfort food classics. 

Even non-racers can come enjoy it, so it becomes more like a neighborhood festival with a race attached, which is honestly the best kind of event.

Plus, knowing the race benefits local first responders and the Sharffer Foundation makes it even more meaningful. 

• Date: Saturday, April 25th 2026
• Location: 20301 Charlotte Boulevard
• Time: 5pm
• Cost: $25-$50
• Register here

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17th Seashore 1/2 Marathon, 1/2 Marathon Relay & 5K — Lewes

The Seashore Classic is one of the biggest and most loved running traditions in Lewes, and for good reason. 

This is the kind of race that feels like a full experience, with a scenic course, strong community energy, and an after-party atmosphere that makes you feel like you are part of something bigger than just a finish time.

With options ranging from a 5K to a half-marathon, plus a relay for anyone who wants to split the distance with a teammate, this race is a great fit for all types of participants. 

Serious runners can treat it as a major spring challenge, while casual walkers and joggers can still be part of the fun through the shorter distance.

The course is a highlight on its own, taking runners through Cape Henlopen State Park toward Gordon’s Pond and back. 

It is one of those routes where you are constantly surrounded by coastal views, peaceful trails, and that fresh, breezy state park atmosphere that makes running feel enjoyable.

Once you finish, the race shifts into celebration mode with a lively post-race gathering at Irish Eyes. 

Expect a fun crowd, lots of race-day energy, and the kind of relaxed social vibe that makes you want to stick around even after you grab your water and snacks.

Even better, the event supports the James J. Kiernan Memorial Scholarship, so it is a race that feels meaningful as well as memorable. 

• Date: Saturday, May 2nd 2026
• Location: 213 Anglers Road
• Time: 8am
• Cost: $30-$90
• Register here

This is just part 1 of our 2026 races & 5ks roundup. Stay tuned for the next parts covering even more races throughout the year, and follow the blog for updates on upcoming events, outdoor activities, and things to do around Coastal Delaware!