2026 Shark Bite Half Marathon and 5K

The 2026 Shark Bite Half Marathon and 5K takes place on January 17 and 18 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, known as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World." The event features a two-day schedule with the Feeding Frenzy 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon and a separate 5K on Sunday. Participants can expect a festive, beach-themed atmosphere with ocean views and community vibes. Typical weather for New Smyrna Beach in mid-January is generally mild, with average highs in the low 70s°F (around 22°C) and lows in the low 50s°F (around 11°C), though conditions can vary.

What is the event schedule?

• →Saturday, January 17, 2026: Feeding Frenzy 5K starts at 8:00 AM EST
• →Sunday, January 18, 2026: Shark Bite Half Marathon starts at 7:30 AM EST
• →Sunday, January 18, 2026: Shark Bite 5K starts at 7:40 AM EST
• →Sunday, January 18, 2026: Kiddie Dash starts at 9:00 AM
• →Packet Pickup: Saturday, Jan 17, from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

What distances are available for this event?

• →Feeding Frenzy 5K (Saturday)
• →Shark Bite Half Marathon (Sunday) - 13.1 miles, USATF-certified
• →Shark Bite 5K (Sunday)
• →Kiddie Dash (Sunday) - for ages 1–8

How much does registration cost?

• →Feeding Frenzy 5K: $45 (increases after Jan 16)
• →Shark Bite Half Marathon: $102 (increases after Jan 16)
• →Shark Bite 5K: $46 (increases after Jan 16)
• →Kiddie Dash: Free (registration required by Jan 17)
• →Half Marathon Challenge (Sat 5K + Sun Half): $145
• →5K Challenge (Sat 5K + Sun 5K): $90

What is included with registration?

• →High-quality finisher medals with unique designs for each race
• →Super-soft blended cotton T-shirt (different designs for Saturday and Sunday)
• →FREE professional race photos by Almost There Photography
• →FREE beer for finishers 21+ (available for Sunday events)
• →Post-race food, including pizza from Flagler Avenue Pizza (Sunday)
• →Live DJ on course and at the finish line
• →Instant results via text or email

Are there any awards or recognition?

• →Top 10% Finisher Hats (by gender) for the Half Marathon and Saturday 5K
• →Custom awards for overall and age-group winners
• →Pace teams available for the Half Marathon
• →Special challenge medal for Half Marathon Challenge and 5K Challenge participants

What are the challenge event options?

• →Half Marathon Challenge: Includes the Saturday 5K and Sunday Half Marathon for $145 (30 spots left)
• →5K Challenge: Includes the Saturday 5K and Sunday 5K for $90 (82 spots left)

Where is the packet pickup location?

• →201 Buenos Aires St, New Smyrna Beach, FL
• →Held on Saturday, Jan 17, from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Is the course certified?

• →Yes, the Half Marathon is USATF-certified and is eligible as a Boston qualifier
• →Other distances are not certified