We Painted New Bridge Street Red, White & Blue!

What an incredible night! On June 7th, over 600 runners gathered for our first-ever Stars & Strides 5K to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. It was an evening to remember, packed with patriotism, watermelon, cake, and a much-needed sprinkler at the finish line!

We were absolutely blown away by the community's response. While we initially expected around 500 runners, we actually sold out of finisher medals a whole month before race day! To accommodate the incredible demand, we opened up extra registration spots for those who still wanted to run without a medal. Over 100 eager runners jumped at the chance, forcing us to officially cap registration to ensure we had enough refreshments and supplies for everyone.

This event was just one piece of a year-long regional celebration for America’s 250th birthday. Click here to check out other exciting events happening this year!

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Volunteers

An event of this scale takes a village. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this night possible:

Title Sponsor: Marine Chevy
Race Series Sponsor: Fleet Feet
Supporting Sponsors: Food Lion, Kinetico, and the Jacksonville Rotary Club
Special Thanks: Our dedicated Board Members, volunteers, the Jacksonville Interact Club, and the Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Color Guard.

Thank you to everyone who laced up their sneakers and celebrated with us!

-Marisa Reeder

Associate Director

Onslow County Sports Tourism

Economic Impact

UPCOMING EVENTS

Freedom Fight Boxing

Presented by Marine Chevy

August 8, 2026

In celebration of the America 250 milestone, we invite you to a spectacular display of athleticism and spirit. Freedom Fight is a thrilling boxing event organized in collaboration with the All-Marine Boxing Alumni and sanctioned by USA Boxing, Inc. Commemorating 250 years of American independence, this event brings together standout boxers from North Carolina and beyond for an electrifying atmosphere filled with intense competition. Be a part of history and don't miss this exciting night of boxing action!

Doors open: 2:00 PM

Event Information

Movin' Mullet 5k

Presented by Marine Chevy

October 3, 2026

When you hear the word mullet, do you think of the fish or the rockin’ hairstyle? With our race, we hope your future answer will be both. To help Swansboro kick off their Mullet Festival, we will hold the Movin’ Mullet 5K the Saturday before the festival on October 3rd.

We are keeping the party going celebrating America's 250th birthday with a patriotic theme to our race this year. We hope that you will use this opportunity to show off your fun clothing and awesome mullet hairstyles. Whether it is the North Carolina Neck Warmer, the Kentucky Waterfall, the Camero Crash Helmet, the Tennessee Top Hat, the Beaver Paddle, the El Camino Headrest, or even the Mississippi Mudflap, all mullets are welcomed…and actually encouraged.

Event Information

Fuzzy Peach Trail Run 5k & 1-Mile Walk

Presented by Fuzzy Peach Yogurt

November 7, 2026

Get ready to lace up those running shoes and unleash your adventurous spirit on the scenic trail course around Hines Farm Park & Stables!

After conquering those miles, a deliciously delightful reward awaits you at the finish line— frozen yogurt from The Fuzzy Peach! Join us not just for a run, but for a delightful experience that makes you feel right at home in our community!

Event Information

Community Events

East Coast Invitational Team Camp

June 18-21

ECIT features North Carolina's TOP high school basketball talent — student-athletes who are being recruited by colleges in all the major conferences throughout the United States.

Event Info

Marine Corps Half Marathon

September 19, 2026

Experience the storied legacy of the Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Half Marathon on Camp Lejeune. This flat and picturesque course offers runners breathtaking views of the New River, Morgan Bay, and Farnell Bay. You will travel between the fairways of the Paradise Point Golf Course, where the Heroes Mile pays homage to fallen service members. The Marine Corps Half Marathon offers an unparalleled opportunity to honor tradition while embracing the natural beauty of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Event Information

Become a Friend of JOSC

As an independent nonprofit organization, the Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission (JOSC) seeks private support, through its annual giving campaign, to fulfill its mission of enriching our community through sport.

We do so in three ways:

Locally created, owned and operated events
Supporting local event promoters to help them grow their events
Engaging the community through recognition programs and youth initiatives

Companies and individuals who participate in the Friends of the Sports Commission program pave the way for the organization’s success. The Friends of the Sports Commission program is the cornerstone of the JOSC’s strength and stability.

The Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commission’s results make Onslow County a stronger market, generates economic development and contributes to the region’s quality of life. As a friend of the program, you’ll help our organization continue to make great things happen for Onslow County. Check out our Friend of the Sports Commission sponsor levels.

To become a Friend of the Sports Commission, please contact Scott Smith at scott@josc-nc.com or 910-347-3141 ext. 248.

JOSC Title Sponsors

Providence Bank

Fleet Feet Jacksonville

Fuzzy Peach

Marine Chevrolet

Marine Federal Credit Union

Moore Buick GMC

SIA Group

Current Friends List

All-Star

Moore Buick GMC