Dare County has announced that the Sport Air Racing League—a competitive organization dedicated to promoting cross-country air racing and providing pilots across the country with various ways to test their skills, improve their performance and engage with their community—is bringing the OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge to Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI) in Manteo on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This exciting aviation event—which is free and open to the public—is designed to test pilots’ speed and precision as they navigate a series of designated waypoints in a cross-country-style competition that requires competitors to “check in” at several local airports throughout northeastern North Carolina, depending upon which course they select during registration. In addition to the air race competition, the event will also feature a coffee truck and self-guided Dare County Regional Airport Museum tours.

“The OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge is a must-attend event for pilots, aviation lovers and members of the local Dare County community alike,” said Tony Bruno, who serves as curator at the Dare County Regional Airport Museum. “The event is a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about the world of aviation and its unique history on the Outer Banks—and for spectators from Dare County and beyond to get an up-close and personal view of the action as various aircraft take off and race against the clock during this fun and friendly competition.”

“Whether you’re a pilot planning participate in the challenge, an aviation enthusiast in search of an educational and action-packed experience, or a visitor simply looking for a unique local event to enjoy on the Outer Banks during your spring visit, the OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge has something to offer everyone!” stated the event announcement from Dare County.

2025 OBX Air Challenge Event Schedule:

Saturday, May 17, 2025

• 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – Pilot sign-in and registration
• 10 a.m. – Mandatory pre-challenge pilot briefing (attendance required for participation)
• 10:45 a.m. – Pilots report to aircraft
• 11 a.m. – Engines start and race begins
• Noon to 2 p.m. – Post-race lunch for pilots at Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI)
• 2 p.m. – Awards ceremony at Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI)

Race Courses:

• Short Course: KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo) – KFFA (First Flight Airport – Kill Devil Hills) – 7NC2 (Pine Island Airport – Corolla) – KONX (Currituck County Regional Airport – Maple) – NC36 (Cotton Gin Airport – Grandy) – KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo)
• Long Course: KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo) – KFFA (First Flight Airport – Kill Devil Hills) – 7NC2 (Pine Island Airport – Corolla) – KONX (Currituck County Regional Airport – Maple) – KCPK (Chesapeake Regional Airport – Chesapeake, Va.) – CVI (VOR) – 86NC (Hertford) – KMQI (Dare County Regional Airport – Manteo)

Pilots interested in participating in the upcoming 2025 OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge can register online via the Sport Air Racing League’s website, SportAirRace.org. The cost to register is $50 per pilot, which includes a meet and greet dinner the night prior to the event (Friday, May 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.), as well as a challenge T-shirt and lunch the day of the OBX Air Challenge (Saturday, May 17, 2025).

For further inquiries regarding race details, contact race host Michael Bergen at dmbergen@comcast.net or 443-597-3720.

The Dare County Regional Airport is seeking numerous event volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks during the 2025 OBX 50/150 Cross-Country Air Challenge, including acting as spotters at one of the checkpoints along the race, directing visitors and vehicles to the event site, and providing information to guests. Those interested in volunteering for this event should contact Dare County Regional Airport Museum curator and event coordinator Tony Bruno at 252-475-5575 or Tony.Bruno@DareNC.gov.

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