Walk, Run, Just Have Fun!
From Corolla to Avon, family-friendly, weekly 5k racing on the Outer Banks. Everyone gets a t-shirt, medal, light snacks and refreshments at our post race party.

A veteran owned business, The OBX Running Company brings you professional road race, multi-sport and swim events in a family friendly environment. We have a long standing commitment to building a better community through racing. We are always available to meet your fitness and recreation needs. At The OBX Running Company, "We'll Race You!"

The OBX Running Company partners with local charities providing services to families and individuals in need.

The OBX Running Company delivers family friendly, fun and fast 5k racing and multi sport events that promote Tourism and Hospitality on the Outer Banks.

 

SPECIAL PROFILE

Ready for a Runcation?

The Outer Banks Running Company Brings Family Fun and Fitness to Vacationers

Matt and Barbara Costa’s life-long passion for fitness motivated them to become business owners of The Gym and The OBX Running Company in the Outer Banks. Matt served as a Marine and Barbara grew up exercising. “Child obesity is such a serious issue,” says Barbara. “Exercise was organic for us as a couple, then we had children and we wanted to get our kids active.” 

The Costas are also both trained chefs and bring their hospitality backgrounds into their fitness businesses. For 10 years they have partnered with local businesses to host well organized racing events for all ages. Supporting local charities—including Outer Banks Giving Tree, Outer Banks Women’s Club and the Water’s Edge Village School—is deeply important to them. “A lot of families run together, some for the first time, and it becomes a yearly tradition,” says Barbara. 

The couple has brought the same family-friendly vibe to The Gym, providing a welcoming atmosphere that draws customers back year after year, much like the races. Along with standard memberships for residents, The Gym offers vacationers a variety of affordable, flexible passes. The Gym is a full-service fitness gym with cardio equipment, weights and even a boxing ring. It offers boxing training sessions and other exercise classes.  

The Costas consider the Outer Banks a special place to raise their children and run their veteran-owned businesses, and they realize why people come back each year for vacation. “The Outer Banks doesn’t feel like other beaches,” says Barbara. “It’s a much quieter spot than some of the other vacation destinations. But even though people are enjoying some down time they don’t want to stop their regular fitness routines.
We provide them with a variety of healthy lifestyle choices year round. And who doesn’t love that?” 

– Interview by Chelsea Sherman

Kitty Hawk
252-489-8239
Hours
*Off-season hours may vary*
Call 252-489-8239 for current hours.
  • Monday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Tuesday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Wednesday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Thursday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Friday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Saturday7:00am-7:00pm
  • Sunday7:00am-7:00pm
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Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Jimmy's Seafood Buffet

Home of the Crab Leg & Lobster Buffet for over 24 years! Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a great stop for an all you can eat affordable dinner extravaganza. The buffet offers over 100 different items. It even serves Jumbo Alaskan crab legs and Jumbo steamed shrimp, something you will not find on any other buffet in the OBX. The buffet offers a variety of seafood and non seafood options. Try some of Jimmy’s seafood options and load your plate with blackened tuna, Louisiana crawfish, steamed scallops and mussels, fried oysters and deviled crabs. Not in the mood for seafood? Fill your plate with steak, pineapple glazed ham, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and fettuccini Alfredo to name a few. The buffet also offers a kid section. Let your kids load their plates with chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and corn dog nuggets. Don’t forget dessert! The buffet also offers soft serve ice cream and a plethora of baked goods. 

 

It’s been 22 years since Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet opened its doors for the first time. Since that inaugural summer, the goal has remained the same: provide customers with a tasty, fresh array of seafood full of Caribbean flavor.

 

Elizabeth Dowless and her husband Jerry had always worked in restaurants in the Outer Banks, so when the opportunity to open Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet with a couple of friends arose, it was an easy yes. The Dowlesses bought out the business in 2003, excited to turn Jimmy’s into an Outer Banks staple. When Jerry passed away later that year, Dowless knew she wanted to continue pursuing their dream on her own.

 

Dowless went all in on the concept of a fresh, flavorful seafood buffet and her hard work paid off. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet is a beloved fixture of Outer Banks dining, with customers returning year after year for the fresh fare.

 

“Customers keep in contact with me throughout the winter. I get people every day asking me when we’re opening for the season, and customers book their vacations around our opening,” Dowless says. “I absolutely love getting to see familiar faces come back to see us each year. I love seeing them lose their minds over the buffet! Their excitement is what I love most about my job.”