Ocean City’s Winter Warrior Challenge Returns Presidents Day Weekend

Ocean City is leaning into winter fun again with the return of the Winter Warrior Challenge, set for February 14, 2026, at the Ocean City Civic Center near 6th Street and the Boardwalk. Now in its third year, the event has become a Presidents Day weekend tradition, drawing families, local teams, and spectators to the beach for a cold-weather obstacle challenge.

Unlike a standard road race, the Winter Warrior Challenge is designed as a mix of fitness, teamwork, and novelty—something different for a time of year when the boardwalk is usually quiet.

What the Winter Warrior Challenge Includes

The event features three main components, each aimed at a different age group or participation style:

• Kids’ obstacle course (non-competitive), with elements like a rock wall, cargo net, balance planks, and monkey bars

• Winter Warrior race, a roughly 2.5-mile course for teens and adults that winds across the beach and includes about 10 obstacles, such as sand mounds and cargo-net climbs

• Team challenges, where groups of four compete in strength-based events like a fire-engine pull, rescue dummy drag, and tire flip relay

All finishers in the main race receive a Winter Warrior t-shirt, which has quickly become a badge of honor among repeat participants.

Schedule and Location Details

Events will take place the morning of Saturday, February 14, with staggered heats for children and adults. The check-in area and staging will be based at the Ocean City Civic Center, just off the Boardwalk, making it easy for spectators to watch portions of the course from the beach and nearby access points.

Discounted registration is available through February 11, after which standard pricing applies. Spectators are welcome and often line the beach to cheer on participants tackling obstacles in winter conditions.

A Growing Offseason Tradition

City officials have noted that the Winter Warrior Challenge has become a reliable mid-winter draw, helping activate the beachfront during an otherwise quiet season. Families, local businesses, and visiting participants all tend to make a morning—or full weekend—out of the event.

According to city announcements, the combination of kid-friendly activities and adult challenges has helped the event grow steadily since its debut, reinforcing Ocean City’s reputation for hosting structured, family-oriented activities year-round.

Tips for Attending or Participating

If you’re planning to take part or watch:

• Dress in layers and plan for sand exposure

• Arrive early to allow time for parking and check-in

• Bring warm clothes for after the race, especially for kids

• Expect portions of the beach near 6th Street to be active during the morning hours

Common Questions

Is the event competitive?
The kids’ course is non-competitive. The main race and team challenges are timed, but the overall atmosphere is fun-first.

Can spectators watch for free?
Yes. Spectators are welcome to watch from the beach and surrounding areas.

Is this event family-friendly?
Yes. The event is designed to include children, teens, adults, and teams.

Sources: Ocean City Public Relations; OCNJ Daily; Patch