We know, we know—it’s the heart of football season, and if you’re a sports fan, you’re probably settled into a nice Sunday routine by now. Nothing wrong with that! We love watching national sports as much as the next person, but did you know there are tons of athletics right here in Wilmington? From local teams to watch in the coming year, to clubs that promote healthy living, we Wilmingtonians have some fantastic choices. Let’s get into it!
Photo: House of Pickleball’s Facebook
Community Sports for Your Competitive Spirit
Wilmington Run Club
If you love taking a morning run, well, you probably love coffee, too. That’s why we love the Wilmington Run Club! Every Friday at 6:30 AM, folks meet at the designated monthly coffee shop (always a local ILM joint), go for a run together, and enjoy a local cup of coffee. It’s a fantastic way to get involved and meet new friends.
Check out their Instagram for monthly locale updates and to see if this club is right for you!
Ironman 70.3
Every fall, Wilmington hosts the Ironman 70.3, where competitors swim, bike, and run through our beautiful town. The course starts at Wrightsville Beach and ends by the Battleship North Carolina, and is known for being a fast course with stunning views. Professionals come to break their best times, and first-timers can expect a friendly, smooth route for their race. All in all, it’s perfect for just about anyone looking to take their fitness to the next level, or for the energised spectator hoping to watch a record-breaking time hit the books.
Next year’s race is scheduled for October 17, and you can head here for more details on how to prepare, register, or watch!
Golf Courses
We have so many stunning premier golf courses in the Wilmington area! First on our list is Cape Fear National, whose award-winning course is one of the most celebrated in Leland.
Another nearby option is Magnolia Greens Golf Club, home to 27 outstanding holes and a local’s favorite. Plus, they hosted several PGA and USGA qualifying events!
We also adore Porter’s Neck Country Club, whose membership experience includes access to a premier sports complex. Finally, this wouldn’t be a complete list without the Cape Fear Country Club, the oldest private country club in Wilmington!
Wanting a full breakdown of the courses in Wilmington? Check out this local resource, and find the course that feels like a hole-in-one.
Pickleball Courts
Who isn’t obsessed with pickleball by now? If you’re looking for a place to compete against friends or try your hand at an event, look no further than House of Pickleball! Flexible membership options, high-quality courts, and constant happenings make this a hotspot for new fans and old hats alike.
Pickle and Taps offers the perfect space for socializing and friendly competition. They welcome all ages and experience levels, and they’ve got plenty of beer on tap for between games!
If you’re still looking for the perfect court, we love this resource provided by Cape Fear Pickleball Club. For those interested in forming a pickleball-playing community, definitely check them out!
Tennis Courts
24 courts, a clubhouse, and free to walk in? Sign us up! The Althea Gibson Tennis Complex is a local favorite. They even offer clinics for all ages!
When you browse this page, you’ll find other recommendations for local tennis fun, sorted by courts with lights and courts without.
Photo courtesy of Girls on the Run International’s Facebook
Kid-Friendly Athletics and Initiatives
YMCA Youth Triathlon
Calling all competitive kids! The YMCA Youth Triathlon in Wrightsville Beach is the perfect event for a child interested in athletics. With modified versions of each leg, this annual race is the perfect age-appropriate challenge! It also gives young athletes an exciting opportunity to train, set goals, and learn about fitness. Plus, there are multiple award categories to chase after, all based on age.
Girls on the Run & STRIDE
Programs like Girls on the Run and STRIDE help young, pre-teen kids learn about healthy habits, fitness, and overcoming challenges. Through mentorship and other activities, kids learn important life lessons and develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.
While the fall season for the YMCA Girls on the Run and STRIDE Programs is coming to a close, keep your eye out for the next round! You can also learn all about Coastal Carolina’s Girls on the Run, register, and learn how to support their mission by clicking here.
Wilmington Hammerheads Soccer Club
The Hammerheads are a development program offering high-quality coaching for athletes aged 7 – 19. Because of their commitment to age-appropriate curricula and training regimens, these games are super fun for players and spectators! This year, more than 100 Hammerheads will compete in NCAA college soccer. As ILM locals, we get excited to see these future stars in action—and definitely recommend watching a game or two this season!
i9 Sports
Want your child to build their community and their competitive spirit? i9 Sports is the largest national provider of high-quality, community-based sport programs for kids. They offer clinics, camps, and leagues, and their coaches are committed to helping children succeed in life and athletics. You can read more about their mission and values here!
Photos courtesy of Port City FC’s Facebook
Local Semi-Pro Athletics to Fan Over
Love the game even from the stands? Then you’ll want to check out these fun semi-professional teams, who will be once again playing in Wilmington in 2026.
Port City FC
Watch semi-professional men’s and women’s soccer right here in ILM. Port City FC announced that their women’s team will be joining the USL-W League in the coming season! This is an exciting chapter for our Wilmington-based club, who strive to provide a platform for the community’s soccer stars. Besides the excellent strides being made in women’s athletics, fans should be excited about heightened competition at home in Legion Stadium. You can cheer on the men’s and women’s teams this coming spring!
Wilmington Sharks
Baseball games in ILM are always a good time, and the Wilmington Sharks are loved by our entire community! The team is made up of elite college players who get to experience a semi-professional, minor league-like atmosphere over the summer. They also compete against fourteen other teams in the Coastal Plain League. It’s a great pastime here in Wilmington and encompasses everything you hope for in a minor league game! Watch them right here in Wilmington in the late spring.
