A rare race is returning to Carolina Beach in an effort to raise money for a local charity.

This September, ancient Chinese-inspired dragon boats will race along the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin to benefit Step Up For Soldiers.

Spanning two days, the third annual Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival kicks off on Sept. 18 with a community party. Races will be held on Sept. 19.

The festival will bring visitors and tourism dollars to the area, as teams will consist of regional dragon boat club members in addition to local participants.

According to the event website, the more than 40-foot-long canoe-like boats “are manned by a crew of 20, plus a steersman at the stern of the boat, and a drummer/pace setter sitting in the bow.”

Competing teams, organizers said, will contend in qualifying races that Saturday morning. Final heats are slated to begin at 1:30 p.m., in which teams will contest for a variety of titles, including fastest time, slowest time, most spirited team and best costumes.

For more information on the 300-meter course event or to register a team, go to the event website at  carolinabeachdragonboat.com. Registration cost is $500 per team for dragon boat club members and $1,000 per team for non-members.