🏃 Races in North Carolina

Lace up your sneakers for a fantastic community gathering in Holly Springs, NC that celebrates our Naval Special Warfare heroes while supporting their families through the Travis Manion Foundation. This family-friendly 5k brings together awesome runners like you to raise vital funds honoring the brave service members and veterans who've made incredible sacrifices. Join us on September 12th for a meaningful race that truly makes a difference!

Get ready to tackle some fantastic single-track trails in Snow Camp with either a 10K or Half Marathon option, plus a thrilling bonus: climb the 80-foot observation tower at the finish for breathtaking views from the highest point in NC east of Greensboro (or take a time penalty at the aid station if you'd rather skip it). This September event takes place at the beautiful new 1000-acre Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area, conveniently located for runners from Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Burlington, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. Come experience this awesome adventure in Alamance County!

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind trail running adventure at Hagan-Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, NC, where you can race in the morning, evening, or both in the same day! Whether you're tackling the half marathon or 10K, you'll enjoy beautifully maintained trails, well-marked routes, and excellent support stations as you experience everything from sunrise to moonlight running. This event is perfect for both seasoned trail runners and newcomers looking to mix things up and make a full day of it.

Get ready for an unforgettable running adventure when this beloved event makes its comeback on the first Saturday of September 2025! You'll have your pick of routes—go for the classic 5K distance or push yourself with the tougher 10K challenge—and either way, you're in for a fun, high-energy experience. Trust us, this is one race you won't want to miss!

Join us on September 12th, 2026, in Goldsboro for a great cause—we're raising funds to help fight addiction in our community! You can choose your adventure: tackle the competitive 5K (starting at 9:00 AM with medals for the top three finishers in each gender) or enjoy a relaxed 1-mile fun run/walk at 8:00 AM. Register early to save money ($30 for the 5K or $20 for the fun run), and be among the first 20 to snag a free t-shirt and goody bag!

Gather with us in Concord on Saturday, September 12 from 3:00-7:00 pm for a community tailgate celebration honoring Elijah's memory on the second anniversary of his passing. Enjoy delicious BBQ, refreshments, and family-friendly activities while supporting an important cause—this event is completely free, though donations to the SUDC Foundation are welcomed to help fund research and raise awareness about Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. Just let us know you're coming by signing up, and help us bring the community together to make a real difference for families affected by SUDC!

Join us in Boone, NC for a meaningful morning of running where you can choose between a fun 1-mile dash for the littles (8:00 am) or the main 5K event (8:30 am)—both kicking off and finishing at Clawson-Burnley Park along the Greenway Trail. All the proceeds go toward honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community and supporting their families, with this year's race dedicated to Brittany Berry and her loved ones. Everyone in the community is invited to run, walk, or cheer as we celebrate the brave officers and military heroes who've served North Carolina and our country.

Join us for the 10th celebration of this beloved Lincolnton community event on Saturday, September 12th at Betty G Ross Park, where runners of all abilities—from serious competitors to casual walkers, plus families and seniors—come together for a morning filled with support and joy. Register by July 31st for a chance to win a $100 gift card, and you'll receive a race shirt and medal; packet pickup and registration open at 7 am race day, with the Fun Run starting at 8 am and the 5K at 8:30 am. You'll compete for awards in overall and age group categories, all while being part of what makes this race so special—amazing people cheering each other on!

Get ready to get gloriously muddy while supporting an amazing cause at this beloved community event in Clemmons, NC on Saturday, September 12, 2026! Whether you're 7 years old or seasoned athlete, you can choose between the challenging 5K obstacle course (solo or team) or the Fun Run for all ages, both packed with thrilling obstacles that test your strength and agility. Your entry fee goes directly toward supporting YMCA programs that make a real difference for cancer survivors and those managing chronic conditions, plus you'll score a shiny new medal as a 2026 bonus!

Get ready to tackle this late-summer/early-fall multisport adventure at the stunning Belews Lake Carolina Marina, where you'll enjoy a refreshing 1500m swim in crystal-clear water, conquer a rolling 27-mile bike course, and finish strong with a 10K run—all with a smooth time trial start to keep things organized and uncrowded. Whether you're a triathlon purist, prefer the duathlon format, or want to focus on swim and bike with the aquabike option, this Trivium Multisport Series race has you covered with individual or relay entry choices. The scenic lakeside setting and smart course design make this the perfect way to cap off your summer racing season!

Join us in Raleigh for a 5K that brings together runners, walkers, and ruckers of all abilities to celebrate the brave men and women who responded to 9/11 and continue serving our country. This event unites our community while supporting local veterans, active duty personnel, first responders, and families of those we've lost. If you're interested in rucking—a challenging fitness activity inspired by special forces training where you carry a weighted pack while running or walking—we've got dedicated divisions for you, plus exclusive patches for all GORUCK participants!

Join Graham for their sixth annual tribute run on Saturday, September 12, 2026, where you can honor 9/11 while getting active in your patriotic red, white, and blue! Beyond the main 5K and First Responders Team Cup, there's something for everyone—including a relaxed 1-mile option, a Touch A Truck experience, blood drive opportunities, games, music, and more to enjoy with your community. Bring your lawn chair, carpool with friends, and come rain or shine for a family-friendly day filled with fun and remembrance!

Join Life Changers, Inc. for a meaningful 5K in Concord, NC that brings the community together to raise awareness and prevent suicide while connecting participants with vital support resources. This is the fourth year of this important event, and it's a great opportunity to make a difference right in your own backyard. Come run or walk for a cause that truly matters!

Lace up and join us in Rocky Mount for a decade of community spirit as the Jasmine Sickle Cell Warriors Foundation celebrates their 10th year bringing runners and walkers together—no matter your speed or experience level! This inclusive event welcomes everyone from competitive athletes to families and supporters who want to make an impact while promoting wellness and raising awareness about sickle cell disease. Your participation directly supports vital education, advocacy, and resources for those affected by sickle cell throughout Eastern North Carolina.

# Rewritten Description Come dressed as your favorite hero and join us on the scenic American Tobacco Trail in Durham for a fun run, walk, or roll that celebrates the real heroes among us—organ, eye, and tissue donors! Starting and finishing at Herndon Park, you'll enjoy an out-and-back course with refreshments and awards waiting for you at the end, all while supporting vital statewide education and outreach about the lifesaving impact of donation. Register for just $35 to get your race bib with timing chip and commemorative t-shirt, and know that every dollar goes toward spreading awareness about this incredible cause!

Get ready to hit the trails at Epiphany Cross Country #2 in New Bern, NC! Lace up your shoes and join fellow runners for an exciting cross country experience in this scenic North Carolina location.

Join us in Raleigh for a free, public celebration of assistive technology! This annual expo—brought to you by the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program—welcomes people with disabilities, families, professionals, employers, and curious minds alike to explore nearly 50 vendors showcasing innovative AT solutions (from speech-generating devices to vision tech to accessible software). You'll enjoy hands-on demonstrations, educational breakout sessions with continuing ed credits, and great networking opportunities at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center.

Get ready for a speedy 5K on a beautiful greenway path at Abersham Park in Davidson, NC—and here's the best part, it's completely free! Hosted by the Davidson Area Running Team (DART) on the second Saturday of each month, this flat, fast course features a perfect out-and-back route. It's a fantastic opportunity to join a local running community while enjoying a lovely park setting.

Head to the beautiful coastal town of Hatteras, North Carolina in September 2026 for a relaxed 5K run that's perfect for everyone—featuring easy, flat terrain and stunning views of historic buildings, maritime charm, and waterfront scenery as the sun comes up. This laid-back event kicks off early before the Day at the Dock festivities, offering runners a serene morning experience while supporting the Hatteras United Methodist Church's important community programs like winter meal services and the local preschool. Top finishers in the men's, women's, and youth categories will earn prizes at this non-chip-timed race.

Get ready to run 13.1 miles through Camp Lejeune, NC in 2026 with fellow runners in this Marine Corps Half Marathon presented by FirstLight Home Care & USAA—just make sure you're at least 14 years old and can cross the finish line within 3 hours and 45 minutes! Keep in mind that only registered participants are allowed on the course (sorry, no four-legged friends this time), and the route isn't USATF certified. Head to the official website for all the details you need to get started!

Join us for a 5K celebration in Clemmons, NC that honors women battling gynecologic cancers while spreading awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Since its founding in 2010, this inspiring event has brought our community together to raise nearly $500,000 that supports vital education, advocacy, patient care, and groundbreaking research right here in the Piedmont Triad and beyond. Lace up your shoes and help us work toward a future free from gynecologic cancers!

Lace up at 8:00 am for a scenic 5K or join the 1-mile fun run at 9:00 am in beautiful Blowing Rock, NC, where you'll tackle an invigorating climb up Wonderland Trail Road while soaking in those stunning Blue Ridge views alongside fellow conservation enthusiasts. Push yourself through the 3.1 miles knowing that delicious rewards—sticky buns, fresh coffee, and even a cold brew—are waiting to celebrate you at the finish line. This beloved course is back with an exciting new start and finish location at Blowing Rock Robbins Pool!

Join us in Greensboro, NC for the CANNONBALL Course Preview & Countdown Event, where you'll get an exclusive look at the race course before race day! It's the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the route and connect with fellow runners in a fun, supportive atmosphere.

Get ready to make a real difference at this vibrant 5K in Wilson, NC on September 19, 2026, where you'll join the Zuud26 Creative Collective at Greater Rotary Park at 9:00 AM to support mental health awareness and celebrate hope together. Whether you're running, walking, or cheering on the sidelines, you'll be part of a meaningful movement that spreads awareness, sparks important conversations, and shows that no one faces these challenges alone. Come dressed in your brightest colors, bring your energy, and help create an inclusive, uplifting community event that welcomes runners and walkers of every age and ability level!

Get ready to move your body and spirit in this uplifting 5K set in Rocky Mount, NC, where runners and walkers of all levels celebrate faith, fitness, and community together. You'll be energized by inspiring scripture signs, lively music, and enthusiastic volunteers cheering you on every step of the way, with chip timing to track your effort and a festive finish line celebration waiting at the end. Plus, you'll earn a finisher medal, have the chance to grab a race tee, and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes strollers and everyone in between!

Get ready to test your navigation skills by finding your way to checkpoints in Shelby, NC, then paddle your way to the finish line—and don't worry if you don't own a canoe or kayak, since you can still join in! You've got the flexibility to compete in just the orienteering portion or take on the full challenge, and this particular registration is set up for solo adventurers like you. Whether you're navigating new terrain or hitting the water, you'll have an unforgettable outdoor experience!

# Rewritten Description Ready to put your navigation skills to the ultimate test? This unique adventure around Shelby, NC challenges you to plot your own course using GPS coordinates as you visit checkpoints across the Broad River Greenway—mixing both trail running and paddling sections for the full experience. With no marked path to follow and strategy playing a huge role in your success, you'll need sharp navigation skills and solid endurance to conquer all the checkpoints and cross that finish line!

Get ready to feel amazing at this fantastic co-ed 5K in Durham that welcomes everyone—whether you're a veteran racer, just starting out, or anywhere in between! You'll join a vibrant community dedicated to building confidence, celebrating your inner strength, and having an absolute blast while doing it. Plus, your participation directly supports important mental health programs, so you'll be making a real difference while you run or walk!

Get ready to explore the stunning Outer Banks of North Carolina on September 20, 2026, when this brand-new event debuts at Historic Corolla Park! You'll have your choice of a flat and speedy 10-mile route or a family-friendly 5K, both taking you past the famous Currituck Beach Lighthouse, through charming coastal neighborhoods, and even past wild horses roaming the beach. No matter your experience level or whether you're chasing a personal record or just enjoying the gorgeous scenery, this inaugural race offers something special for everyone.

Get ready to tackle a fantastic cross country running experience in Rocky Mount, North Carolina at this exciting invitational event! You'll join runners from all around competing in a challenging and fun atmosphere that celebrates the sport we all love. Whether you're chasing a personal record or just enjoying a great day on the course, this dash will be an awesome addition to your racing calendar.

Get ready to kick off Oktoberfest weekend the right way—by conquering a mile while chugging four beers in true festival spirit! This wild event from Fleet Feet Jacksonville challenges you to down a 12oz beer before each of four laps, testing your endurance, speed, and sense of humor all at once. Whether you're in full lederhosen gear or just there for the oompah band vibes, it's the perfect blend of autumn celebration, friendly competition, and those legendary decisions you'll be laughing about with friends for years to come.

Lace up and head to Common Ground in Stanley, NC for this meaningful trail 5K that honors Jerrica Jade Helderman, an East Gaston High School graduate and dance team member who passed away from breast cancer in 2016. Your participation supports a $2,000 scholarship awarded annually to a senior dancer at East Gaston, keeping Jerrica's legacy of teamwork, dedication, and community support alive for the next two decades. Join the Community Pentecostal Center and Jerrica's friends as they celebrate her memory while you enjoy a great run!

Lace up and join us in Statesville for a meaningful 5K that supports our global mission to share faith and serve communities worldwide! This family-friendly event welcomes runners of all ages (adult supervision required for kids under 13), though four-legged friends should stay home this time. Together, we'll run for a purpose—spreading hope and making a difference across the globe.

Get ready to tackle the 20th edition of this classic 24-hour ultramarathon at Hinson Lake in Rockingham, NC, where you'll loop a beautiful 1.5-mile USATF-certified course through the woods with sandy/gravelly terrain, crossing 16 charming wooden footbridges (including an impressive 300-foot span over the lake). You'll be electronically timed with a chip bib, and the well-marked trail features nighttime chem-lights to keep you on track as you rack up those miles. Runners have their own dedicated chute, and if you need a breather, just step outside the lap counting area to rest up!

Join us for a fantastic day of running and walking through beautiful Lumberton on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, starting at 8 am—arrive early at 7 am for check-in and a pre-race briefing! This community event, brought to you by Robeson County Medical Society and Robeson Road Runners, takes you on a scenic journey starting downtown, winding along the picturesque Lumber River, through the peaceful Tanglewood neighborhood, and finishing with a straightforward sprint down Elm Street. Whether you're racing competitively or enjoying a leisurely walk at your own pace, all the proceeds from this year's officially timed 5K benefit the NC Professionals Health Program to support mental health awareness.

Join us on September 26, 2025, at Cub Creek Park in Wilkesboro, NC, for this beloved community event that honors Chad Lovette's memory! Whether you run the scenic trails in person or participate virtually from home, you'll enjoy professional timing by Finish Line Pros and grab yourself a commemorative T-shirt (plus stick around for live music and good times at Merle's afterward). All proceeds support the American Cancer Society's Steel Magnolia's Battle/Necessary Relay for Life Team, and if you donate $150 or more, you'll see your name featured on the back of the race shirt along with two complimentary tees!

Get ready for a fantastic day of running on September 26th in Oxford, NC, when the Durham Striders Youth Association brings you their fourth annual cross country celebration featuring an impressive lineup of 11 events! From high school and middle school races to a 5K run/walk for adults and competitive collegiate divisions for both women and men, there's something for every runner to enjoy. Best of all, your participation helps support the Central Children's Home of North Carolina and the Durham Striders Youth Association—just remember to leave the strollers, baby joggers, and furry friends at home!

Get ready to celebrate the iconic Downtown Greenway in Greensboro at this beloved community gathering on September 26, 2026, where you can choose to walk or run either a casual 1-mile route or a timed 4-mile challenge! Stick around after crossing the finish line at Morehead Park for an awesome block party featuring food, music, and fun from 4-8 pm. This 17th annual event, organized by Greensboro Parks and Recreation in partnership with Fleet Feet and Junction 311, is all about bringing neighbors together while showing off one of our favorite local green spaces.

Lace up and join Fleet Feet Durham for a sneak peek at the Bull City Race Fest Half Marathon course in Durham, NC! You'll cruise through roughly 10 miles of the actual race route starting and finishing at Fleet Feet Durham on Ninth Street, with multiple pace groups, turn-by-turn guidance, and support stations along the way. Whether you're training for your first half marathon, hunting for a personal record, or just want to explore the course with fellow runners, this low-pressure preview is perfect for all abilities to practice pacing and get comfortable with the race-day route.

Join us on September 26, 2026, in Greensboro for a community 5K that celebrates mental wellness while supporting important mental health services and suicide awareness—all starting and finishing at Revolution Mill. Whether you're a competitive runner, casual walker, or somewhere in between, everyone's invited to participate solo, with friends, or as part of a team. Plus, every registration enters you into a drawing for a free overnight stay at either the O. Henry or Proximity Hotels!

Join us in Kannapolis for a meaningful 3-mile walk that honors the inspiring legacy of Dr. Kelsea Monet Randolph, a pharmacy graduate and fierce advocate whose life was cut short by Sickle Cell Disease in 2017 at just 25 years old. Every step you take celebrates her incredible determination and compassion while supporting the 100,000 Americans currently living with this disease. Together, we're raising awareness and pushing for meaningful research to make a real difference in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease.

Lace up your shoes and head to Charlotte for this awesome community gathering that brings families together to support awareness of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)! You can challenge yourself with the 5K run, take a leisurely 1K stroll with the whole family and your furry friends, or even join in from wherever you are virtually. Every stride you take that day makes a real difference and celebrates the spirit of hope and unity we all share!

Join us for a fantastic morning of running and walking on Sunday, September 27th, 2026 at 7:30 AM on the beautiful UNC-Chapel Hill campus, starting at the iconic Old Well (180 E. Cameron Ave.). Choose your adventure with either a 5K run or a 1.2-mile family-friendly walk, knowing that every dollar you raise supports the UNC Craniofacial Center and helps patients access vital care. This 17th annual event is proudly organized by dental students through Magical Moments, a student-led group dedicated to making a difference!

Join us for a great cause on Sunday, September 27th, 2026 at 7:30 AM at the Old Well on UNC-Chapel Hill's campus for the 17th annual Cleft Palate Gallop! Whether you're up for the 5K run or prefer the 1.2-mile family fun walk, you'll be supporting the UNC Craniofacial Center, as all proceeds go directly to their vital work. Hosted by dental students through the Magical Moments organization, your participation makes a real difference in providing care to patients who need it most.

Get ready to light up the Washington waterfront at this family-friendly event celebrating kindness and youth empowerment! You can join in person for a chip-timed 5K or one-mile fun run on October 3rd (both starting at 7pm), or participate virtually anytime between September 27-October 3rd—all while supporting scholarships and community service projects. Don't forget your glow gear and come ready to have fun while making a difference!

Join us in New Bern, NC on October 3, 2026 for this meaningful 5K that honors babies lost too soon and supports bereaved families—you can also participate virtually from October 1-5 if that works better for you. Whether you walk or run, you'll be part of the Boots and Blooms Foundation's mission to help families navigate the heartbreak of child loss, inspired by the founders' own journey of losing their daughter Lilly and son Andy. Lace up and be part of creating a compassionate community during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month!

Ready for a fun autumn morning? Lace up your shoes for this October 2026 running event in historic Edenton, where you'll experience beautiful waterfront views, charming colonial streets, and working peanut fields all in one race! Pick your distance—go for the 5K, 10K, or tackle the ultimate 15K Nutty Challenge by running both races back-to-back—and celebrate the kick-off to the beloved 51st Annual Peanut Festival with fellow runners in this charming North Carolina town.

Lace up on October 3, 2026, at Frank Liske Park in Concord for an evening glow-themed 5K and Fun Run honoring PJ St. Martin and Zack Dobbin—your participation directly supports Camp CARE, which gives children battling or recovering from cancer a chance to be kids first through summer camp experiences and year-round activities for the whole family. Every step you take helps create joyful moments, meaningful friendships, and unforgettable memories for these resilient children and their loved ones. Whether you're running or walking, you'll be part of something truly special!