Midtown Night Run – Raleigh, NC

In both memory and honor of William “Wild Bill” Sonner, Seven Oaks and the Stonehenge HOA is proud to hold our fifth annual Wild Bill 5k in 2025. Wild Bill was a coach, mentor and community leader in Raleigh for decades. The same passion that made Wild Bill an All-American athlete at NC State, made him a beloved Raleigh fixture for nearly 70 years. While his forte was swimming, Wild Bill was well known for running daily, no matter how hot the summer days got. Wild Bill was relentless and we wish to harness that energy to raise money for good causes in his honor.

The 5k course has been certified by USATF and issued course number NC21006BDS. An easily viewable course map is linked below and HERE using mapmyrun.

Discover the booming energy of Raleigh, North Carolina, a city that perfectly blends Southern hospitality with a fast-growing, competitive edge. Known as the "City of Oaks," Raleigh offers a lush, vibrant setting and a rapidly expanding fitness culture, providing a welcoming yet thrilling atmosphere for athletes ready to prove their strength.

The Raleigh Convention Center serves as the headquarters for this high-energy, two-day event, featuring a modern, light-filled space designed for peak performance. This condensed two-day schedule is packed with opportunity, offering Elite/Age Group sprints, the grit of the Ruck wave, and the synergy of 2-person and 4-person teams. The weekend also hosts the DEKA FIT Ultra, inviting the Southeast's toughest athletes to leave everything on the floor in the heart of the Carolinas.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are an oasis of cultural significance, both past and present, and are leading sources for black graduates. However, the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are still lacking proper representation of minority groups, including women. The HBCU STEM Education Run (STEMER) strives to raise funds and awareness through fitness. Each year, funds are dedicated to improving STEM education and accessibility for black individuals. This year, we're bringing our signature 5K to Raleigh to support our mission to "Educate, Empower, and Elevate HBCU STEM Students through Scholarships and Career Resources".

Race alone, with a friend, or with a team. Whether you are an HBCU alum/student, STEM graduate, or just passionate about education, this run is for you! Come join us to support STEM education at these crucial institutions.

SCHEDULE:

7:30 AM: Onsite Packet Pickup (Please note onsite REGISTRATION ends exactly at 8:00 AM)

8:00 AM: Pre-race Welcome Program

8:30 AM: Race Start

9:45 AM (tentatively): Award Ceremony and Scholarship Presentation

$50 awards for 1st place male and female winners sponsored by Fleet Feet Raleigh!

Commemorative medal available as an add-on

Dogs and strollers welcome. This event is not timed.

Supporting Second Chance Pet Adoptions

Course Records - WakeMed Soccer Park

Set a NEW course record & win a $10 gift code!

5K - Male: R. Lichtenwalner - 18:52 (2021) 6.5 Mile - Male: C. Holt - 42:18 (2021)

5K - Female: S. Warwick - 20:05 (2022) 6.5 Mile - Female: M. Cornwell - 49:04 (2024)

RUN, WALK, ROLL, OR STROLL!

Mutts & Marshmallows was able to do so much for helping abandoned dogs that we wanted to have another dog-friendly event in the Triangle to support Second Chance Pet Adoptions. Plus, runners really enjoyed the opportunity to race with their four-legged friends and Pups & Pastries is a fun way to help “combat animal homelessness"

IN-PERSON RACE INFORMATION

VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION

COURSE MAPS

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

Fit & Able loves family fitness and whose four-legged furry friend isn't part of the family? Dog owners are welcome to run with their pups in the Doggie Dash 5K and Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile! For only $10 per pup it will be happy trails for both runners and their dogs. AND, the full $10 dog fee goes to support Second Chance Pet Adoptions!

Give An Animal a Second Chance to Find Love

Second Chance Pet Adoptions is the oldest no-kill animal rescue organization in the Triangle and as of February 2021, over 15,000 lives have been saved by our staff and volunteers. Today, Second Chance operates out of a facility that holds 120 animals and welcomes over 3,500 visitors per year. All of these programs are enabled by the generous support of the community. With your help, every animal can get a second chance to find love! You can learn more about Second Chance Pet Adoption's great work here: https://www.secondchancenc.org/

All races will have a mass start at 8:30 AM for the Doggie Dash 5K / Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile, 9:15 AM for the Fun Mile, and 9:30 AM for the regular 5K / 6.5 Mile and the course closes for all races at 11:00 AM (In-person Race Day Schedule). Please consider your race pace when deciding which event to run. * The Doggie Dash 5K / Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile races and regular 5K / 6.5 Mile races will run separately but have combined results and awards. ** For any participants who feel they may need some extra time, please contact us at [email protected].

NEW RRCA INSURANCE GUIDELINES: Only one dog per registered runner and dogs must remain on leashes at all times. You MUST register your dog in order for them to run with you. Dogs are ONLY allowed in the Doggie Dash 5K and Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile. Kids 12 & Younger are NOT allowed in the Doggie Dash 5K or Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile.

*** The Doggie Dash Dog Registration is an add-on you can select WHILE registering for the in-person Doggie Dash 5K or Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile or any virtual race. ***

WHAT'S INCLUDED PUPS & PASTRIES REGISTRATION:

• IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL 5K, 6.5 Mile, and Fun Mile race options

• Dog-friendly Doggie Dash 5K and Doggie Dash 6.5 Mile races too ($10 Doggie Dash fee goes to support the race mission) * Kids 12 & Under may only participate in the regular 5K, 8K, or Fun Mile races. Dogs may only join in the Doggie Dash races.

• Pups & Pastries shirt and finishers medal included for all 5K and 6.5 Mile participants / finishers medal included for all Fun Mile participants (guaranteed if signed up by August 30th). Shirts available for purchase separately.

• Over $4,000 in potential in-person & virtual Overall (Top 3 Male / Female), Age Group (Top 3 Male / Female), Picking Up the Pace, and New Course Record awards

• Great rewards and prizes you can earn by referring your friends and family to sign up with you or even recruiting them to race as a "team"! * More details below.

• Earn points for Fit & Able's Free-for-All Race Series with your finish place, making a donation, or bringing a volunteer to help at the race to win big end-of-year prizes! Check out the current standings: Free-for-All Race Series

If you are interested in sponsoring Pups & Pastries please email [email protected] for more information!

We can't wait to see you at Pups & Pastries!