Run the Wave

Experience Historic Cramerton at our Goat Island Games 5 Mile and 5K!

When May 2, 2026

5 mile - 8:30 AM

5K- 8:40 AM

Start/Finish

Line Location Goat Island Park and Greenway

141 8th Avenue, Cramerton, NC 28032

Distances Offered 5K - This event is chip timed. You can walk or run the 5K. There is a 1 hour and 5 minute cutoff time (21.5 minutes per mile pace.)

5 mile - This event is chip timed. There is a 1 hour and 15 minute cutoff time (15 minutes per mile pace.)

5K Divisions and Awards

Awards will be handed out to the:

• Top three overall male and female finishers

• Top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

14 & under | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70+

5 Mile Divisions and Awards

Awards will be handed out to the:

• Top three overall male and female finishers

• Top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

19 and under | 20 - 29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70+

Welcome to the Goat Island Games 🐐

Get ready to experience everything that makes Cramerton incredible—on foot!

The Goat Island Games start and finish at Goat Island Park, a stunning 30-acre park nestled in the South Fork Catawba River. The course takes runners on a scenic tour through Downtown Cramerton, past the Veterans Memorial, through Stuart Cramer High School’s state-of-the-art campus, and alongside views of the iconic train trestle. You’ll crest the course near a one-of-a-kind public art sculpture before heading through the Lakewood Neighborhood and crossing the finish line back at Goat Island.

Celebrating America 250🎆

This year’s race is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary! Our famous Goat Island goat will be decked out in red, white, and blue attire, and we’re encouraging runners to join the fun by wearing their patriotic attire on race day. We are proud to be an official Gaston 250 event!

• USATF-Certified 5K Course

• USATF-Certified 5 Mile Course

• Part of the Run Gaston Race Series

• 70+ age group for both the 5K and 5 Mile race

Race History

The Goat Island Games began in 2016 and expanded in 2018 to include a 5K, later adding a 5-Miler—giving runners even more ways to participate.

Post-Race Festival

Stick around after you cross the finish line to enjoy:

• Hydration and snacks

• Music

• Vendor booths by local organizations

• Recovery workouts

Registration Includes

• Chip-timed race bib

• Official race shirt

• Awards for overall and age-group winners

• A whole lot of fun in Cramerton, NC

Shirt Guarantee Deadline:

Register by Monday, April 13 to be guaranteed a race shirt. Shirts are ordered based on the size selected during online registration and cannot be exchanged.

Race is rain or shine. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Packet Pickups

Friday, May 1st

12:00 - 3:00 PM

Town of Cramerton C.B. Huss Recreation Center

8 Julian St, Cramerton, NC 28032

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Confluence South Fork

117 Center St, Cramerton, NC 28032

Saturday, May 2nd

7:30 - 8:15 AM

Start/Finish Line

Join us September 12th 2026 for the Runway 5k supporting the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program.

Race day sign up offered between 6 am - 7 am

Start Time 7:30 am Sharp (1 hour max to complete the course, due to Runway closure per FAA)

Gastonia Municipal Airport : 1030 Gaston Day School, Gastonia, NC 28056

Price $30 with Shirt, $25 without shirt ( select the no shirt option during check out to save $5.00!

Everyone receives a Finisher medal at the finish line.

Overall 1 place finisher (M&F).

Age group award for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place age groups (M&F): 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Course is a USTF certified 5k starting and finishing on the Runway

Water and snacks provided at the finish

Packet Pick-up Friday September 11th, 2026 from 7am – 6pm @ Gastonia Municipal Airport : 1030 Gaston Day School, Gastonia, NC 28056

RACE SHIRTS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER AUG 15TH, 2026

Calling All Superheroes!!!

Grab your cape, lace up your running shoes, and join us for the 2nd Annual Run Special Olympics Gaston County Superhero 5k on November 7,2026 at 8am at Rankin Lake in Gastonia, NC.

Come dress as your favorite superhero and help us celebrate inclusion, community, and the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Gaston County. Whether you run, walk, roll or cheer from the sidelines, you'll be making a powerful difference right here in our local community.

Packet pickup: 11/6/26 from 4-7

First United Methodist Church of Gastonia

190 E Franklin Blvd

Gastonia, NC 28052

Top Female/Male Age divisions: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-up

Rain or shine

RACE SHIRTS AND MEDALS ARE NOT GUARANTEED AFTER 10/15/2026

(Will have to complete course by 930)