Glow For the Goal 5K Run/Walk

Welcome to the Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler!

Get ready for a challenging, hilly course that mirrors the terrain of Rutherfordton—perfect for pushing yourself beyond the typical 5K. This out-and-back race on the Purple Martin Greenway winds along scenic woods and Cleghorn Creek, crossing three picturesque bridges, including two covered bridges.

This year, we’re going red, white, and blue in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, so wear your patriotic gear and make it a race to remember!

Not only will you test your endurance, but your participation also helps support the growth and enhancement of the Greenway for the community. Lace up, embrace the challenge, and celebrate both your strength and our nation’s milestone!

Join us for the 15th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K run/walk - Saturday May 3, 2025 at the McNair Field in Forest City, NC.

Not able to join the fun on race day? Sign up for the DIY (Virtual) 5K. You may choose to run/walk any course at your convenience.

Registration Rate & Dates

Now until April 18, 2025: Adults: $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10

April 19, 2025 until Race Day (May 3, 2025): Adults $30, Students [Age 18 & under]: $15

DIY 5K: Adults $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10

Race shirt guaranteed if registered by April 18, 2025. After this date, shirts will be available while supplies last on race day.

PACKET PICK UP:

Friday, May 2, 2025: 3:00-6:00 p.m., McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City

Race Day: 6:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.,McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City

RACE START: 8:30 a.m.

Award Ceremony: Approximately 9:45 a.m.

5K Awards:

Top Overall Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)

Top Masters [40+] Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd))

Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd,& 3rd) Male/Female in the following age groups:

0-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

School Participation Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the top three schools based on participation. School participation is determined by all participants present and checked in on the day of the race. Family members, staff, community members, etc. (not only students) count toward school participation if registered and checked in with their school affiliation. No school level awards will be determined by race times. Be sure to join your School's roster during the registration process.

Join us on Saturday, May 9th for the Shelby Sprint 5K!

SAFETY & RACE INFORMATION

Skates are prohibited. This is a pet friendly event, but please note that dogs must be on a leash that is non-retractable and must wear an up to date rabies tag. This event is non refundable and will be held rain or shine.

RACE LOCATION:

Dover YMCA

411 Cherryville Rd

Shelby, NC 28150

Event Schedule:

Friday, May 8th:

*10am-6pm: pre-Race packet pick-up at the Dover YMCA

Saturday, May 9th:

*7:00am: Packet Pick-up Opens

*8:15am: Packet Pick-up Closes

*8:30am: 5K Starts

*9:30am: Kids Fun Run Starts

Miles for Messiah 5K & Breakfast is our annual event that benefits the youth programs at our church. The 5K course starts near PVCC and finishes at the Family Life Center where a delicious breakfast will be served to all runners. Breakfast plates are also available for any spectators for a small fee &/or donation. The race course is a figure 9 with a loop off of Doggett Road and small inclines. The church youth and leaders manage the event and make it a family friendly event for everyone. M4M has been a part of the Rutherford Outdoor Coalition (ROC) Race Series since 2012. We would love for you to join us this year!

Brought to you by the Spindale Burrito League!

How many times can you run a 0.34 mile segment? How about if the time to complete gets shorter and shorter by the hour?

This race will be a modified version of a last man standing style race.

For the first hour, you will run the segment every 6 minutes. That time will reduce by 1 minute each hour. After the 4th hour the segment time will cap at 3:00 minutes. The race will end when there is only 1 person left.

Every two hours we will pause for 10 minutes for a bathroom break.