From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Saturday, May 9 ( 8:00 a.m.) Runners and walkers will once again travel 3.1 miles along the mostly flat, fast, and straight course of Lewisville-Clemmons Road in the 15th annual ROCC 5K. It’s the perfect setting for your first, next, or best 5K road race. Enjoy the unique offerings of free childcare (infant thru K), free race photos, and a kid's fun zone, as you help to support the 2026 beneficiary, Sunnyside Ministry! Volunteers are needed! Register to participate, volunteer, sponsor, or donate today at runsignup.com.
And once again, the ROCC 5K will award unique age group awards to the top three in each age group and continue to reward cash prizes ($175 - $125 - $75) to the overall winners (male / female, 1-3). Just a few reasons why the ROCC 5K is a perfect course for the first-time runner/walker and the local elite.
Along with the 15th Annual 5K, the ROCC Kid’s Fun Run will be held at approximately 9:00 AM. Announcements will be made and opportunities provided for runners to retrieve children from childcare or the fun zone, and assemble along the north side of the church lot, near the office entrance. Kid’s run through the back property and along the ROCC prayer trail, returning to the front of the church parking lot and making their way through the 5K finish line chute. The distance is approximately 1/4 - 1/2 mile. No registration is required. 5K awards and door prizes will begin at 9:15 AM.
While the ROCC 5K has always strived to host a best-in-class race experience with the utmost hospitality, our heart is always tied to the support we provide each year's beneficiary. The 2026 event will support Sunnyside Ministry. For those unfamiliar with their work, Sunnyside Ministry is a local Christian nonprofit that offers a variety of services to our neighbors. Most notably, SM operates a food pantry and clothing closet, provides financial assistance during crises, and offers ongoing financial education programs intended to empower participants.
We are grateful to partner with Sunnyside Ministry this season and look forward to helping them welcome, serve, and love our neighbors in need. Thank you for considering joining us in this support by running, walking, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating through the ROCC Sunnyside Ministry 5K on May 19, 2026. https://sunnysideministry.org/
Join us for the 8th Annual Dirty Dozen 5K and Fun Run Obstacle Mud Run on Saturday, September 12, 2026! Featuring a 5K course for ages 7 and up and a Fun Run for participants of all ages, this event promises muddy excitement and fun for everyone!
Whether tackling the 5K course solo or as part of a team or conquering the Fun Run course, participants will face exciting obstacles that challenge their strength, agility, and endurance. Proceeds from the Dirty Dozen 5K Obstacle Mud Run and Fun Run will support innovative YMCA health programs, including those benefiting cancer survivors and individuals managing chronic diseases, making a lasting impact in our community.
New for 2026: New Medals for 5K and Fun Run
Race Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Registration: Registration opens on January 1, 2026
Location: Jerry Long Family YMCA
Race/First Heat Start Time: 7:30am (Fun Run) and 8:10am (5K)
Heats Start: Every 10 minutes
CLEMMONS OKTOBERFEST: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Are you from out of town? Out of town participants – please check out our accommodations in the Village of Clemmons to make your stay enjoyable!
Race Day Childcare
Free childcare is available for all YMCA of NWNC Members and Non-Member Volunteers. The cost will be $10 for Non-Members for children 3 months and older to age 10 from 6:30am to 12:00pm. Parents must pre-register for child care at the Jerry Long Family YMCA by calling Member Services at 336 712 2000 or click here for online registration.
Parents and guardians must reserve a spot by 7:00pm on Friday, September 11, 2026. Additional $5 fee for late registrations! If you have any questions, please contact Margaret Ramirez at [email protected]
Non-Member Volunteers must register in-house for a discounted rate.
Questions? Contact [email protected]
The Mission 5K is BACK! This race was originally produced from 2011 until 2018 and was hosted in downtown Winston-Salem. We are thrilled to be offering this amazing race in the Clemmons community! This event features a chip-timed 5K run and 1 mile fun run. The course is FLAT, fast, and closed to vehicular traffic. A portion of proceeds benefit Good Works Engine (formerly Mission: Feet First), a 501c3 that benefits those in need in our local community.
Mission: Feet First, now Good Works Engine: Shoe charity founded in 2010 by Emily & Keith Davis, owners of Fleet Feet Winston-Salem and Clemmons. Every year this ministry fits over 1,000 homeless and local children for proper fitting running shoes. There are many in need in our local community! Good Works Engine partners with local charities to provide a PROPER fitting pair of shoes to thousands in need annually. Your race registration provides for others in our own community!
Friday October 3rd: Packet Packet Pick-Up and Late Registration @ Fleet Feet Clemmons 4PM-7PM
Saturday October 4th: Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration @ Fleet Feet Clemmons 7AM-7:45AM
Start your New Year with a healthy tradition at Running of the Lights! This unique January race begins at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day and takes participants on a magical run or walk through the dazzling Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons, North Carolina. Choose between the 5K(ish) Run/Walk or the 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk and experience a one-of-a-kind course that transforms the park’s Christmas wonderland into your personal race route.
Before the race, you’ll join hundreds of fellow participants for a celebratory toast and a live stream of the New York City Times Square Ball Drop right at the start line. At the finish, warm up with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race cheer—a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of 2026.
Why People Run the Running of the Lights
Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way with friends and family
Run or walk through the lights at Tanglewood Park, normally only open to cars
Experience a Christmas wonderland of glowing displays on foot
Earn a custom finisher medal
Receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt
Enjoy a festive New Year’s party atmosphere at the start and finish
Watch the Times Square Ball Drop live feed before you run
Celebrate after with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race camaraderie
Access free race photos and live results
Compete for unique awards in the 5K
Event Details
Date: Midnight, January 1, 2027 (race begins at the stroke of midnight)
Location: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
Distances: 5K Run/Walk or 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Registration Options: Regular Registration (shirt + medal + full perks), Economy Registration, and Virtual Registration
Start Your Year Bright
If you’re looking for more than just a race, Running of the Lights is an experience. Families, friends, and runners of all levels gather to close out the old year and welcome the new with fitness, fun, and light-filled memories. Whether you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a casual stroll, this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2026 and hello to 2027.