11 running events in Fayetteville, North Carolina

The Road to Boston 5K is more than just a race—it’s a statement.

Every dollar raised goes directly to the supporting service members and their families.

When you sign up, you’re showing up for those who serve.

And yeah… it also comes with the hardest 5K medal in the world.

In person race starts at 8:00am at Jordan Soccer Complex (Fayetteville, NC.)

The course will be a 1.5 out and back. The route is extremely hilly. EMS will be on site.

Virtual Race must be conducted on and after March 14th. Integrity will prevail as I will not request 5k verification. That is completely your choice.

Folks, it's time!! It's time for an ultra trail race in the Fayetteville area and we are pleased to announce that the team that brought you The DeerFly Trail Race will now have a 25k and 50k at Carver's Creek State Park! Are you hardy, persistent and stubborn enough to take on parts of the state park that aren't open to the public? If so, then this is the race for you! During this event you'll get to run some of the already known trails and then get adventurous on some special trails that you've not experienced before! This will be an old school, runner oriented race that will surely be a part of your 2026 race schedule! We have designed a fabulous course that will take you to places that you didn't know existed and we are super excited for everyone to experience Carver's Creek like never before! During the event you'll pass by several lakes and ponds as you enjoy some really runnable technical trail. There are no out and backs or two way traffic. Folks, this is a true 16 mile loop! You will

run two laps for the 50k and there will be a hard cutoff to start the second loop. 50k runners have 9hrs to finish. Want to take your time or put on a ruck? You'll have the entire time to complete the 25k. Only Cani-Cross dogs allowed. No children under 14 years of age for this event. All entrants will receive a race shirt and event finishers will get an awesome medal!

Follow us at Stubborn Donkey Running for more information!! Stubborn Donkey Running

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

High School: We also welcome our high school runners! Our high school students will be running a 2 mile race.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Pre-K 50 Yard Dash

Pre-K 75 Yard Dash

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

High School

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

WHAT

The 9th annual Derby Run in Memory of Justin Lopes Presented by A.S.A.P Personal Training will begin at Terry Sanford High School. The 5K and 10K courses run through the scenic Haymount area as well as the Fayetteville Technical Community Campus and will finish near the Terry Sanford High School baseball field. There will also be a 1 Mile Fun Run and face painting, a selfie station and a silent auction. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Back by Popular Demand for 2026! Who is the fastest filly or colt on the track? A fun 50 Yard Dash for kids 10 & under will take place before the start of the 10K! No fee for entry, but children must be registered for another event IN ADDITION to the dash. Children over 10 are not permitted.

Participants are encouraged to wear their best Derby Run hat and/or costume. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumed runners, best decorated stroller and best Derby Run hat.

WHEN

Saturday, May 2, 2026

DISTANCES OFFERED

10K Run/Walk - TIMED

5K Run/Walk - TIMED

1 Mile Run/Walk - UNTIMED

Kids 50 Yard Dash (10 & under) - UNTIMED & FREE! - Child must be registered in another event to run the Dash for free.

*You can walk or run these events

START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

Terry Sanford High School

2301 Fort Bragg Road

Fayetteville, NC 28303

PARKING

Parking is available at Terry Sanford High School

SCHEDULE

For Packet Pickup Information and Full Schedule of Events, click HERE

TO REGISTER

To register, click on the Sign Up button in the top right of the website.

Online Registration is open until the race starts. We encourage you to register online before arriving to the event.

Registration will be available at the race. You will be asked to scan a QR Code with your phone to register online.

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Net proceeds from the Derby Run will go to local charities that benefit children. These include The Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville, Cy’s World Foundation and the Justin Richard Lopes Memorial Scholarship. The Child Advocacy Center offers children a safe place that supports the prevention, investigation and prosecution of child abuse. Cy’s World Foundation was founded in 2010 to honor Cy Garber. Cy’s World Foundation seeks to promote a love of the outdoors to children. Two scholarships were created in memory of Justin Lopes and are awarded every year through the Cumberland Community Foundation to a graduating senior from Cumberland County High School.

Join us at our Global Running Day celebration

Enjoy the out and back course of The Big Run 5K presented by Brooks. Run/walk, all paces are welcome.

First 150 to register will receive a bib, medal, and technical t-shirt!

EVENT INFO:

Date- Monday June 1st.

5K Start time: 6:30 PM

Last-minute bib pick-up on race day starts at 6pm.

Please feel free to show up starting at 6:00pm to visit our vendors and to warm up.

Packet Pick Up:

In-store: Saturday, May 30th, 10am- 6pm

In-store: Sunday, May 31st, 12pm-5pm

5K Location: A New Leaf Therapeutic Services Parking lot (back lot)

• This will not be a timed event.

• The route is not on a closed course; please use caution.

• Parking is available in the New Leaf Therapeutic parking lot.

• Download RunGo app if you want turn-by-turn directions, QR code will be available to scan on the day of the event.

Join the Fun at the Annual Alpha to Zeta (A2Z) Race at Your Pace 5K Fun Run/Walk!

Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Epsilon Rho Lambda Chapter) and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Gamma Upsilon Zeta Chapter), this exciting event brings our community together to support healthy moms and babies.

Proceeds from the race benefit the March of Dimes March for Babies and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, making a real difference in the lives of families in our area.

This year's 5K will be held on the beautiful campus of Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC.

Come out and run, walk, or simply cheer on the participants – it's a fantastic way to support a worthy cause and have a great time!

One Step at a Time!

Lace up and hit the pavement for the annual Juneteenth 5K! We’re taking over the streets of downtown Fayetteville for a morning of celebration, community, and pure speed. Whether you’re chasing a Personal Best on our lightning-fast flat route or just here for the vibes at the start/finish line, this is the place to be. Run, Walk or stroll!

The best part? Every step you take helps fund the Fayetteville Alumni Chapter Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. scholarship fund. Run for the culture, stay for the cause!

Join the Fayetteville Running Club for the 13th Annual Firecracker 4 miler and 1 mile fun run

in the All American City!

The course is designed as a historic tour of Downtown Fayetteville. Competitive runners, recreational runners, walkers, kids, strollers and dogs are all invited! Be sure to dress up in your favorite Red, White, and Blue running attire.

The 1 Mile Fun Run is limited to 40 entrants. An adult must go with their child that is 8 and under.

DISTANCES OFFERED

4 Mile Run/Walk town Fayetteville.

1 Mile Kids Walk/Run - This event is NOT timed

There is NO Race Day registration.

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION HELPS

Proceeds from the Firecracker 4 Miler go to scholarships for local high school youth that remarkable in class, athletics, community, and home. Other portions got to local non-profits for community outreach, women's support, homeless support, animal shelters, and similar organizations.