4 walking events in Morganton, North Carolina

We are excited to return to Catawba Meadows Greenway in Morganton, NC for the SMBC 5K, 10K, and Fun Run in 2026!

Since the inception of South Mountain Baptist Camp in 1957 in the South Mountains of North Carolina, the goal was to provide an environment that fosters spiritual growth through disconnecting from the world so as to connect with God. Time in nature, being exposed to new skills, and making friends, enables children, teenagers, and adults to learn about Jesus Christ and the message of salvation.

South Mountain seeks to keep camp affordable for everyone and offsets the cost of camp by around $100 per camper since it's estimated that the cost of South Mountain’s summer camp is $205 per week and the true cost of camp is over $300 per week. Proceeds from each race goes directly to the camp’s operating budget. This race celebrates God’s work through South Mountain and the ability to experience a great, low-cost camp. Join us by running, walking, volunteering, or cheering the participants on!

Burke Sunrise Rotary Club invites all runners and walkers to join us and the Spring colors in the NC foothills on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. The scenic paved 5K course winds through the beautiful campuses of Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), the NC School of Science and Math (NCSSM) and the NC School for the Deaf (NCSD) with a backdrop of the South Mountains. A post-race breakfast will be served.

The proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for students in the club-sponsored STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in Education) Program that targets students in the bottom third of the class who are willing to work hard to increase their GPAs in order to continue their educations after high school graduation.

A cotton-polyester blend short-sleeve t-shirt is included in the entry fee. Shirt selections can be guaranteed only for those who register on or before March 10.

This chip-timed event is suitable for competitive runners as well as those who wish to enjoy the course at a more leisurely pace.

Registration:

Through March 10, 2025: $30 ($25 for those ages 0-20)

March 11 through Race Day: $35 ($30 for those ages 0-20)

Awards:

Top Overall Male & Female, Top Overall Male & Female Masters (40+) and Top 3 Male & Female in each Age Group: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & Over.

Packet Pickup and Race-Day Registration:

Packet pickup and race day registration will be available at Western Piedmont Community College On Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 6:45 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. We’re sorry, but in order to ensure an on-time start, race day registrations cannot be accepted after 7:45 a.m.

Join us for our 5th annual Positive Pathways Mental Health Awareness 5k! We will be running the original route this year!

Wisdom Path is excited to host this event to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month! We hope to bring more awareness to the integration of physical and mental wellness with a 5k event while also bringing the Morganton community together.

Race Morning Saturday, May 23rd 2026--5k kicks off at 8:30 am

Pre-Race packet pick up:

Friday, May 22, 2026 5:00pm-6:00pm at Wisdom Path (220 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655)

Race day packet pick up:

Saturday, May 23, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am in the parking lot near Bouchelle Street behind the Burke County Courthouse

Address on website is the main address of the courthouse-- please come to the parking lot behind the courthouse for the event!

Who we are: Wisdom Path offers integrative, holistic counseling services that address the mind, body, and spirit on your path to healing and recovery. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Positive Pathways Mental Health Awareness 5k will go toward the Wisdom Path Scholarship Fund for clients who need assistance with payment for treatment.

Why run? Running and other forms of exercise have been shown to improve overall mood, reduce stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve quality of sleep. Our hope is that the Morganton community will come together for this event to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month and experience the positive benefits of running/walking and connecting with others!

Course description:

This is a 2 loop race course, starting in downtown Morganton and continuing through residential neighborhoods, then finishing in downtown

Please note that this course will be open from 8:30am-10:00am

T - Shirt deadline is May 8, 2026

Any participants who register May 9 or after can still select a shirt size although it may not be guaranteed!

If mailing in registration:

Wisdom Path, 220 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655 attn: Marie Carey

Awards break down:

1st Place Top Male/Female Overall

1st, 2nd, 3rd in age brackets (Male/Female)

1-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+