From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find fun run events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Iredell County Parks and Recreation is thrilled to host a community-wide 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run—an event designed to celebrate our beautiful parks, promote healthy living, and bring neighbors of all ages together for an active, uplifting day outdoors.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends, this event is for you! Enjoy the fresh air, get moving, and experience the natural beauty our parks have to offer.
The run will take place at the scenic Jennings Park, where participants will follow a well-marked course that winds through peaceful nature trails and along sidewalks. Strollers are welcome, and all fitness levels are encouraged to join in the fun! While we love our furry friends and family members, this race is not pet friendly. We kindly ask to leave your pets at home while you enjoy your race!
There will be food trucks, vendor booths, friendly activities before and after the race—so stick around and make a day of it. Come out and be part of a growing movement to live healthier, connect with others, and celebrate the incredible outdoor spaces right here in Iredell County!
Join us in beautiful downtown Statesville!
Register by April 17th to ensure you receive an event t-shirt! RAIN OR SHINE EVENT!
*After careful consideration, we have decided to remove cycling from the Rainbow Kidz Ride & Run; this was not an easy decision, as the event began as a ride and was Timmy’s dream. Our focus remains on honoring and remembering Timmy at this event each year and raising funds for Rainbow Kidz!
Join us for the 16th Annual Timmy Belcher Memorial Rainbow Kidz Run, in downtown Statesville!! This event includes a 5K, 10K, and free fun run. There is also a virtual option for those who prefer to participate at their own convenience! The event will begin and end on Broad Street, downtown Statesville in front of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W. Broad Street.
PACKET PICKUP WILL BE FRIDAY, MAY 1, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Red Buffalo Brewing Company in downtown Statesville! Packets may also be picked up on race day, SATURDAY, MAY 2, from 7:00am-8:15am. Same day registration will be available for $35.
Strava route links:
5K- https://www.strava.com/routes/3349440995965680872
10K- https://www.strava.com/routes/3349459438547455132
Garmin route links:
5K: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/351580399
10K: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/351580399
Ride with GPS route links:
5K: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50555883
10K: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50555898
RaceJoy App: Search "Timmy Belcher" and the race will come up.
About Rainbow Kidz:
The Ride & Run benefits the Rainbow Kidz program of Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County. For twenty years, Rainbow Kidz has provided grief and bereavement support to children and families in our community. Since its inception, the program has grown from one part-time licensed clinical social worker to four full-time licensed clinical social workers to support more than 700 children annually. Today, grief groups are provided in nearly 50 schools in our county. One-on-one counseling is offered in both Statesville and Mooresville. Grief education is provided to hundreds of children each summer at the Boys & Girls Club and Statesville YMCA, and children experience a life-changing week at Camp Rainbow, a weeklong grief camp. All these services are offered at no cost to children, families, or the community.
About Timmy Belcher:
This event was born out of a dream from Timmy Belcher. Timmy had battled cancer for many years and experienced the love and generosity of our community, who supported our family every step of his cancer journey. Timmy lost his battle with cancer in 2011, just months after the first Ride & Run. With the support of Rainbow Kidz, both Timmy’s sister and brother learned the healthy coping skills needed to grieve their brother appropriately and continue to grow and build their lives. Although Timmy is no longer with us, his relationship with his siblings remains, and we hold him in our hearts every day.
Race Weekend Schedule:
Friday, May 1: Packet pick-up 4:30-6:30 p.m.- Red Buffalo Brewing Company- 108 N. Center Street, Statesville
Saturday, May 2:
Packet pick-up and same-day registration 7:00am - 8:15am
Welcome and National Anthem: 8:15am
5K & 10K Runners depart at 8:30am
Fun Run: 10:30am
Medals for runners: Approx. 10:00am
2025 Rainbow Kidz Run 5K/10K **Route not finalized and subject to change.
Start on West Broad St.
Turn Left on Mulberry
Turn Right on Walnut
Turn Right on Race Street
Turn Right on Ridgeway
Turn Right on N Mulberry
Turn Left on Turner
Turn Right on Kelly
Turn Right on Bingham
Turn Left on Mulberry
Turn Left on Race
Turn Left on Alexander
Turn Right on Mulberry and bear Right
Cross over West End
Turn Left on Broad Street
**10K Runners will continue to the turn around cone and run the route a second time.
See Strava and RaceJoy links above for cycling routes.
AWARDS FOR RUNNERS
10K - Overall First Male and Overall First Female
Top 3 male and top 3 female in each age group:
Under 13
13 – 19 years old
20 – 29 years old
30 – 39 years old
40 – 49 years old
50 – 59 years old
60 plus
5K - Overall First Male and Overall First Female
Top 3 male and top 3 female in each age group:
Under 13
13 – 19 years old
20 – 29 years old
30 – 39 years old
40 – 49 years old
50 – 59 years old
60 plus
Pick up Bib onsite at the Soccer Complex from 8:00AM - 8:45AM.
**All participants please bring canned foods, gently worn shoes / clothes for Fifth Street Ministries and BackPack Ministries.
Run is on Greenway / Road
No Dogs Allowed