18 walking events in Wilmington, North Carolina

WHAT

No Child Should Fight Alone.

This March, run to support childhood cancer families. The Strut for Childhood Cancer Race takes place on March 7, 2026, at Long Leaf Park in Wilmington, NC. But that is not all... after the race stay for the exciting FOAM PARTY by Flamingo Foam!

DATE

Saturday, March 7, 2026

LOCATION

Long Leaf Park

Shelters 5 & 6

314 Pine Grove Drive

Wilmington, NC 28409

PARKING

Parking is available at open spots at Long Leaf Park.

EVENTS OFFERED

5K Run/Walk - This is timed.

1 Mile Run/Walk - This is untimed.

TO REGISTER

How to Register Before the Event: Click on the Sign Up button in the top right

How to Register At the Event: Online registration does not close until the race starts. We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents. Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking HERE

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

All proceeds from this race benefit Cape Fear Children supported by Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP), a nonprofit focused on serving children battling cancer across North Carolina and South Carolina. For 14 years, the race was known as The Cardinal Strut benefitting Strut for Kids, a nonprofit serving Wilmington area children and youth on their cancer journey. CCP and Strut for Kids merged in 2023 to provide more comprehensive support to over 100 Cape Fear children more efficiently and effectively.

Children Cancer Partners of the Carolinas will, in the coming year, support more than 2,800 children battling cancer with help that is immediate, comprehensive, and continuous. CCP helps families overcome distance and cost disparities so their child’s care is timely and complete. There is NO cancer treatment in Cape Fear, so families must travel great distances for pediatric oncology care. CCP is committed to supporting these kids and their families from the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond. Through your generous support of this race, families facing childhood cancer can focus on what’s most important: their child’s health.

Learn more at childrenscancerpartners.org.

WHAT

Jack and Jill Rise and Run 5K.

Lace up, Wilmington! Join us for a heart-pounding 5K that’s miles more than just a race — it’s a movement. Every stride you take supports the Jack & Jill of America Foundation, investing in children’s education, health & leadership, and the Carousel Child Advocacy Center, where healing, justice, and resilience become realities for abused and neglected children in our community. Whether you’re sprinting for a personal best, strolling with family, or cheering from the sidelines, your energy fuels hope. Be part of the momentum! Run, give, and advocate for a brighter, safer future where every child has the chance to thrive. See you at the starting line!

WHEN

Saturday, March 21, 2026

WHERE

Long Leaf Park

314 Pine Grove Drive

Wilmington, NC 28409

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K - Timed

1.5 Mile - Not Timed

*You can run or walk either event.

FULL SCHEDULE

Click HERE

HOW TO REGISTER

Click on the Sign Up button.

Online registration closes 15 minutes prior to the race start.

If you register at the event, you will be asked to scan a QR code with your cell phone and register online.

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION HELPS

The mission of the Jack and Jill foundation is to invest in programs and services that provide children with access to quality education, mental and physical health resources, and safe, nurturing communities. The Carousel Child Advocacy Center supports healing, promotes justice, and fosters resilience in children victimized by physical or sexual abuse, and improves our community through education, prevention, and advocacy.

WHAT

THE BLUE RIBBON RUN

The Blue Ribbon Run is an annual event raising money and awareness for a cure for colorectal cancer, while helping North Carolina families affected by this disease.

The Blue Ribbon Run is unique in its afternoon start time with a reception after at Dockside. The band Lunar Tide creates an atmosphere for celebration of life and hope to find a cure.

The t-shirt designs are a local favorite and blue hydrangeas are sold with all profits benefiting the goal of saving lives.

DATE

Saturday, March 28, 2026

LOCATION

Long Leaf Park

314 Pine Grove Drive

Wilmington, NC 28409

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K - Run or Walk | This is a Timed event

1.5 Mile - Run or Walk | This event is not timed

TO REGISTER

Click on SIGN UP at the top right

*To Register at Packet Pickup or Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

Click HERE for Schedule of Events

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The Blue Ribbon Run is a nonprofit for the Julie M. Brown and Christina Gianoplus Colon Cancer Foundation, which has an endowment established at UNC Lineberger. Partnering with Wilmington Gastroenterology, our goal is to raise awareness for early detection and prevention of colon cancer. We are proud to have made an invaluable impact on this community and are grateful for the sponsors and participants who help us continue in our fight against colon cancer.

To Learn More, visit the Blue Ribbon Run website HERE

WHAT:

Journey to Heal Ministries is hosting its 8th Annual 5K/1.5 Mile Hope Run or Walk Charity Fundraiser to help raise awareness and needed support for their mission to help adult women heal from past sexual abuse. Based on reported cases in the U.S., 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime. If nothing changes, it is estimated that 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Take the challenge to #END1IN10 and help adult survivors to #LIVEABETTERSTORY when you walk, run, sponsor, donate, or volunteer in support!

**Teams of 10 or more may receive $5 off per participant! Email [email protected] PRIOR to registering and creating your team, for a special coupon code!

**Children 12 and under automatically receive a $10 discounted rate during registration for the in-person 5K event only.

DATE:

In-Person Event: Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 4-7pm!

Virtual Race: Walk or run in your community, anytime between April 1st - April 26th!

LOCATION:

In Person Event

Long Leaf Park - Shelter 6

314 Pine Grove Drive

Wilmington, NC 28409

Virtual Event

Walk or run in your community anytime between April 1st to April 26th, or register under a specific virtual team to participate on their specific date/time.

DISTANCES OFFERED:

5K In Person - This event is timed

1.5 Mile In Person - This event is not timed

5K Virtual

1.5 Mile Virtual

Note: you can run or walk any event!

PARKING:

For our local event, Long Leaf Park requests we limit participant parking to hard top areas only. Ample visitor parking is available in the hardtop parking lots throughout the park, or directly across from Shelter 6. PLEASE DO NOT PARK AT THE SHELTER AREA.

TO REGISTER:

Before the Race: Click on the SIGN-UP button in the upper right corner.

At Pre-Race Packet Pickup or On Race Day: For Wilmington participants, registration is available online until 10 minutes before the start of the race. At the race, we will have a QR code you can scan to register on your phone. We highly encourage you to register before arriving to the race site.

TO DONATE:

Click on the DONATE button at the top right corner, to support the mission of the race host, Journey to Heal Ministries! All donations are 100% tax deductable.

EVENT SCHEDULE & PACKET PICKUPS:

Click HERE for the full schedule of events

HOST HOPE RUN IN YOUR COMMUNITY:

Whether you're an individual, corporation, or ministry organization you can support this race when you sponsor and/or host this race event in your community! Download the Journey to Heal Ministries Hope Run Virtual Host Event Guide to explore all the details and set up your sponsorship and/or virtual team.

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE:

All proceeds from the race benefit the work of Journey to Heal Ministries (JTHM) - a local, volunteer run, 501(c)3 nonprofit established in 2018 to help adult women of all ages, race, and backgrounds to heal from past sexual abuse through providing hope in Jesus Christ. They accomplish their mission by providing FREE trauma-informed and Gospel centered peer recovery program offering Christ-centered support, education, and community. Learn more about their mission and impact at www.journeytohealministries.org.

WHAT

Miracles in Motion Run, Walk, or Roll 5K plus 1 Mile Fun Run

Come Run, Walk and Roll with ACCESS of Wilmington at the Miracles in Motion Race - the original accessible road race in Southeastern NC. Your support provides adaptive sports, recreation and fitness to hundreds of children, adults, Veterans and First Responders with disabilities.

ACCESS of Wilmington builds community for children, adults, Veterans and First Responders by eliminating barriers to health and wellness through adapted sports, recreation and fitness. Starting with the signature Miracle League of Wilmington in 2013, ACCESS has grown to serve over 750 individuals and their families through the Miracle League, ACCESS Fit, ACCESS SOAR, and Accessible Adventures.

Your participation in Miracles in Motion: Run, Walk, or Roll will give the gift of adapted sports, recreation, and fitness to hundreds of children, adults, Veterans and First responders in our community through ACCESS of Wilmington‘s programs.

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K Run or Walk - Timed Event

1 Mile Run or Walk - Untimed Event

WHEN

Saturday, April 4, 2026

WHERE

Long Leaf Park - Shelter 6

314 Pine Grove Drive

Wilmington , NC 28409

PARKING

Parking is available anywhere near the pavilion, in lots and in the area around the pavilion.

HOW TO REGISTER

• Click on the Sign Up button in the upper right

• To Register at Packet Pickup or Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.

FULL SCHEDULE

Click HERE for Schedule

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

ACCESS of Wilmington is a nonprofit organization that operates six different programs that focus on eliminating barriers to health and wellness through sports, recreation, and fitness for those in our community with disabilities. ACCESS has grown from serving 45 children and adults in its first Miracle League season to more than 750+ children, adults, and veterans and their families. Programs include the Miracle League of Wilmington, Project SOAR, ACCESS Fit, ACCESS Play, Recreational Therapy, and Accessible Adventures.

WHAT

We Are Family at the Willie Stargell 5K Road Race Presented by nCino!

This spring, get your family and friends together and join our family as we run (or walk) to help those living with kidney disease. The event takes place at Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington, North Carolina offering a flat course for the 1 Mile and 5K events. There is a virtual option if you cannot join us in person. The popular finisher medals and awards will be back.

The Willie Stargell 5K raises money to support those living with kidney disease through research, patient care, and treatment in honor of Willie Stargell. Baseball Hall of Fame Member Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates, passed away from kidney disease in 2001. The Willie Stargell Foundation gives hope to those fighting this disease.

COMPLIMENTARY AWARDS BRUNCH

All participants receive a ticket to the Willie Stargell 5K Awards Brunch at Coquina Fish Bar Restaurant next to Mayfaire Regal Theater.

DISTANCES OFFERED

1 Mile - This event is not timed.

5K - This event is timed.

You can run or walk.

WHEN

Saturday, April 18, 2026

WHERE

Mayfaire Town Center (next to Coquina Fishbar & Regal Movies)

890 Town Center Dr

Wilmington, NC 28405

HOW TO REGISTER

Click on the Sign Up button in the upper right corner

To Register at Packet Pickup or Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.

FOR FULL SCHEDULE

For the full Schedule of Events, click HERE

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION HELPS

The Willie Stargell 5K raises money to support those living with kidney disease through research, patient care, and treatment in honor of Willie Stargell. Each year, the Willie Stargell Foundation donates thousands of dollars to organizations and schools supporting kidney disease research and care. For more information on the Willie Stargell Foundation, visit their website HERE

Healthy Kids Day is a one day festival that will be held at Empie Park on Saturday, April 18, 2026. We will start the Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. The Fun Run will take participants around Empie Park and is just under 1 mile in length.

This is the 13th annual partnership with the City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation and the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina to present this fun filled day! This is a free community event that will offer families the opportunity to participate in active play and educational opportunities designed to improve health and wellness.

Free admission and free events include

• 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

• Sports Stations

• Face Painting

• Bouncy Houses

• Community Booths

• Animal Rescue Groups

• Zumba

-Tons of free giveaways and prizes!

• Food will be available for purchase by local food trucks

This is a FREE event, but you are encouraged to register to secure your Healthy Kids Day shirt. Shirts are available to the first 300 KIDS to sign up.

WHAT

The MegaRun 2026 is a 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run hosted by MegaCorp Logistics to benefit the Brigade Boys and Girls Club.

MegaCorp likes to do things in a MEGA way so each registrant will receive a race t-shirt, an awesome swag bag, free brunch and music following the race in MegaCorp’s courtyard.

WHEN

Saturday, April 25, 2026

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K Run/Walk - This event is timed

1 Mile Run/Walk - This event is timed.

*You can walk or run either event.

START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

MegaCorp Logistics Headquarters

1011 Ashes Drive

Wilmington, NC 28405

PARKING

Parking is available at MegaCorp Logistics, around the office buildings at the end of Sir Tyler Drive, and by the Renaissance building in the Forum.

Do not park at Mayfaire Flats apartments.

SCHEDULE

Click HERE for Packet Pickup and Race Day Schedule Details

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

The MegaRun benefits Brigade Boys & Girls Club of Southeast NC.

Bridgade Boys & Girls Club of Southeast NC has been in the “youth development business” in our community for over 120 years. Brigade serves more than 2,200 boys and girls across New Hanover, Pender, and Onslow counties.

A proud affiliate of the nationally renowned Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Brigade has been able to expand its reach without forgetting its roots: the children we serve and the community we are blessed to call home. Brigade’s mission is to inspire and, through character development, enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. They focus on six core areas; Character and Leadership Development, Education, Career Development, Heath and Life Skills, The Arts, and Sports and Recreation.

WHAT

Join us for the Stingray Stride 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run—a school and community race that’s all about movement, fun, and togetherness! 🏃‍♂️🎉

Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just out for a good time, everyone is welcome—students, families, friends, and staff of all ages and activity levels.

Let’s come together to celebrate health, happiness, and teamwork as we hit the pavement, cheer each other on, and make unforgettable memories. 💙💛 See you at the starting line!

EVENTS

1 Mile - Timed

5K - Timed

*You can walk or run either event

DATE

Saturday, May 2, 2026

START/FINISH LOCATION

Ogden Elementary School

3637 Middle Sound Loop Road

Wilmington, NC 28411

SCHEDULE

For a full schedule of events, click HERE

TO REGISTER

Just click on SIGN UP in the upper right corner

ABOUT THE EVENT

A 5K race and 1 mile run through neighborhoods near Ogden Elementary School. It's an opportunity for students, families, staff and the community to come together for a fun and healthy event. It's a sweet reward for participants and a motivational tool for others.

WHAT

The WILMA Dash is Wilmington, North Carolina’s ONLY All-Female 5K!

The race is presented by WILMA Magazine. It is a great event for first-time runners, walkers, and for seasoned runners looking for a personal best. After your race, stay for the Health Fest, food, and drinks.

DATE

Thursday, May 7, 2026

START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

Wilmington Convention Center (race starts inside the convention center)

10 Convention Center Drive

Wilmington, NC 28401

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K - The 5K is timed. You can run or walk.

5K Virtual - You can run or walk anywhere, anytime. Just submit results on this website by May 9th.

AFTER YOUR RACE

Join us at the Health Fest!

After the race, stay for the WILMA Dash Health Fest, taking place at the start and finish line, which is inside the Convention Center’s 30,000 square foot Expo Hall. Entry into The Health Fest is included with your WILMA Dash registration and includes dozens of local health & wellness exhibitors, food, drinks, awards and more!

Check out a full list of Health Fest vendors among our WILMA Dash sponsors.

Not participating in the Dash, but still want to be a part of the action? The Health Fest is open to everyone and all ticket proceeds will benefit your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The Expo Hall will be open from 4pm-9pm and a suggested $10 donation from those 21 and up is encouraged at the door, which includes entry into the Health Fest, two drink tickets and food. Under 21? No problem! A suggested donation of $5 at the door includes food and Health Fest entry.

HOW TO REGISTER

Register Before the Race:

Click on the SIGN UP button in the upper right corner

To Register On-Site in Person:

If you plan to register on-site, in person, you will need to do so on your own mobile device such as a mobile phone. Registrants will be asked to scan a QR code to register online.

TEAMS

Teams of 10 or more may email [email protected] to request a Team Discount (can not be used during Early Registration period). Only the team captain should inquire. Make sure to reach out BEFORE you register in order to apply the discount during checkout!

PARKING

Convention Center Deck: $3 for up to 1 hour; $5 for up to 2 hours; $7 for up to three hours; $9 for up to 4 hours; $11 for hours four through twelve, and $15 for hours twelve through twenty-four.

Nutt St. Parking Deck: $2/hour

Hanover St. Parking Deck: $2/hour

Skyline Center (old PPD building) Parking Deck: Up to 1 hour: $1; Up to 2 hours: $3; Up to 3 hours: $6; 3 to 12 hours: $9; 12 to 24 hours: $14 Max

• Parking is also available at any open parking lot or open street parking spot.

PACKET PICKUP & FULL RACE SCHEDULE

Click HERE for packet pick up details and race schedule

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

WILMA Dash is honored to partner with The Alzheimer’s Association for 2026. The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Click here to learn more!

ABOUT THE RACE

Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate movement at the Parkinson’s Beat It 5K, a special event benefiting Beat Parkinson’s Today.

This event is for everyone - runners, walkers, families, and supporters of the Parkinson’s community.

Choose your pace with a 5K or 1 Mile, starting and finishing at Brunches at The Pointe at Barclay.

After you cross the Finish Line, celebrate your accomplishment with a well-earned treat. Every participant receives a 25% off coupon to Brunches, perfect for mimosas, pancakes, or whatever makes your post-run celebration special.

This is more than a race. It’s a chance to support a vibrant community, stay active, and help grow a program that changes lives. Come be part of the movement, have fun, and help us fuel the fight against Parkinson’s!

Beat Parkinson's Today is a national nonprofit exercise program dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease.

DATE

Saturday, May 9, 2026

START/FINISH LINE LOCATION

The Pointe at Barclay

2030 Stonecrop Drive

Wilmington, NC 28412

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Click HERE for full schedule

DISTANCES OFFERED

5K - This event is timed. You can walk or run.

1 Mile - This is event is NOT timed. You can walk or run.

COURSE

For Course Map - click HERE

HOW TO REGISTER

Just click on the Sign Up button in the top right. Online registration closes 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. If you plan to register at the race, you will be asked to scan a QR code with your phone that take you to this online registration site.

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION HELPS

This event supports Beat Parkinson's Today! Our program offers exercise classes designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, both in-person and online, along with community support and wellness services. The founder herself, Michelle, who has been living with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years, knows firsthand that exercise is medicine, and now she’s inviting everyone to join her in this energizing, cause-driven event!

Magical Moments ABA Therapy presents...

"Every Step Counts 5K"

Join us for the Every Step Counts 5K and optional 10K for the seasoned runners, a walk/run meaningful community event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children with autism and special needs. This year, we are proud to partner with Smart Start, a trusted local organization committed to strengthening early childhood development and support systems within our community.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide an incredible 5K experience that highlights the importance of care, inclusion, and community support, while raising essential funds to help children and families throughout Wilmington and the surrounding areas.

This event is more than just a race. It’s a day to come together as a community and make a difference. Bring your family and friends to enjoy:

Live kid and family friendly entertainment and music

Refreshments

A fun, family-friendly atmosphere

Opportunities to connect, bond, and unite for a meaningful cause

Most importantly, Every Step Counts is a chance to support local children, promote health and wellness, and spend a positive, uplifting day in Wilmington.

Together, we can take steps that truly make a difference.

See you there!

WHAT

The Fleet Feet Wilmington Battle for Independence Road Race

Go USA! Kick off your Independence Day with a race!

The Battle for Independence is a 4th of July race in Wilmington, NC, giving participants the chance to battle it out along Independence Blvd. on Wilmington’s scenic Cross City Trail. The race is flat and fast, helping draw in the best athletes in our region, but is also family friendly for runners of all ages.

We treat each Battle for Independence Race participant with southern hospitality as we celebrate the birth of our nation and honor those who serve.

DISTANCED OFFERED

5K | This event is timed

1 Mile | This event is NOT TIMED

*You can run or walk either event.

WHEN

Saturday, July 4, 2026

START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

The Pointe at Barclay

1450 Barclay Pointe Blvd.

Wilmington, NC 28412

HOW TO REGISTER

Register Before the Race: Click on the SIGN UP button in the upper right corner

Register At Pre-Race Packet Pickup or On Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.

PARKING

Parking is available in any legal parking spot at the Pointe at Barclay.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

For the Full Schedule, click HERE