Hickory 5K Series
Throughout the year, the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department hosts a series of 5K races in varying locations across the city to encourage runners to go outdoors and explore different parks and trail systems in Hickory. Each race is unique and poses its own challenges and triumphs. Presented by Frye Regional Medical Center, the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series.
2026 5K Races
Easter Egg Scramble 5K
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Hickory City Park (1581 12th St Dr NW) Hop toward the Easter holiday in this festive run along the Riverwalk on Lake Hickory.
Hickory City Park (1581 12th St Dr NW) Hop toward the Easter holiday in this festive run along the Riverwalk on Lake Hickory.
Aviation 5K
Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW)This race allows runners to run across the iconic Hickory Bridge along the Aviation Walk.
Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW)This race allows runners to run across the iconic Hickory Bridge along the Aviation Walk.
Lightning Bug Boogie 5K
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 | 9 p.m.
Lake Hickory Trails (1581 12th Street Drive NW)Don your headlamp and traverse the Lake Hickory Trails during this nighttime trail run.
Lake Hickory Trails (1581 12th Street Drive NW)Don your headlamp and traverse the Lake Hickory Trails during this nighttime trail run.
Ruff Ruff Run 5K
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 | 11 a.m.
Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW)Participants run with their leashed dogs in the Ruff Ruff Run. The Dog Festival starts at 10 a.m. with dog-friendly vendors, sponsors, and food trucks.
Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW)Participants run with their leashed dogs in the Ruff Ruff Run. The Dog Festival starts at 10 a.m. with dog-friendly vendors, sponsors, and food trucks.
Trick or Trot 5K
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Stanford Park (1451 8th St Dr NE)Runners dress in their best Halloween costumes and compete for overall race prizes as well as the award for best costume.
Stanford Park (1451 8th St Dr NE)Runners dress in their best Halloween costumes and compete for overall race prizes as well as the award for best costume.
5K Series Presenting Sponsor
The 2026 Hickory 5K Series is presented by Frye Regional Medical Center, the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series.
5K Series Sponsor
The 2026 Hickory 5K Series is also sponsored by OS1st, the Official Performance Sock of the Hickory 5K Series.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring one of the 5K races? Click here for available sponsorship levels and more information.
Contact
Please contact Lance Riddile at 828-322-7046, Ext. 7254, or via email at lriddile@hickorync.gov for more information or sponsorship opportunities.