The Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department is excited to introduce Run HKY, a new initiative designed to promote running in Hickory through annual events and recreational amenities.
From popular races in the Hickory 5K Series—such as the Aviation 5K and the Lightning Bug Boogie Night Trail Run—to the Summer Track Series and the all-new HKY 100 endurance challenge, Run HKY brings together everything runners need in one convenient online hub. Visit www.runhky.com for up-to-date event details, registration links, and contact information.
Hickory 5K Series
The Hickory 5K Series, proudly sponsored by Frye Regional Medical Center, returns in 2026 with a lineup of races designed to inspire runners to get outdoors and experience Hickory’s diverse terrain. This year’s series includes:
- Easter Egg Scramble 5K – Saturday, March 28, at Hickory City Park
- Aviation 5K – Saturday, May 23, at Winkler Park
- Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run – Friday, Aug. 14, at the Lake Hickory Trails
- Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K & Dog Festival – Saturday, Sept. 26, at Winkler Park
- Trick or Trot 5K – Saturday, Oct. 31, at Stanford Park
Summer Track Series
This June, Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism will partner with Lenoir-Rhyne University to present the Summer Track Series, held Thursday evenings throughout the month at Lenoir-Rhyne’s outdoor track.
The series will feature a variety of track and field events for all ages and skill levels, including the 50m, 1 mile, 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 4x100m relay, 800m, 2 miles, 5000m, long jump, triple jump, shot put, high jump, and pole vault.
HKY 100
This October, runners can take on the ultimate endurance challenge—a 100-mile race that can be completed solo or as part of a team. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. with staggered start times on Saturday, Oct. 17,at Winkler Park, where participants will tackle the scenic trails behind L.P. Frans Stadium.
Paved and Natural Trails
Hickory also offers a variety of trail running opportunities beyond the City’s scheduled races and 5Ks, perfect for runners seeking scenic routes and flexible schedules. The Hickory Trail, an urban multiuse trail system, spans the city and connects neighborhoods, parks, and destinations. Runners can explore diverse trails in City parks like Glenn Hilton Park, Rotary-Geitner Park, Henry Fork River Park, and Winkler Park, each offering unique landscapes and challenges. Whether you’re training for a race or simply enjoying a peaceful run, Hickory’s trail network provides accessible and enjoyable options year round.
For more information about Run HKY events and amenities, registration links, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.runhky.com or contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov.