he Hickory 5K Series is back this year with five themed 5K races from March through October.
These races 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.
The first race in the 2026 5K series is the second annual Easter Egg Scramble 5K. Get your exercise in for the day by running across the Riverwalk Bridge before the 39th Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. The race begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Hickory City Park (1581 12th St Dr NW).
The second race is the second annual Aviation 5K, which allows runners to run across the iconic Hickory Bridge along the Aviation Walk. This race begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW).
The third race in the series is the fifth annual Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run. This run is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, at 9 p.m. at the Lake Hickory Trails (1581 12th Street Drive NW). All participants in this race must be comfortable running at night and provide their own headlamp.
The fourth run is the third annual Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K, a race where participants are encouraged to run with their leashed dogs. The Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. at Winkler Park (2500 Clement Blvd NW). The Dog Festival starts at 10 a.m., which features dog-friendly vendors, sponsors, and food trucks.
The final run in the 5K series is the Trick or Trot 5K, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m. at 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.
The link to register for all 2026 5K races is runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries. Registration fees begin at $30 per race and include a themed t-shirt.
Participants can sign up for as many or as few races as they would like. Those who sign up for at least four of the five races are eligible for series prizes.
All races are sponsored by Frye Regional Medical Center, the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series.
To learn about all running opportunities in Hickory, visit https://www.runhky.com.
Please contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or via email at lriddile@hickorync.gov for more information.
