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Winston-Salem has a long list of 5K Races this year, so tighten your laces on your running shoes, start practicing, and get ready to join the fun! We have listed all the races we could find in the city, so you have a good number to choose from.
Some are for worthy causes, and some are just for fun; all promise a good time and a satisfying run. Check out the upcoming races listed by date below.
September 13 – Dirty Dozen 5K And Fun Run Obstacle Mud Run
The 7th Annual Dirty Dozen 5K and Fun Run Obstacle Mud Run on Saturday will take place September 13, 7:30am to 12pm, at Jerry Long Family YMCA, 1150 S Peace Haven Road, Clemmons. The 5K Obstacle Mud Run is for ages 7 and up and the Fun Run is for all ages. Race start time for Fun Run is 7:30am and start time for 5K Run is 8am. Heats start every 10 minutes. Medals will be awarded at 10:30am. See more information and register here.
September 20 – Medal Madness 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon
Medal Madness Races will take place at Jamison Park. The race starts at 8am, with Packet Pick-up starting 30 minutes before the race and ending 10 minutes before the race begins. The course is out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, 15K running it three times, and the Half Marathon running the course four times. All runners must register on RunnerSignup; there is no on-site registration. All finishers will receive a themed medal, and this race will earn points for the US Road Running Race Series. Though participants are not required to wear a costume, it is encouraged. An award for best costume will be given at the beginning of the race. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Medal Madness Website for signup, course maps, and details.
September 27 – Salem Lake Trail Run 30K, 7Mi, & 5K
Run on the mostly shaded, wooded trail surrounding Salem Lake in the 30K (18.6 miles), 7 mile, or 5K (3.1 miles) race. This is a great tune-up for fall marathons on a course that’s been listed as one of America’s best running trails. Celebrate your run with post-race food and beer from Radar Brewing. Races take place September 27, at Salem Lake Marina, 815 Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem. Start times: 30K – 8am; 7 Mi – 8:15am; 5K – 8:20am. Registration closes at 11:59PM Wednesday before the race. Registration available at Friday Packet Pick-Up only. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION! Packet Pick-up at Salem Lake Marina building: Friday 3-7pm and Saturday 6:30-7:30am. See this site for more information and to sign up.
October 4 – Maddie’s Miles 5K Four Paws, Two Feet, One Cause
Maddie’s miles 5K Memorial Run/Walk in memory of Madison “Maddie” Marini, is a shared journey of healing and hope. It is a chance to raise awareness of the weight of addiction and causes Maddie was passionate about. Ruff Love Rescue will bring adoptable dogs that would love to run the course with you. Lace up your shoes, leash up a dog, and take a stride toward compassion, connection, and change on October 4, from 9am-1pm at Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem. The race is an out and back race, and there will be auction items, prizes and food. No early packet pickup. Packet pickup will be the morning of the race beginning at 7:15am. Registration cost for the race increases after September 20 at 11:59pm. See this site for more information and to sign up.
October 4 – Mission 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
The Mission 5K is back. Originally run 2011-2018 in downtown Winston-Salem, it is now being held in Clemmons. The event features a chip-timed 5K run and aa 1 mile Fun Run. The course is flat and closed to vehicular traffic. The race will start and finish at Fleet Feet Clemmons, 6339 Jessie Lane, Clemmons, on October 4. The 5K will run from 8:30-10am and the Fun Run from 8-8:15am. The price to signup for the 5K increases after September 15 at 11:59pm. Packet pickup and late registration will be held at Fleet Feet on Friday, Oct 3, from 4-7pm and Saturday (Race Day) Oct 4, from 7-745am. See this site for more information and to register.
October 11 – Haunted 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
This course is an out and back course held on October 11 at Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem. The 5K does the course one time, 10K does the course twice; and the Half Marathon does the course four times. Course time limit is 3 hours and 30 minutes. The race starts at 8:30am with packet pickup beginning 30 minutes before the race and ending 10 minutes before the race starts. There is no on-site registration for the races. See this site for more information and to sign up.
October 14 – 5K October
This 5K is designed as a low-key, inexpensive race for athletes who want to run a tune-up race to prepare for their targeted event, novices who may be intimidated by larger events, and runners/walkers who want an event to test themselves without breaking the bank. This monthly, official chip-timed 5K event gives runners the opportunity to test their abilities, focus on technique, and connect with other people in the running community without the crowds, vendors, award ceremonies, and other distractions. The cost is $5, and the event will be held at Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, on October 14 from 6pm – 7:30pm. No pets allowed, headphones are discouraged, and strollers are permitted, but must start in the back of the pack. Registration is limited to 150 participants. Visit this site to sign up.
October 18 – Ardmore RAH! 10K, 5K, Fun Run And Food Drive
The RAH! features a fun run, an untimed 1-mile walk/run, a timed 5K, and a 10K through the historic Ardmore neighborhood in Winston-Salem. Everyone can join the fun, from avid racers to power walkers to first-time participants. RAH! stands for Run Against Hunger, as all net proceeds benefit The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, which assists food insecure and at-risk families and children in our neighborhoods. The RAH! is a hybrid event with in-person races on October 18. and virtual races held October 15-18. In-person race times: 10K – 8am, Fun Run, 8:10am, 5K – 9:15am. Virtual race results can be submitted anytime between October 15 and 18 by logging into their Runsignup account. Register online (on or before September 23 to be guaranteed a t-shirt) on the RAH! Website. Pick up your packet and t-shirt at Fleet Feet on October 17, 3pm – 7pm, or on race day before 8am. Race location: Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller Street, Winston-Salem. See The RAH! website for more information and to register.
October 18 – Haunted 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon
The Haunted Races will be held at Jamison Park starting at 8am. The course is out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, 15K running it three times, and the Half Marathon running the course four times. All finishers will receive a themed medal. Series points are earned towards the US Road Racing Series. Costumes are not required but are encouraged and add to the fun. A prize for the best costume will be awarded. Packet Pick-up is on race day, October 18, and starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race begins. There is no registration on race day. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Haunted Race Website to register and for more information.
October 19 – Running Scared 5K, 13K
This one is for the whole family. Wear your costumes, if you would like, to this Halloween-themed Event, with lots of Halloween goodies, music, a fun atmosphere at the start and finish line, and Finisher Medals. The 5K and 13K start at 2pm and 2:30pm, at Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem. You can also register for the Deadly Double, 5K & 13K. Virtual Event is also available. There will be awesome shirts for participants and awards in both races to the top 3 overall male and female winners, the top 3 male and female Masters winners, the Top 3 overall male and female Grand Masters, the Top 3 overall male and female Senior Masters, and the top 3 in all the regular 5-year Age Groups. There will also be a prize for the best costume. Regular Registration ends on 10/11/25, and Late Registration, at an increased price, ends on 10/18. Race Day Registration, at the highest cost, begins at 1pm on 10/19, as does race check-in. October 9 is the deadline for a guaranteed shirt in your size. Visit this site to sign up.
October 24 – Race For The Fallen Glow Run
The Race for the Fallen Glow Run is a nighttime family-fun race for participants of all ages & speeds! The Police Benevolent Foundation’s Race for the Fallen (R4TF) GLOW RUN honors fallen officers and their families. Register for the 5K or 1 Mile. Prices increase after 9/30/25 at 11:59pm. You can also register as a Phantom Runner if you can’t make the race and wish to donate to support this cause. The races take place at Washington Park, 1490 S Broad Street, Winston-Salem. Look for the inflated arch on race day to find the start line. (Follow the signs posted on race day). Races start at 6:45pm or after sunset. Check-in and late registration will take place from 5:00pm – 6:15pm on the day of the race at the registration/packet pick-up tents. Law enforcement teams are welcome to register. A minimum of four runners on a team. Each member of the team will have their time averaged for the final team time. Awards and prizes will be given to the top teams. Choose “Law Enforcement (Only)” when setting up your group during registration. Visit this site for more information and to sign up.
October 25 – The NCANA Run For Joy 5K
The NCANA Run For Joy 5K hrace supports mental health advocacy and wellness for healthcare trainees. Those who care for others oftentimes feel they can’t or shouldn’t admit they need care themselves. Run For Joy was started after the tragic death by suicide of Katelyn Joy Beardsley and hopes to bring help and awareness to this critical situation. The 5K race will be held at Jamison Park with a 9am start. Registration for the race opens May 1, 2025, at 12am. Registration fee increases after August 31. There is also a Virtual 5K available. Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, October 24, 4-8pm at Cugino Forno, 486 N Patterson Road, #115, Winston-Salem, or Race Day, Saturday, October 25, 7:45am-8:45am, at Jamison Park. Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male & Female overall and the Top 3 Male & Female in each age group: 10 & under, 11-15, 16-20, 21-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See The NCANA Run For Joy 5K Website for registration and more information.
November 8 – Gobbler 1M, 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
The Gobbler races will be held at Jamison Park on November 8 starting at 8am. The course is an out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, 15K running it three times, and the Half Marathon runs the course four times. Awards are only given to the top 3 overall male and female runners. Series points are earned towards the US Road Racing Series. Costumes are not required, but are encouraged and add to the fun. A prize for best costume will be awarded. Packet Pick-up is on race day, November 8, and starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. There is no registration on race day. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See this site to sign up and for more information.
November 15 – Pie Gobbler 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon
The Pie Gobbler Races will be held at Jamison Park starting at 8am. The course is out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, 15K running it three times, and the Half Marathon runs the course four times. All finishers will receive a themed medal. Series points are earned towards the US Road Racing Series. Costumes are not required, but are encouraged and add to the fun. A prize for best costume will be awarded. Packet Pick-up is on race day, November 15, and starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. There is no registration on race day. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Pie Gobbler Race Website to register and for more information.
November 27 – Turkey Strut 5K & 1 Mile
This is the 18th year of the Turkey Strut 5k to benefit The We Care House, an outreach of St Peter’s that provides food to the community. Participants are asked to bring at least three canned food items to donate to The We Care House food bank. The races will be held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Online registration for the races opens September 1, 2025. All participants in the 5K will receive long-sleeved T-shirts. 1 Mile Fun Run participants will have an opportunity to purchase T-shirts. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8:30am, and the 5K, a USATF Certified Course, will start at 9am. There are also Virtual 1 Mile and 5K races. Packet Pick-up is at 7:30am the day of the race, November 27. You can also still register that day until 8:30am. Parking is at the LJVM Coliseum. Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male & Female and the Top Three Overall Male and Female Masters. All 5 K and 1 Mile Run participants will receive Finisher Medals. Race Location is Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 2825 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Turkey Strut 5K Website for registration, course maps, and more information.
December 6 – Mistletoe Run 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run, Half Marathon
What a great way to kick off the holiday season and benefit the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina! The runs begin and end at the William G White Jr Family YMCA located downtown. Parking can be difficult, so see this parking page for helpful information. On race day, the 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 7:30am, the Half Marathon starts at 8am, and the 5K begins at 8:15am. Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, December 5, 12pm-7pm at the William G White Jr Family YMCA on the second floor, on the basketball courts. Limited Packet Pick-up will be available Saturday, race day, 6:15am-7:15am. It is strongly recommended that you pick up your packet on Friday. Fun Run and 5K Awards Ceremony will be at 9:15. Though any age can participate in Fun Run, awards are reserved for those 8 and under and will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female 8 and under. 5K Awards will be given to the Overall Top 3 Male & Female, the Top 3 Male & Female Masters Overall and the 5K Age Division awards: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 81+. The Half Marathon Award Ceremony will be held at 10:30am with awards given to The Overall Top 3 Male & Female, The Top 3 Male & Female Masters Overall, and the Age Division awards: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-80, 81+. Stay for the Post Race Party featuring music, bounce houses, games, and food and drink for purchase. Registration Opens June 1, 2025. Registration fee increases after August 31. Race Location is William G White Jr Family YMCA, 775 West End Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Mistletoe Run Website to register and for more information.
December 13 – Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon
Medal Madness Races will take place at Jamison Park. The race starts at 8am, with Packet Pick-up starting 30 minutes before the race and ending 10 minutes before the race begins. The course is out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, and the Half Marathon running the course four times. All runners must register on RunnerSignup; there is no on-site registration. All finishers will receive a themed medal, and this race will earn points for the US Road Running Race Series. Though participants are not required to wear a costume, it is encouraged. An award for best costume will be given at the beginning of the race. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Medal Madness Website for more information and sign up.
December 20 – Holiday 1M, 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon
The Holiday Races will be held at Jamison Park starting at 8am. The course is out and back, with 5K doing the course once, 10K doing it twice, 15K running it three times, and the Half Marathon running the course four times. All finishers will receive a themed medal. Series points are earned towards the US Road Racing Series. Costumes are not required but are encouraged and add to the fun. A prize for the best costume will be awarded. Packet Pick-up is on race day, December 20, and starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race begins. There is no registration on race day. Race Location is Jamison Park, 285 Meadowlark Drive, Winston-Salem, NC. See the Holiday Race Website to register and for more information.
December 20 – Jingle Jog & Santa Strut
The Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Strut have been a Triad holiday tradition since their inception in 2015. On December 20, the 5K race will begin at 9am at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing, 772 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem. It will continue along the Long Branch paved trail and return along the Research Parkway corridor on the edge of downtown. The untimed Santa Strut will begin at 9:05am and be a one-loop course (0.7 miles) where families, friends, and pets can strut their stuff. The post-race celebrations for both events are at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing, just a quick strut from the start/finish line. Participants in the 5K enjoy a chip-timed event complete with awards for top finishers! You are welcome to run, jog, or walk either of the event distances. Leashed pets are encouraged not only to attend the event, but also to participate! Your dog can receive their own race bib and treat with a $5 add-on at registration. All proceeds from the pooch race bibs go to Ruff Love Rescue. If you don’t have a dog and are interested in running with one, Ruff Love Rescue will have adoptable dogs available for you to run with. With registration, you receive a finishers’ medal that doubles as a Christmas ornament. 5K participants 21+ also receive a craft beer from Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing and qualify for awards. All participants receive a digital finisher certificate and can download free professional race photos. Join in for a great run and some Christmas fun. Visit the Jingle Jog Website for more information and to register.
Get Yourself Ready For The Races
You will want to start training and warming up for all these races to be ready to go for those awards and beat your last best time. Winston-Salem is a “Runner Friendly Community” with great places to run. Read about where to find the best running trails.
What 5K races have you run? Tell us in the comments.
