Hickory 5K Series

Welcome to the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series: You can run/walk all or any one of the five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC.  

Races:

Easter Egg Scramble 5K - Henry Fork Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Ln., Hickory, NC
Saturday April 12, 2025

Aviation 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday May 24, 2025

Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run - Hickory City Park, 1581 12 th St. Dr. NWW, Hickory, NC 
Friday August 15, 2025


Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K (Dog Festival) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday September 27, 2025


Hickory Trick or Trot 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC
Saturday October 25, 2025

Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series.  Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race.  Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall.  

*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page

T-SHIRTS: A custom designed T-shirt is included with your registration up to the order deadline for each race. Those who register after the deadlines will recieve shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

Join us for this fun family friendly, Easter themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Henry Fork River Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Lane, Hickory, NC 28602. 

This race will be the first in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC.  Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series.  Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race.  Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall.  

*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page

T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Easter Egg Scramble T-shirt is included with your registration up to Monday, March 30 (our deadline for shirt orders). All who register by Sunday, March 30, 2025 (11:59 pm) are guaranteed a race t-shirt in the size ordered upon registration. Those who register after 11:59 pm on March 30, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, April 11th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00 am-8:45 am on the day of the race, at race registration. 

If you are racing in the Hickory Grand Prix 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. 

Due to another event at this location START TIME is 8:00 AM.

Join us for this fun family friendly, Hickory pedestrian trail (Avaition Walk) themed 5K! The race will start and finish at L.P. Frans Stadium, 2500 Clement Boulevard NW, Hickory, NC. 

This race will be the second in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC.  Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series.  Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race.  Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall.  
*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page


T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Aviation 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, May 11 (our deadline for shirt orders). Those who register after 11:59 pm on May 9th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, May 23th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00am-7:45am on the day of the race, at race registration. 

If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. 

Lets get ready to Boogie! The 4th annual Lightning Bug Boogie Night Trail Run 5K will take place on at Hickory City Park (Lake Hickory Trails) 1581 12th St. Dr. NW, Hickory, NC. This course will consist of off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. All participants will be required to have a light in the form of a headlamp, chest light or flashlight.  Cell phone lights are NOT effective. 

This race will be the third in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC.  Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series.  Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race.  Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall.  
*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page

T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Lightning Bug Boogie 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, August 3.

Those who register after 11:59 pm on August 3rd, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

Packet pick-up:

Thursday, August 14th from 8am-6pm at Highland Recreation Center

Friday, August 15th from 7-8:30pm at Hickory City Park Greenway Trailhead



If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. 

Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27th, race start time 11:00 am, at Winkler Park located at 2500 Clement BLVD, Hickory, NC 28601.  Whether you are joining us for fun or competing to be Top Dawg on the podium, you and your dog will bond as you negotiate our trails together!  This course will consist of paved portions and off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. 

This race will be the fourth in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC.  Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series.  Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series.  Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race.  Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall.  

Race Rules:  Running with a dog (if you are running without a dog please let us know and we will place you with just runners):

Must have proof of Rabies vaccination for competing dog. 
Must maintain control of the dog for the duration of the race.
All dogs must be on a fixed length leash. It is recommended for dogs to have a full harness. 
You must clean up after your dog
We have specific bandanas if you have a reactive dog
The start of the 5k will be staggered. Finish times will be based off your time when you pass the Starting Line until you pass the Finish Line. Keep in mind the first person to pass the Finish Line may not be the fastest participant. 

Packet pick-up: Friday, September 26th from 9am-5:30 pm at Highland Recreation Center-1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601.  

DOG FESTIVAL:

The day is not just about running, walking or hiking on the trail. Join us for the Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog FESTIVAL from 10 am - 1 pm. Spectators, friends and family encouraged. 

DOG FESTIVAL area is FREE to the public
Yoga with your dog - Post race
Food trucks 
Dog vendors with local craftsmen and dog products throughout. 
Dog Obedience demo’s, tips and class offering

T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 pm, Sunday, September 14. Those who register after 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 14th will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page


Packet pick-up: Highland Recreation Center, Friday, September 26th from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. 

Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00 am-7:30 am on the day of the race, at race registration. 

If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. 

Join us for this fun family friendly, Halloween themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Highland Recreation Center, 1451 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC. 2025 introduces a NEW course. This course will consist of off roads, sidewalks and trails that can include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. 

Packet pick-up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, October 24th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00am-8:30 am on the day of the race. 

T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Trick or Trot 5K shirt is included with your registration up to Sunday, October 12th. Those who register after 11:59 pm on October 10th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. 

This is race is the final race in the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year and various Parks in Hickory. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series, with the highest point total across all races determining the overall series winner. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners. Additiionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series. 

*SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page

If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.