In 27 days · Sat, Oct 17, 2026
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Saturday, October 17th, 2026
803 N Aspen St, Lincolnton NC
5K
51–71°F · low rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 0 of the last 10 years
2025
47–73°F
dry
2024
40–60°F
dry
2023
47–66°F
dry
2022
55–72°F
dry
2021
47–67°F
dry
2020
44–60°F
dry
2019
43–64°F
dry
2018
57–70°F
dry
2017
46–63°F
dry
2016
61–79°F
dry
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About this race
Apple Fest 5K
Presented By: Rhyne Financial
A Lincolnton Tradition Returns
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Lincolnton High School | Downtown Lincolnton, NC
A beloved Lincoln County tradition is back! With roots stretching back more than 35 years, the Apple Fest 5K returns to kick off one of Lincolnton’s favorite days of the year.
Race Course
- Starting Point: Lincolnton High School
- Trail: Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail
- Course Type: Primarily rail-trail
- Finish Line: Back at Lincolnton High School
Post-Race Activities
After crossing the finish line, hop on the complimentary shuttle from Lincolnton High School to Downtown Lincolnton to experience all the Lincoln County Apple Festival has to offer!
Register for a Good Cause
Best of all, your registration supports United Way of Lincoln County and our work to invest right back into programs, partnerships, and resources serving local families and individuals.
Run the trail. Celebrate the tradition. Stay for the festival.
Race Details
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 5K Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Start & Finish: Lincolnton High School
- Race Type: Timed 5K Run/Walk
- Course Description: Start at Lincolnton High School, cross N. Aspen Street, enter the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail for an out-and-back route, then return to Lincolnton High School.
- Beneficiary: United Way of Lincoln County
- Festival Shuttle: Complimentary transportation will be available from Lincolnton High School to the Apple Festival following the race.
T-Shirt + Apple Swag
Register by October 5, 2026 to be guaranteed an official Apple Fest 5K T-shirt and apple-themed swag bag! Registrations received after October 5 are not guaranteed a shirt or swag bag, so register early.
Packet Pickup
Friday, October 16 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Lincolnton High School
Pick up your race bib, T-shirt, and swag bag ahead of race morning. In-person registration will also be available during packet pickup.
Awards
Awards will be presented to the Top Overall Male and Female, plus the Top Male and Female finisher in each age group:
- Age Group: 14 & Under
- Age Group: 15–19
- Age Group: 20–29
- Age Group: 30–39
- Age Group: 40–49
- Age Group: 50–59
- Age Group: 60–69
- Age Group: 70–79
- Age Group: 80+
Stroller Division: One award will be presented to the overall fastest stroller participant.
For more details, visit the Apple Festival race page.
Course map
Hotels for race weekend
Live prices near the start line, Oct 16 – 18, 2026.
Train with a club
Run clubs near Lincolnton to train with before race day.
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