Sunset River Run

Race Overview

• Date: 2026-05-23
• Location: 1275 HWY 268, Lenoir, NC
• Event: Fourth Annual Sunset River Run
• URL: Visit the Race Page

Event Description

• Scenic Route: A beautiful valley. A tranquil river. A scenic route.
• Event Type: Whether you are looking to run hard and compete for awards or enjoy an evening stroll.
• Location: Takes place in peaceful Happy Valley, NC (between Lenoir & Blowing Rock).
• 5K Route: Point to point beginning at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm and ending at Happy Valley Filling Station.

Post-Race Celebration

• Ceremony: Awards, craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and live music!
• Beer: Every participant (21+) will receive a free beer from Happy Valley Filling Station.
• Kids Run: Presented by Quest 4 Life will start at 8:00 pm.
• T-Shirt: Register by May 11 to guarantee your size of the Official T-Shirt!

Course Information

• Terrain: The course is 90% hardtop and 10% natural surface.
• Route: The majority is on a low traffic hard top secondary road with mowed grass fields.

Event Schedule

• Friday: Pre Race Packet Pick Up (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) at Happy Valley Filling Station.
• Saturday Morning: On Site Registration & Packet Pick Up (5:30 pm - 6:45 pm).
• Race Start: The Fourth Annual Sunset River Run begins at 7:00 pm.
• Post-Race Party: Begins at 7:30 pm: shuttles available from finish line to start line.

Parking Information

• Runners: Required to park at the starting line area (Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm).
• Guests: Families, friends, and spectators can park at Happy Valley Filling Station or the starting line area.

Shuttle Service

• Pre-Race Shuttle: Courtesy shuttle from the start line to Happy Valley Filling Station at 6:45 pm and 7:05 pm.
• Return Shuttle: Begins at 7:30 pm to return runners and guests back to vehicles.
• Frequency: The shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes until 10:00 pm.

Gear Check

• Service Available: Runners can check items to be transferred to the finish line.
• Note: Please no high value items!

Awards

• Top 3 Overall: Male / Female will receive custom trophies and Mountain Running Company gift certificates.
• Top 2 Masters: Male / Female (40 & Over) awards as well.
• Age Groups: Awards for top 3 in various age categories from 14 and under to 75+.

Kids Fun Run

• Eligibility: Open to kids age 12 and younger.
• Distance: 1/2 mile course that starts and ends at the Sunset River Run Finish Line.
• Cost: $5 in advance, $10 on race day.
• Medals: Every participant receives a medal and a custom bib.

Race Series Information

• Series Inclusion: First race in The Foothills Run Series presented by UNC Ortho.
• Upcoming Races: Include The Inaugural Crack Of Dawn Dash, Southern Sundown 4 Miler, and more.
• Awards: Special custom awards for top finishers in the series.