1275 HWY 268, Lenoir NC
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
🌅 Welcome to the Fourth Annual Sunset River Run
- Location: Happy Valley, NC (between Lenoir & Blowing Rock)
- Experience: A beautiful valley, tranquil river, and a scenic route.
- Participants: Ideal for both competitors and casual walkers.
- Afterparty: Celebrate with awards, craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and live music!
🏃♂️ The Race Route
- Distance: 5K route is point-to-point
- Start: Begins at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC)
- Finish: Ends at Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 Highway 268, Lenoir, NC)
- Terrain: Mostly hardtop with some natural surfaces
🍻 Post-Race Celebrations
- Free Beer: Every participant (21+) gets a complimentary beer!
- Kids Run: The Kids Run Presented By Quest 4 Life starts at 8:00 pm.
- Registration: Register by May 11 to ensure a T-shirt size!
- Course Note: 90% hardtop and 10% natural surface.
📅 Event Schedule
- 5/22: Pre-Race Packet Pick Up (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) at Happy Valley Filling Station
- 5/23: On-Site Registration & Packet Pick Up (5:30 pm - 6:45 pm)
- Start Time: Race starts at 7:00 pm: Afterparty at 7:30 pm.
- Kids Fun Run: Starts at 8:00 pm with awards following at 8:15 pm.
🚗 Parking Information
- Runners: Must park at the starting line area.
- Guests: Families, friends, and spectators can park at Happy Valley Filling Station or the starting line area.
🚌 Shuttle Service
- Prerace: Shuttle from start line to Happy Valley Filling Station at 6:45 pm and 7:05 pm.
- Return Service: Begins at 7:30 pm, every 20 minutes until 10:00 pm.
🎒 Gear Check
- Availability: A service will be provided for runners to check items for transfer to the finish area.
- Note: Please do not leave high-value items.
🏆 Awards
- Overall Awards: Top 3 Male/Female receive trophies and gift certificates.
- Master Awards: Top Male/Female 40 & Over receive trophies and gift certificates.
- Age Group Awards: Medals for top finishers in various age categories.
- Kids Fun Run: All participants receive a medal and custom bib.
🏃♀️ Foothills Run Series
- Series Overview: This race is the first in The Foothills Run Series presented by UNC Ortho.
- Upcoming Races: Includes Crack Of Dawn Dash, Southern Sundown 4 Miler, etc.
- Award Details: Special awards for top finishers across the series to be presented after the final race.
For more details and registration, visit the event page: Sunset River Run
