Sunset River Run

Event Overview

• Date: 2026-05-23
• Location: 1275 HWY 268, Lenoir, NC
• Details: A beautiful valley. A tranquil river. A scenic route. A fun afterparty.
• Introduction: Welcome to the Fourth Annual Sunset River Run. Whether you are looking to run hard and compete for awards or you are more into an evening stroll along the Yadkin River, this event is for you! Sunset River Run takes place in peaceful Happy Valley, NC (between Lenoir & Blowing Rock).

Race Route

• 5K Route: Point to point beginning at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC).
• Finish Line: Ends at Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 Highway 268, Lenoir, NC).
• Course Surface: The course is 90% hardtop and 10% natural surface.
• Terrain: The majority of the race is on a public, yet low traffic hard top secondary road but the route does traverse a mowed grass field.

Post-Race Celebration

• Celebration: After you complete your run, it's time to let go and celebrate with awards, craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and amazing live music!
• Free Beer: Every participant (21+) will receive a free beer from Happy Valley Filling Station for all your hard work!
• Kids Run: The Kids Run Presented By Quest 4 Life will fire off at 8:00 pm.
• T-Shirt Registration: Register by May 11 to guarantee your size of the Official Fourth Annual Sunset River Run T-Shirt designed by Image 420 in Asheville NC!

Event Schedule

• Friday (5/22): Pre Race Packet Pickup (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) at Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 NC-268, Lenoir, NC).
• Saturday (5/23): On Site Registration & Packet Pickup (5:30 pm - 6:45 pm) at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC).
• Race Start: The Fourth Annual Sunset River Run commences at 7:00 pm.
• After Race Party: Begins at the outside stage at 7:30 pm.

Parking Information

• Runners: Required to park at the starting line area (Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC).
• Families and Friends: Welcome to park at Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 NC-268, Lenoir, NC) or at the starting line area (Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm).

Shuttle Services

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

Gear Check

• Service: A gear check service will be available for runners to check items they wish to have transferred to the finish line area such as warm clothing.
• Note: Please no high value items!

Awards

• Overall Awards: Top 3 Overall Male / Female with custom trophies and Mountain Running Company gift certificates.
• Master Awards: Top 2 Male / Female Master (40 & Over) with custom trophies and gift certificates.
• Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male / Female Age Groups with custom medals for various age categories.

The Kids Fun Run

• Age Group: For kids age 12 and younger.
• Course: A 1/2 mile course that begins and ends at the Sunset River Run Finish Line.
• Cost: $5 in advance and $10 on race day.
• Participation: Every participant receives a medal as they cross the finish line and a custom bib.

Running Series Information

• Series Name: The Fourth Annual Sunset River Run is the first race in The Foothills Run Series presented by UNC Ortho.
• Other Races: Include The Inaugural Crack Of Dawn Dash, Southern Sundown 4 Miler, Happy Valley Humdinger, and Dirty Santa Trail Run.
• Awards: The Top 2 Male / Top 2 Female / Top 2 Masters of the series will receive special custom awards based on their best 4 finishes.

More Information

• Registration URL: Sunset River Run Registration