Around the World Run

🌍 WHAT

Around the World Run.

The Around the World Run is a part of the 48th International Folk Festival - the longest running multicultural festival in the region. It brings communities together in Fayetteville, NC each year to celebrate the richness of our diverse heritage as ONE COMMUNITY. The festival will take place September 25 - 27, 2026 and will feature fantastic food, and breathtaking performances.

🏃‍♂️ DISTANCES OFFERED

• In Person Event: 5K Run/Walk - this event is timed
• Virtual Events: 5K
• Virtual Events: 10K

📅 WHEN

• In Person Race: Saturday, September 27, 2025
• Virtual: Run anytime, anywhere and submit your results between September 6th and September 18th, 2025.

📍 START / FINISH LINE LOCATION

Start Line & Parking:
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 N. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301

🏅 VIRTUAL EVENT SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS

• You can run anywhere!
• Submit your finish times: to the RESULTS section of this website anytime September 9 - 23, 2026.
• Shirt pickup: If you register by September 16th, you can choose to pick up your shirt at packet pickup, or pay a small fee to have it mailed.

✍️ HOW TO REGISTER

• Register Before the Race: Click on the SIGN UP button in the upper right corner
• Register At Pre-Race Packet Pickup or On Race Day: To register at packet pickup or at the race, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.

💖 HOW TO DONATE

If you would like to donate to the Friends of Civil Affairs, you can donate during your race registration, or click on Donate above.

🗓 RACE SCHEDULE & PACKET PICKUP

Click HERE for full schedule of events.

🌟 HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The Friends of Civil Affairs (FOCA) Around the World Run is a running event dedicated to the global mission of Civil Affairs Soldiers and their families. The Around the World Run raises money for the FOCA Scholarship Fund that awards merit and needs-based scholarships to spouses and children. You can participate in person or virtually.