In 108 days · Sat, Oct 24, 2026
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Saturday, October 24th, 2026
1275 NC-268, Lenoir NC
5K
About this race
🍂 Join the Happy Valley Humdinger
Join us for a Fall morning run in beautiful Happy Valley, NC. This 5k course is a point to point that cuts through the scenic valley and meanders along the Yadkin River before finishing at Happy Valley Filling Station. Considered the "country cousin" to Southern Sundown 4 Miler, this race is more rural, flatter and faster than SS4M but shares the same fun vibe and celebration of the running community. Feel free to don your Halloween costume and get an early start celebrating this spooky, fun, beautiful season. You will want to be a part of this growing event!
⚠️ Important Course Information
- Course Surface: 90% hardtop and 10% natural surface.
- Traffic: Majority on a public, yet low traffic hard top secondary road.
- Field Traversal: The route does traverse a mowed grass field.
🍺 Post-Race Celebration
Every registered runner (21+) for the Happy Valley Humdinger receives a full pour of a Happy Valley Filling Station craft beer after the race!
🎭 Costume Contest Announcement
New this year: Costume contest for runners, walkers, bystanders, all ages! Best costume awards for Adults (Winner & Runner Up) and Kids (Winner & Runner Up).
⏰ Event Schedule
- Friday (10/23): Pre Race Packet Pick Up (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm): Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 NC-268, Lenoir, NC)
- Saturday (10/24): On Site Registration & Packet Pick Up (9:30 am - 10:45 am): Starting Line at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC)
- Start of The Fifth Annual Happy Valley Humdinger: (11:00 am) Note New Time!
- After Race Party: Begins at the outside stage (11:30 am)
Shuttles available to return runners and their guests back to their cars at the starting line parking area (11:30 am). Start of The Kids Fun Run Presented By UNC Ortho (12:00 pm). Awards for The Happy Valley Humdinger begin (12:15 pm).
🎉 Post-Race Activities
Hang around The Happy Filling Station enjoying good music, amazing wood fired pizza and cold beer for as long as you would like. The Fall colors in the valley will be at their peak! We will have shuttles available to get runners and their guests back to their vehicles at the starting line parking area.
🅿️ 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.
🚐 Shuttle Service
A prerace courtesy shuttle will run from the start line area to the Happy Valley Filling Station at 10:45 am and 11:05 am for those wishing to park there and get to the finish line before the first runners cross. Return shuttle service from the finish line at Happy Valley Filling Station to the start line area will begin at 11:30 am to return runners and their guests back to their vehicles. The shuttle will make the trip between the two points approximately every 20 minutes until 2:30 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. Please no high value items!
🏆 Awards Overview
The Fifth Annual Happy Valley Humdinger Individual Awards:
- Overall Awards: Top 3 Overall Male/Female (Winner - Custom Trophy + $45 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate: 2nd - Custom Trophy + $35 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate: 3rd - Custom Trophy + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate).
- Masters Awards: Top 2 Male/Female Master (40 & Over) (Winner - Custom Trophy + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate: 2nd - Custom Trophy + $20 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate).
- Age Group Awards: Top 3 Male/Female Age Groups (Winner - Custom Gold Finished Medal: 2nd - Custom Silver Finished Medal: 3rd - Custom Bronze Finished Medal) with categories from 14 and under to 75+.
The Kids Fun Run Presented by Quest 4 Life is for kids age 12 and younger. The race is a 1/2 mile course that begins and ends at the Sunset River Run Finish Line (At the Happy Valley Filling Station). Cost for the race is $5 in advance and $10 on raceday. Every participant receives a medal as they cross the finish line and a custom bib. This non-timed event will begin after the 5k at 12:00pm.
For more information and to register, visit: Happy Valley Humdinger.
Course map
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