Race to the River 5K & Fun Run

Join us for the 5th Annual Race to the River 5K & Fun Run.  All proceeds from the race will benefit Spencer Parks & Recreation Activities Initiative.  

Race to the River 5K Course (see map below):   Fast point to point course (see map below)!!   The fifth annual Race to the River 5K will begin near Spencer Town Park at the intersection of 3rd Street and Salisbury Avenue in Spencer and follow US-29 North to the finish line at Spencer's Yadkin River Park Trailhead (Old NC Finishing Company) and the Wil-Cox Bridge.  Trolley shuttles (sponsored by Novant Health) will provide transportation back to Spencer Town Park between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. for the Race Awards and the Race to the River Festival (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.).

Spencer Town Park Fun Run:   Following the 5K, a 1/2-mile youth fun run will be held at the new Spencer Town Park.  Runners 12 & under will run 4 laps around the park.

Shirts:   Each participant will receive a race t-shirt and sponsor bag with miscellaneous treats and gifts.

Awards -   F ollowing the races at Spencer Town Park:
5K - Top 3 Overall Male & Female, Top 3 Masters Male & Female, Top 3 in each age group Male & Female:  10 & Under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Over

Fun Run - Top 3 Overall ages 12 and under

Do the DOUBLE!  This day (10-17-2026) is a rare Rowan County opportunity - the chance for anyone who wants to race two fast 5Ks in 1 Day! - this race, the Race to the River 5K, in Spencer in the morning and the China Grove Rotary Fall Crawl 5K in the late afternoon! The top 5 Male and top 5 Female runners with the overall FASTEST combined times for both races will receive special recognition and an award following the Fall Crawl 5K!  

Race-Day Registration ($35-5k / $20-Fun Run) & Check-In / Packet Pick Up:   8 :00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. - at Spencer Town Park Pavilion (460 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC  28159)

Proceeds:   The Spencer Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Activities Initiative is dedicated to bringing fun, engaging, and inclusive activities for all ages to the parks throughout Spencer, NC.  Our goal is to create more opportunities for families, youth, adults, and seniors to play, connect, explore, and enjoy our community parks together through recreational activities, special events, and community gatherings.  Making Spencer's parks vibrant spaces where everyone belongs and there's always something fun to do!

Timing and scoring for the 5K will be provided by Salisbury Rowan Runners.