By Mario Boucher
Did you make a goal to exercise more in 2025? Many people who want to motivate themselves to exercise sign up to participate in 5K runs. Taking an average of 30-40 minutes to complete, a 5K is not as intense as a marathon or half-marathon, but it is long enough to be a challenge for new runners and to keep experienced runners on their game. Signing up for a timed race gives people a goal, encouraging them to improve their personal best— to keep going and enhance their health.
Nick Sullivan of Raleigh has been running 5Ks for over 30 years, and they are a big part of how he stays fit. “I used to run in high school and college, so I still enjoy the competition, but I also like using my race times to check my fitness. Even though I’m slower now, I have fun comparing myself to others in my age group as well as younger age groups,” he says.
Five-K runs often benefit the community, raising proceeds for local charities, and many incorporate creative themes. Here are some 5K runs worth training for in 2025, listed in chronological order.
The North Carolina Roadrunners Club’s Run for the Roses
Sunday, February 16. Arrive by 12:30 p.m. The race begins at 2 p.m.
Walnut Creek Athletic Complex, 1201 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh.
Registration is $40 through Friday, February 14 or $45 on race day, with a special rate of $20 for all entrants under 18 years old. NCRC members get a $10 discount, and Team Red, White & Blue members receive $5 off. The fee includes a long-sleeved shirt (including youth sizes) for those who enter by midnight, February 2. Participants can donate their registration fee to the two charities and select “no shirt” on the registration form.
This race is one of North Carolina’s most well-established races. It’s been an annual event for 44 years, and every female finisher receives a red rose at the end of the run. The 5K begins at 2 p.m. followed by a kids’ fun run at 3:00 and awards at 3:15. Money raised will benefit Four Paws NC, which trains service dogs for veterans, and Team Red, White, and Blue NC, which enriches the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their communities through physical and social activity.
Sigma Pi Rho Chapter’s Break in the Silence 5K
Saturday, March 22, at 9 a.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park, 940 E. Chatham Street, Cary.
Registration is $30 and includes a shirt, race bib, and wristband.
The Break the Silence 5K Fun Run is sponsored by the Sigma Pi fraternity’s local Rho chapter. It began in 2011 in memory of Marc Haege, who was a Sigma Pi brother. The race is dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. Since its inception, approximately $25,000 annually has been raised with increasing participation and donations each year, to donate $100,000 to support mental health efforts.
The Foundation of Hope receives 75% of the run proceeds towards mental health support in the Triangle community, and 25% goes to the Sigma Pi national organization’s Bonds of Brotherhood initiative, which promotes mental health awareness within the fraternity.
Raleigh Run for Rare 5K
Saturday, March 29. Race-day registration opens at 7:30 a.m. The race begins at 9 a.m.
Lake Crabtree County Park, Morrisville.
Early Registration pricing is $35 for individuals chipped and timed for the 5K, $25 for a 1-mile walk, and $125 for a family of four team. A picnic for attendees and volunteers will be held after the race.
This event raises awareness for MPS, an abbreviation for a collection of rare diseases called mucopolysaccharidoses. Proceeds go to the National MPS Society. Participants are encouraged to capture their experiences and share them on social media using the hashtag #MPSAwareness.
Outrace the Stigma 5K
Saturday, April 5 & Saturday, April 12. Check in at 10 a.m. The race starts at 11 a.m.
Lake Raleigh Green Space, North Carolina State University Centennial Campus, Raleigh.
The cost is $11.60, with registration opening on January 26 at 10 a.m. Registration ends April 11 at 11:59 p.m.
Outrace The Stigma is dedicated to raising mental health awareness in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Since its inception in 2017, the event highlights the mental health resources available at North Carolina State University and throughout the greater Triangle area.
Pirate 5K & 10K
Saturday, April 12, at 9 a.m.
Green Hills County Park, 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh.
Registration is $32.80 for the 5K run and $48.70 for the 10K run.
This exciting event invites runners of all levels to tackle either the 5K or the 10K course, which follow a scenic out-and-back route. The 5K course completes the route twice, while the 10K requires four laps, all set against the backdrop of picturesque Green Hills County Park. While pirate costumes are not mandatory, there will be a prize for the most creative costumes! All finishers will receive a themed medal. Green Hills County Park hosts a different themed 5K run almost monthly as part of the U.S. Road Running Race Club.
Bloom & Zoom
Saturday, May 10 at 8 a.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park, 940 E. Chatham Street, Cary.
There are many ways to participate in this event. The 8K is $45; the 5K is $35; the Fun Mile is $25 and Kids in Strollers is $5. You can also participate virtually for $35 (except Kids in Strollers). Participants can also choose from 3-race, 4-race, or 5+ race bundles. Prices increase on April 12.
The Bloom & Zoom charity distance festival is hosted by Fit & Able Productions, Inc., with proceeds supporting numerous local charities, helping raise awareness and funds for nonprofit organizations like the Cary Rotary Club, HD Reach, and more. Participants can run to break course records and win prizes, including a chance to enter a drawing for a free year of Fit & Able-owned races.
Wild Bill 5K
Saturday, August 2 at 7 a.m.
Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club, 2500 Howard Road, Raleigh.
The cost is $27.50 for the kids race (1/2 mile, 10 and under), $38.10 for the 5K run, or $48.70 for the virtual 5K run, all including a T-shirt. Registration is open now for 500 spots for the regular 5K run, with the price increasing on June 30. Registration ends for the 5K virtual run and the kids race on August 2. The course has been certified by USATF.
The 2024 Wild Bill 5K will benefit local charities. In 2024, supported the Ronald McDonald House and The Helene Foundation charities. The fifth annual Wild Bill 5K celebrates the legacy of William “Wild Bill” Sonner, a revered coach and mentor in the Raleigh community. The 5K run offers a scenic route ideal for seasoned runners and newcomers alike.
Night Nation Run
Saturday, August 23 at 8 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway Cary.
The cost is $49.98 for standard registration, $60.99 for premium, and $71.98 for VIP, with the price increasing soon.
Participants receive a Night Nation T-shirt (Premium & VIP registration), race bib, glow necklace, free giveaways, pre-and post-race concerts, and admission into the Night Nation after-party. The world’s first running music festival combines the thrill of a race with the energy of a music festival. Participants will enjoy a vibrant course filled with live DJs, bubble zones, and spectacular light shows featuring neon and black lights.
The Night Nation Run is proud to support Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) as their official charity. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) is a groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.
Pups and Pastries Race
Saturday, September 13 at 8:30 & 9:30 a.m.
WakeMed Soccer Park, 940 E. Chatham Street, Cary
There are many ways to participate: the Doggie Dash 6.5 mile or the regular 6.5 miles with kids welcome is $40; the Doggie Dash 5K or the popular 5K with kids welcome is $30; the Fun Mile is $20 and Kids in Strollers is $5. You can also participate virtually for $35 for any of the races (except Kids in Strollers). You can choose from 3-race, 4-race, or 5+ race bundles.
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Pups & Pastries event hosted by Fit & Able Productions, Inc. Every $10 dog registration fee goes directly to support Second Chance Pet Adoptions, helping to give animals a second chance at finding loving homes. The event allows runners to enjoy racing with their four-legged friends and help combat animal homelessness.
Hiester Cares 5K Run-Walk to Prevent
Saturday, October 18 at 9 a.m.
Fuquay-Varina High School, 201 Bengal Blvd, Fuquay-Varina.
The cost is $33.05. Participants will receive a race t-shirt and a swag bag. There will be awards for the top three men and women overall and the top finishers in various age categories ranging from 15 and under to 70 and over.
The Hiester Cares 5K Run-Walk to Prevent is held on the scenic campus of Fuquay-Varina High School and features a USATF-certified 5K course that takes participants along broad sidewalks. Over the past three years, it has attracted more than 500 runners and raised an impressive $250,000 to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Photos courtesy of Sigma Pi Rho and Stock Adobe/Augustas Cetkauskas.
Check out more stories from around the Triangle at midtownmag.com.
