Hickory 5K Series
About this race
Included Events:
Easter Egg Scramble 5K - Hickory Riverwalk Trail (Hickory City Park, 1581 12th St. Dr. NW)
Saturday March 28, 9 am start, 2026
Aviation 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday May 23, 9 am start, 2026
Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run - Hickory City Park, 1581 12th St. Dr. NW, Hickory, NC
Friday August 14, 9 pm start, 2026
Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K (Dog Festival) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday September 26, 11 am start, 2026
Hickory Trick or Trot 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC
Saturday October 31, 9 am start, 2026
See: SERIES DETAILS BELOW
If you are racing in the SERIES keep your Bib number for every race. That is your assigned number for the entire SERIES. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
T-SHIRTS: A custom designed T-shirt is included with your advanced registration. Check our deadlines for each race. Those who register during early registration will recieve the shirt size designated by you during your registration. All others may receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last.
AGE GROUPS:
Are as follows for both Males & Females:
0-9
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
Top 3 overall Male and Female
(Top 3 M/F will not medal in age groups)
AWARDS, SCORING & RULES:
The Hickory 5K Series uses a point system based on results from each race. All runners will score according to their placing during every race. The top 3 male and female runners in their respective age categories and overall top 3 males & females receive awards, merchandise or gift certificates! Hickory 5K Series awards are not duplicated. An individual can win in the Overall Category or age group, but not both.
SCORING PER RACE: Place & Points
1 = 50 11 = 2
2 = 45 12 = 2
3 = 40 13 = 2
4 = 35 14 = 2
5 = 30 15 = 2
6 = 25 16 = 1
7 = 20 17 = 1
8 = 15 18 = 1
9 = 10 19 = 1
10 = 5 20 = 1
In the event of a tie at the end of the season:
The winner will be determined by who has placed higher the most often
Greater number of events completed
The person who placed higher in the final race of the Series (Trick or Trot 5K)
* Easter Egg Scramble and Trot or Trot races are considered double points races for the Series.
Join fellow runners on April 12, 2025 for the Hickory 5K Series. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Hickory.
Pick your distance
Running
Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series
Welcome to the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series: You can run/walk all or any one of the five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Races: Easter Egg Scramble 5K - Henry Fork Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Ln., Hickory, NC Saturday April 12, 2025 Aviation 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC Saturday May 24, 2025 Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run - Hickory City Park, 1581 12 th St. Dr. NWW, Hickory, NC Friday August 15, 2025 Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K (Dog Festival) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC Saturday September 27, 2025 Hickory Trick or Trot 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC Saturday October 25, 2025 Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed T-shirt is included with your registration up to the order deadline for each race. Those who register after the deadlines will recieve shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last.
Easter Egg Scramble 5K
Join us for this fun family friendly, Easter themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Henry Fork River Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Lane, Hickory, NC 28602. This race will be the first in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Easter Egg Scramble T-shirt is included with your registration up to Monday, March 30 (our deadline for shirt orders). All who register by Sunday, March 30, 2025 (11:59 pm) are guaranteed a race t-shirt in the size ordered upon registration. Those who register after 11:59 pm on March 30, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, April 11th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00 am-8:45 am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory Grand Prix 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Aviation 5K
Due to another event at this location START TIME is 8:00 AM. Join us for this fun family friendly, Hickory pedestrian trail (Avaition Walk) themed 5K! The race will start and finish at L.P. Frans Stadium, 2500 Clement Boulevard NW, Hickory, NC. This race will be the second in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Aviation 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, May 11 (our deadline for shirt orders). Those who register after 11:59 pm on May 9th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, May 23th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00am-7:45am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K
Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27th, race start time 11:00 am, at Winkler Park located at 2500 Clement BLVD, Hickory, NC 28601. Whether you are joining us for fun or competing to be Top Dawg on the podium, you and your dog will bond as you negotiate our trails together! This course will consist of paved portions and off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. This race will be the fourth in a Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Series. Here is how this themed race is set up: - If you are signed up for the Series or will sign up for enough races to qualify for the Series (4 minimum) o This is a double points race if you run and finish with a dog. o If you do not run with a dog, you will receive normal point values for your finishing placement. - For all participants including Series runners o Overall awards will be broken into two categories, Runners with a dog and those who run without a dog. o To qualify for Age Category awards, you must run with a dog o Remember times are scored by your chip time not the gun time. Example: If you started at the front of the pack and you came across the finish line first and a person who started in the rear of the group could have run faster and had a better time they would be awarded first place. This is based on when you cross the start line (to activate your chip) and when you cross the finish line to record your overall time. o For groups running/walking with a dog, the person holding the leash will be considered the “Dog Runner”. - Packet Pick-up is at Highland Rec Center (1451 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory) o Thursday, 8:30 am to 8:30 pm & Friday 8:00 am to 5:30 pm the week of the race. o Race day (Saturday) packet pick-up is at L.P. Frans Stadium (2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory). One last note: Please place your bib on your person NOT the dog. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. Race Rules: Running with a dog (if you are running without a dog please let us know and we will place you with just runners): Must have proof of Rabies vaccination for competing dog. Must maintain control of the dog for the duration of the race. All dogs must be on a fixed length leash. It is recommended for dogs to have a full harness. You must clean up after your dog We have specific bandanas if you have a reactive dog The start of the 5k will be staggered. Finish times will be based off your time when you pass the Starting Line until you pass the Finish Line. Keep in mind the first person to pass the Finish Line may not be the fastest participant. Packet pick-up: Friday, September 26th from 9am-5:30 pm at Highland Recreation Center-1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601. DOG FESTIVAL: The day is not just about running, walking or hiking on the trail. Join us for the Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog FESTIVAL from 10 am - 1 pm. Spectators, friends and family encouraged. DOG FESTIVAL area is FREE to the public Yoga with your dog - Post race Food trucks Dog vendors with local craftsmen and dog products throughout. Dog Obedience demo’s, tips and class offering T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 pm, Sunday, September 14. Those who register after 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 14th will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page Packet pick-up: Highland Recreation Center, Friday, September 26th from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00 am-7:30 am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Trick or Trot 5K
Join us for this fun family friendly, Halloween themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Highland Recreation Center, 1451 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC. 2025 introduces a NEW course. This course will consist of off roads, sidewalks and trails that can include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. Packet pick-up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, October 24th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00am-8:30 am on the day of the race. T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Trick or Trot 5K shirt is included with your registration up to Sunday, October 12th. Those who register after 11:59 pm on October 10th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. This is race is the final race in the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year and various Parks in Hickory. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series, with the highest point total across all races determining the overall series winner. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners. Additiionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Trail running
Lightning Bug Boogie 5K
Lets get ready to Boogie! The 4th annual Lightning Bug Boogie Night Trail Run 5K will take place on at Hickory City Park (Lake Hickory Trails) 1581 12th St. Dr. NW, Hickory, NC. This course will consist of off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. All participants will be required to have a light in the form of a headlamp, chest light or flashlight. Cell phone lights are NOT effective. This race will be the third in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Lightning Bug Boogie 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, August 3. Those who register after 11:59 pm on August 3rd, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick-up: Thursday, August 14th from 8am-6pm at Highland Recreation Center Friday, August 15th from 7-8:30pm at Hickory City Park Greenway Trailhead If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Weather Overview
These values reflect historical conditions on the race dates in Hickory in 2025, from Open-Meteo archive data.
About Hickory
Hickory 5K Series takes place in Hickory, North Carolina, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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