Hilltop U.S.A. 5K
About this race
🌟 Welcome to the Hilltop U.S.A. 5K! 🌟
📅 Save the Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Join us for the longest-running race on the Hilltop and support an incredible cause.💖 Giving Back with Every Step Supporting Heroes: A portion of every registration benefits the American Legion Don Gentile Post 532 Honor Guard as well as every donation you make. Together, we've raised $24,227.55 and counting! Fueling Community Spirit: Your entry fees empower the Columbus Westside Running Club (CWRC), a vibrant, free running community. Learn more about their inspiring work at www.cwrunclub.com.
🏅 Race Perks For a $35 registration fee (through 3/31), you get: 👕 A super comfy race shirt 🏅 A collector's medal celebrating 250 years of America's Independence 🍨 A post-race scoop of Sweet Tooth Ice Cream that you will have absolutely earned
👟 Who Can Join? Whether you're running, walking, rucking, or cheering, your presence amplifies our cause. Open to all: seasoned athletes and first-timers alike.
For the safety and enjoyment for our participants, we kindly ask that you leave your dog at home.
🗾 The CourseThe race course is a PR-friendly lollipop course that follows the paved Camp Chase Trail west and loops at Wilson Road Park before returning back along the trail. This course is flat and fast and is primed for the person chasing their 5K PR or for the beginner who wants to crush their first race!
🏆 AwardsShine in your age group or conquer the ruck run for top honors and the chance to win awards.
💪 Looking for an Extra Challenge? Try the Ruck Run!
Push your limits in the Heavy "Ruck Run" Division at this year's Hilltop U.S.A. 5K—a true test of strength and endurance. Male participants must carry a 35lb+ rucksack, while female participants will carry 20lb+ rucksacks, following updated GoRuck guidelines for a more inclusive competition.
🏆 Special awards await the top male and female finishers! Before race day, be sure to review the essential rules and equipment guidelines to ensure you're fully prepared for this unique challenge.
🔗 Learn more and review the rules here: https://runsignup.com/Race/HilltopUSA5K/Page/Ruck-Run-Division-Rules 🎉 Let’s Rally Together! We're eager to greet you at the Hilltop U.S.A. 5K on Saturday, July 4th. Your participation enriches our community and honors our heroes.
✍️ Register Now: Be a part of something bigger, and make a difference with us!
THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Pick your distance
Running
In-Person Standard 5K Run/Walk
This is our most popular option. Participants will complete the 5k/3.1-mile course by running or walking and are eligible for the age group awards. The 5K race is a popular distance for both serious runners and casual participants, and it is a great way to get active, have fun and support our local veterans and their families.
In-Person 5K, Heavy 'Ruck Run' (Male: 35lb+ / Female: 20lb+ Rucksack/Backpack)
What is a Ruck Race? A Ruck Race is a 5K challenge where participants complete the course while carrying a weighted backpack (rucksack). The added weight increases the physical demands, making it a true test of strength and endurance. 🏋️ Weight Requirements: ♂ Male participants must carry a rucksack weighing at least 35 lbs. ♀ Female participants must carry a rucksack weighing at least 20 lbs. (Updated to align with Go Ruck guidelines.) 💡 Important: Participants must bring their own rucksacks, which will be weighed and checked before the race. The rucksack must be carried for the entire course—no exceptions. Take on the challenge, push your limits, and support a great cause!
Virtual 5K, Standard Run/Walk/Ruck
What is a Virtual Race? A virtual race is a way for participants to take part in an event while being able to choose their location. It allows everyone the opportunity to stay motivated and maintain their training momentum, while also supporting a great cause. For our Hilltop U.S.A. 5K virtual race, you will have the flexibility to complete the race over the entire 4th of July weekend, and you will even have the option to submit your results if you choose. You can complete the race on locations like a treadmill, road, nature trail, park, or sidewalks. We want to express our sincere gratitude for your support of our race and the veterans in our community.
Typical race-day weather
Based on 10 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Columbus, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:08 AM and sets at 9:04 PM local time (EDT) in Columbus on July 4, 2026 — 14h 55m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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2026 results — Hilltop U.S.A. 5K
385 finishers across 3 distances · leading places in the In-Person Standard 5K Run/Walk
| Place | Name | Time | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin Blackwood | 16:52 | 5:26 /mi |
| 2 | Noah Buschur | 17:40 | 5:41 /mi |
| 3 | Stretch Murphy | 17:43 | 5:42 /mi |
| 4 | Zach McKendrick | 18:30 | 5:57 /mi |
| 5 | Josiah Pannell | 18:38 | 6:00 /mi |
Every finisher is on the results page, filterable by distance, gender and age group.
All results by year
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Columbus
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Columbus 5K Races 66 races
- 10K Run Events in Columbus 19 races
- Columbus Half Marathons 12 races
- Marathons in Columbus 6 races
- Columbus Running Calendar 2026 95 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 98 Columbus events
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