15th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Forest City, North Carolina
- Price $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exciting day of fitness and community spirit at the 15th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2026! Taking place at the scenic McNair Field in Forest City, Rutherford, this event promises to be a fantastic experience for runners, walkers, and supporters of all ages. Participants can take on the 5K course in person or opt for a DIY (virtual) 5K to complete at their own pace and location.
Registration is open now through April 18, 2026, with rates starting at just $25 for adults and $10 for students aged 18 and under. Don't miss out on the chance to earn fantastic awards, including top overall male and female finishers, as well as age group prizes. Plus, schools can vie for participation trophies, making it a great opportunity for local institutions to rally their communities. Join us for a memorable day filled with fun, fitness, and friendly competition!
Registration is open now through April 18, 2026, with rates starting at just $25 for adults and $10 for students aged 18 and under. Don't miss out on the chance to earn fantastic awards, including top overall male and female finishers, as well as age group prizes. Plus, schools can vie for participation trophies, making it a great opportunity for local institutions to rally their communities. Join us for a memorable day filled with fun, fitness, and friendly competition!
Organiser's Description
Join us for the 15TH ANNUAL LEADER OF THE PACK 5K RUN/WALK - SATURDAY MAY 3, 2025 at the McNair Field [http://www.forestcitybaseball.com/mcnair-field] in Forest City, NC [http://www.townofforestcity.com/].
Not able to join the fun on race day? Sign up for the DIY (VIRTUAL) 5K. You may choose to run/walk any course at your convenience.
REGISTRATION RATE & DATES
NOW UNTIL APRIL 18, 2025: Adults: $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
APRIL 19, 2025 UNTIL RACE DAY (May 3, 2025): Adults $30, Students [Age 18 & under]: $15
DIY 5K: Adults $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
Race shirt guaranteed if registered by April 18, 2025. After this date, shirts will be available while supplies last on race day.
PACKET PICK UP:
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025: 3:00-6:00 p.m., McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City
RACE DAY: 6:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.,McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City
RACE START: 8:30 A.M.
AWARD CEREMONY: Approximately 9:45 a.m.
5K AWARDS:
Top Overall Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)
Top Masters [40+] Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd))
Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd,& 3rd) Male/Female in the following age groups:
0-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded to the top three schools based on participation. School participation is determined by all participants present and checked in on the day of the race. Family members, staff, community members, etc. (not only students) count toward school participation if registered and checked in with their school affiliation. No school level awards will be determined by race times. Be sure to join your School's roster during the registration process.
Not able to join the fun on race day? Sign up for the DIY (VIRTUAL) 5K. You may choose to run/walk any course at your convenience.
REGISTRATION RATE & DATES
NOW UNTIL APRIL 18, 2025: Adults: $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
APRIL 19, 2025 UNTIL RACE DAY (May 3, 2025): Adults $30, Students [Age 18 & under]: $15
DIY 5K: Adults $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
Race shirt guaranteed if registered by April 18, 2025. After this date, shirts will be available while supplies last on race day.
PACKET PICK UP:
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025: 3:00-6:00 p.m., McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City
RACE DAY: 6:30 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.,McNair Field, 214 McNair Dr. Forest City
RACE START: 8:30 A.M.
AWARD CEREMONY: Approximately 9:45 a.m.
5K AWARDS:
Top Overall Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd)
Top Masters [40+] Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd))
Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd,& 3rd) Male/Female in the following age groups:
0-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
SCHOOL PARTICIPATION AWARDS
Trophies will be awarded to the top three schools based on participation. School participation is determined by all participants present and checked in on the day of the race. Family members, staff, community members, etc. (not only students) count toward school participation if registered and checked in with their school affiliation. No school level awards will be determined by race times. Be sure to join your School's roster during the registration process.
Races
-
Leader of the Pack 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 2nd May 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
OPENS 28 JAN 26Race shirt guaranteed if registered by April 18, 2025. After this date, shirts will be available while supplies last on race day. Registration info: Now - April 18, 2025: $25 April 19, 2025 until Race Day (May 3, 2025): $30 Student Rate [Age 18 & under]: $10/$15 Awards: Top Overall Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) Top Master Male/Female (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) Age Group Awards (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) Male/Female in the following age groups: 0-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ -
Diy 5k
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
$27.50
OPENS 28 JAN 26This Do It Yourself Event will allow participants to run or walk at any time and any location that is convenient for you. Run around the block, on trails, go down to the track (5K is 12.5 laps), or even run on a treadmill. You don't even have to live in NC - so please invite friends and family in other states or countries to join the fun.
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McNair Field, 214 McNair Drive, Forest City, 28043, NC, United States
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15th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K
