16th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Forest City, North Carolina
- Price $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the 16th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in the vibrant town of Forest City, Rutherford! Taking place at the scenic McNair Field, this exciting event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, you can enjoy the thrill of competition while supporting your community.
The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m., with registrations open for both in-person and virtual participants. Adults can register for just $25, while students aged 18 and under can join for only $10. Don’t miss the chance to earn awards in various categories, including top overall male and female, masters, and age group awards. Plus, schools can vie for participation trophies, making this event a fantastic way to engage the community. Mark your calendars and be part of this energetic celebration of health and camaraderie!
The race kicks off at 8:30 a.m., with registrations open for both in-person and virtual participants. Adults can register for just $25, while students aged 18 and under can join for only $10. Don’t miss the chance to earn awards in various categories, including top overall male and female, masters, and age group awards. Plus, schools can vie for participation trophies, making this event a fantastic way to engage the community. Mark your calendars and be part of this energetic celebration of health and camaraderie!
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 (8:00AM EDT)
$27.50
Race 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
This 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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16th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K
