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
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for the 16th Annual Leader of the Pack 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2, 2026! This exciting event takes place at McNair Field in Forest City, Rutherford, NC, and promises a brand new route for participants to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking to have fun with friends and family, this 5K offers something for everyone. Registration is open now until April 16, 2026, with adult fees starting at just $25 and student rates at $10. If you can’t make it to the race day festivities, consider signing up for the DIY (Virtual) 5K, allowing you to run or walk at your convenience.
Race day kicks off early with check-in from 6:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to snag your race shirt by registering by April 18, 2026! With awards for top overall and age group finishers, along with participation trophies for schools, the Leader of the Pack 5K is not just a race; it’s a fantastic community event that brings everyone together. Join us to celebrate
Race day kicks off early with check-in from 6:30 a.m. to 8:20 a.m., and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to snag your race shirt by registering by April 18, 2026! With awards for top overall and age group finishers, along with participation trophies for schools, the Leader of the Pack 5K is not just a race; it’s a fantastic community event that brings everyone together. Join us to celebrate
Organiser's Description
New route for 2026!!!!
https://www.strava.com/routes/3474337912105886828
Join us for the 15TH ANNUAL LEADER OF THE PACK 5K RUN/WALK - SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026 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 16, 2026: Adults: $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
APRIL 17, 2026 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.
https://www.strava.com/routes/3474337912105886828
Join us for the 15TH ANNUAL LEADER OF THE PACK 5K RUN/WALK - SATURDAY MAY 2, 2026 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 16, 2026: Adults: $25, Students [Age 18 & under]: $10
APRIL 17, 2026 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 16, 2026. After this date, shirts will be available while supplies last on race day. Registration info: Now - April 16, 2026: $25 April 17, 2026 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
