50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Valdese, North Carolina
- Price Free - $22.75
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 10km, 1 Mile
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Event summary
Join us for the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, in the charming town of Valdese, Burke! This iconic race is part of the Festival of the Glorious Return and has become a beloved tradition in the August race calendar. Participants can choose from a variety of distances including a 5K, 10K, and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, making it a perfect event for runners of all ages and skill levels.
In addition to the exciting races, attendees can enjoy a refreshing swim at the Valdese Community Pool after the race, as well as indulge in local crafts, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment throughout the day. Registration is available on race day from 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM, with early bird fees starting at $20 until March 1st, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot and preferred tee shirt size. Don’t miss out on this celebratory event that promises fun, fitness, and community spirit!
In addition to the exciting races, attendees can enjoy a refreshing swim at the Valdese Community Pool after the race, as well as indulge in local crafts, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment throughout the day. Registration is available on race day from 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM, with early bird fees starting at $20 until March 1st, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot and preferred tee shirt size. Don’t miss out on this celebratory event that promises fun, fitness, and community spirit!
Organiser's Description
Come out to Valdese and join us for the 50th running of the GREAT WALDENSIAN FOOTRACE to celebrate the Festival of the Glorious Return. A long-running staple of the August race calendar, the Great Waldensian Footrace features a 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, surrounded by the Historic Valdese Festival [https://www.visitvaldese.com/events/waldensian-festival/]. All participants & guests are invited to take a cool, post-race swim in the Valdese Community Pool. Enjoy local crafts, food, and great entertainment throughout the day.
Day of race registration is available from 7:00am to 7:45am. Race entry fees are $20 through March 1st; $25 from March 2nd through July 31st; and $30 through August 6th. Race day entries are $35. Students may enter the 5K or 10K for $15 through August 6th. Entries received after July 15th cannot be guaranteed a tee shirt. Register early, claim your preferred tee shirt size, and save!
Day of race registration is available from 7:00am to 7:45am. Race entry fees are $20 through March 1st; $25 from March 2nd through July 31st; and $30 through August 6th. Race day entries are $35. Students may enter the 5K or 10K for $15 through August 6th. Entries received after July 15th cannot be guaranteed a tee shirt. Register early, claim your preferred tee shirt size, and save!
Races
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5,000 Meter Run
Incl. $2.75 Fee & Great Waldensian Footrace T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.75
Out and back course, starting and finishing at the Valdese Community Center, off Carolina Avenue. race|result timing & scoring. Expect high temperatures and high humidity. The course is not USATF certified. -
10,000 Meter Run
Incl. $2.75 Fee & Great Waldensian Footrace T-Shirt
Sat 8th August 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.75
Out and back course, starting and finishing at the Valdese Community Center, off Carolina Avenue. race|result timing & scoring. Expect high temperatures and high humidity. The course is not USATF certified. -
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Sat 8th August 2026 (9:30AM EDT)
Free
The One Mile Fun Run is free. Only those participants aged 13 and younger are eligible for an award. Start time is approximate; the actual start time is immediately following the conclusion of the 5K & 10K races. Expect high temperatures and high humidity.
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312 Massel Avenue, Valdese, 28690, NC, United States
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50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
