Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K
- Date Sat 18th July 2026
- Time 6:00PM EDT
- Location Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Price $11.60 - $38.10
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fun, fitness, and community at the Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Winston-Salem, Forsyth! Celebrating over 30 years of racing excellence, this beloved event has earned accolades as one of North Carolina's best 5Ks, recognized by Endurance Magazine and featured in Running Journal as the #1 Under the Radar race in the South.
The Beat the Heat 5K is not just a race; it's a festive celebration that brings together runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. This inclusive event promises a supportive atmosphere and is part of the We Run Winston Race Series. With proceeds benefiting local non-profits that promote health and fitness, you can race with purpose! Enjoy a post-race gathering with delicious food and beverages, and cheer on elite runners in this spectator-friendly championship event. Join us for a night of exhilarating racing and community spirit – it’s a race you won’t want to miss!
The Beat the Heat 5K is not just a race; it's a festive celebration that brings together runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. This inclusive event promises a supportive atmosphere and is part of the We Run Winston Race Series. With proceeds benefiting local non-profits that promote health and fitness, you can race with purpose! Enjoy a post-race gathering with delicious food and beverages, and cheer on elite runners in this spectator-friendly championship event. Join us for a night of exhilarating racing and community spirit – it’s a race you won’t want to miss!
Organiser's Description
The Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K has been one of the most popular races in North Carolina for more than 30 years!. It has been selected multiple times by Endurance Magazine as the best 5K in Triad NC and was featured in Running Journal magazine as the #1 Under the Radar race in the South. BEAT THE HEAT IS A CHARITY EVENT WITH PROCEEDS GOING TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS THAT SUPPORT HEALTH AND FITNESS IN THE COMMUNITY.
KEY FEATURES INCLUDE:
*
EVENING RACE WITH FESTIVE, SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE
*
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 5K RACE FOR ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA
*
FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
*
INCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR ALL RUNNER TYPES AND LEVELS
*
A POPULAR RACE FOR FIRST TIME 5K RUNNERS
*
SPECTATOR FRIENDLY OPEN ELITE 5K RACE
*
POST RACE FOOD & BEVERAGE IN A SOCIAL SETTING
*
A SUSTAINABLE EVENT
*
PART OF THE WE RUN WINSTON RACE SERIES BY FLEET FEET WINSTON-SALEM/CLEMMONS
*
PART OF THE RACE SERIES POWERED BY JUNCTION 311
HEATHY FUN FOR EVERYONE!
KEY FEATURES INCLUDE:
*
EVENING RACE WITH FESTIVE, SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE
*
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 5K RACE FOR ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA
*
FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR LOCAL CHARITIES
*
INCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR ALL RUNNER TYPES AND LEVELS
*
A POPULAR RACE FOR FIRST TIME 5K RUNNERS
*
SPECTATOR FRIENDLY OPEN ELITE 5K RACE
*
POST RACE FOOD & BEVERAGE IN A SOCIAL SETTING
*
A SUSTAINABLE EVENT
*
PART OF THE WE RUN WINSTON RACE SERIES BY FLEET FEET WINSTON-SALEM/CLEMMONS
*
PART OF THE RACE SERIES POWERED BY JUNCTION 311
HEATHY FUN FOR EVERYONE!
Races
-
Family Fun Run
Incl. $1.60 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th July 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$11.60
OPENS 01 APRA great event for those who desire a shorter distance or non-competitive fun run or walk. The distance is a little under 1 mile and finishing times are not recorded. -
Beat the Heat 5K Race
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th July 2026 (6:30PM EDT)
$38.10
OPENS 01 APRThis is the main event! It also a very inclusive event with all types of runners from sub-20 minute 5K racers to 55+ minutes. Everyone is treated to a great race experience. Several hundred runners will participate. -
Elite 5K Race
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 18th July 2026 (7:30PM EDT)
$38.10
OPENS 01 APRThis is a separate race for elite runners that meet an entry standard of 17:00 for men and 19:20 for women.
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Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 410 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, 27105, NC, United States
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Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K
