Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series
- Date Sat 12th April 2025 - Sat 25th October 2025
- Time 9:00AM EST
- Location Hickory, North Carolina
- Price $32.80 - $128.20
- Races 6 races
- Distances 5km
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Event summary
Get ready for an exciting running experience at the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series, taking place from April 12 to October 25, 2025, in the vibrant city of Hickory, Catawba! This thrilling series features five unique 5K races that cater to runners of all ages and skill levels. Kick off the series with the Easter Egg Scramble 5K at Henry Fork Park on April 12, followed by the Aviation 5K on May 24 at L.P. Frans Stadium. Experience a magical night run at the Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run on August 15, then join the fun at the Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K Dog Festival on September 27. The series culminates with the Hickory Trick or Trot 5K at Highland Recreation Center on October 25.
Participants will not only enjoy the thrill of competition but will also have the chance to earn points based on their performance across all five events. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in various age categories, making this an ideal event for both seasoned runners and those new to the sport. With a friendly atmosphere and a focus on community, the Hickory 5
Participants will not only enjoy the thrill of competition but will also have the chance to earn points based on their performance across all five events. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in various age categories, making this an ideal event for both seasoned runners and those new to the sport. With a friendly atmosphere and a focus on community, the Hickory 5
Organiser's Description
INCLUDED EVENTS:
EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE 5K - Henry Fork Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Ln., Hickory, NC
_Saturday April 12, 2025_
AVIATION 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
_Saturday May 24, 2025_
LIGHTNING BUG BOOGIE 5K NIGHT TRAIL RUN - Hickory City Park, 1581 12 th St. Dr. NWW, Hickory, NC
_Friday August 15, 2025_
RUFF, RUFF, RUN 5K (DOG FESTIVAL) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday _September 27, 2025_
HICKORY TRICK OR TROT 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC
_Saturday October 25, 2025_
AWARDS, CATEGORIES, SCORING & RULES
The Hickory 5K Grand Prix Running Series uses a point system based on results from each race. Runners who score in the top overall or top age group positions receive points at each of the five races. The top 3 male and female runners in their respective age categories and overall top 3 males & females receive awards, merchandise and gift certificates! Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series awards are not duplicated. An individual can win in the Overall Category or age group, but not both.
CATEGORIES
Age groups are as follows for both Males & Females:
0-9
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
Top 3 overall Male and Female
(Top 3 M/F will not medal in age groups)
SCORING PER RACE:
1 = 50 11 = 2
2 = 45 12 = 2
3 = 40 13 = 2
4 = 35 14 = 2
5 = 30 15 = 2
6 = 25 16 = 1
7 = 20 17 = 1
8 = 15 18 = 1
9 = 10 19 = 1
10 = 5 20 = 1
In the event of a tie at the end of the season:
The winner will be determined by who has placed higher the most often
Greater number of events completed
The person who placed higher in the final race of the Series (Trick or Trot 5K)
RULES:
Every participant must run with the official bib number assigned. Be sure to look at the label affixed to your number to check that your information is correct and that you are wearing the number assigned to you. Switching or selling a bib is prohibited without prior/explicit authorization of a race official. Having another person run with your assigned bib is forbidden. Your race number is required to always be visible during the race and attached to the FRONT of your shirt/shorts. This position is where the bib is most visible to photographers, race officials, video, chip timing equipment, and manual backup timing methods.
If you are not registered for the race, you are not allowed to participate in that event. Bandits are strictly prohibited. A bandit is anyone who participates in an event without registering and without a race number. This is not only a safety issue (as race officials are unable to identify bandits in the case of an emergency), but also a drain on course resources for paying participants. If caught, bandits will be asked to leave the course immediately. Banditing may also impact a participants eligibility to participate in future races.
Participants must complete the entire course under his/her own power. If it is deemed that a participant did not complete the entire course under his/her own power, the participant will not be eligible for awards and will be removed from the official results.
No participant in the race will be allowed to be paced or given unauthorized aid by a person not officially entered in the race, whether on foot or by any other means, including bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorized vehicles, etc. Unauthorized assistance is grounds for disqualification. However, someone may be paced by another official participant provided that both participants abide by all race rules.
Any participant responsible for jostling, running across, or obstructing another participant as to impede his or her progress shall be liable for disqualification from that event.
No participant shall use any equipment which is determined to be improper by a race official, including but not limited to equipment that might provide an unfair advantage or endanger other participants.
Any participant who refuses to obey the directions of any event official, city official, or course marshal; conducts himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner; or is offensive by action or language to officials, volunteers, participants, or spectators may be disqualified by the event and from future participation, at the discretion of race officials.
All runners have a collective responsibility to keep the event safe. Races generally discourage running with strollers or headphones. If you run with a stroller, you must start at the back of the start group and yield to all other participants. If you must run with headphones, please keep the volume low enough to hear vehicular traffic and instructions from law enforcement officers, volunteers, and race officials. Running with an animal is prohibited unless specifically and explicitly allowed by race officials.
Anyone wishing to participate in a race utilizing a wheelchair, hand cycle, other mobility assistance device or a service animal must contact race officials no less than 4 weeks before race day.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this race series or its scoring, please use the following email address:
[email protected]
EASTER EGG SCRAMBLE 5K - Henry Fork Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Ln., Hickory, NC
_Saturday April 12, 2025_
AVIATION 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
_Saturday May 24, 2025_
LIGHTNING BUG BOOGIE 5K NIGHT TRAIL RUN - Hickory City Park, 1581 12 th St. Dr. NWW, Hickory, NC
_Friday August 15, 2025_
RUFF, RUFF, RUN 5K (DOG FESTIVAL) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC
Saturday _September 27, 2025_
HICKORY TRICK OR TROT 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC
_Saturday October 25, 2025_
AWARDS, CATEGORIES, SCORING & RULES
The Hickory 5K Grand Prix Running Series uses a point system based on results from each race. Runners who score in the top overall or top age group positions receive points at each of the five races. The top 3 male and female runners in their respective age categories and overall top 3 males & females receive awards, merchandise and gift certificates! Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series awards are not duplicated. An individual can win in the Overall Category or age group, but not both.
CATEGORIES
Age groups are as follows for both Males & Females:
0-9
10-14
15-19
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+
Top 3 overall Male and Female
(Top 3 M/F will not medal in age groups)
SCORING PER RACE:
1 = 50 11 = 2
2 = 45 12 = 2
3 = 40 13 = 2
4 = 35 14 = 2
5 = 30 15 = 2
6 = 25 16 = 1
7 = 20 17 = 1
8 = 15 18 = 1
9 = 10 19 = 1
10 = 5 20 = 1
In the event of a tie at the end of the season:
The winner will be determined by who has placed higher the most often
Greater number of events completed
The person who placed higher in the final race of the Series (Trick or Trot 5K)
RULES:
Every participant must run with the official bib number assigned. Be sure to look at the label affixed to your number to check that your information is correct and that you are wearing the number assigned to you. Switching or selling a bib is prohibited without prior/explicit authorization of a race official. Having another person run with your assigned bib is forbidden. Your race number is required to always be visible during the race and attached to the FRONT of your shirt/shorts. This position is where the bib is most visible to photographers, race officials, video, chip timing equipment, and manual backup timing methods.
If you are not registered for the race, you are not allowed to participate in that event. Bandits are strictly prohibited. A bandit is anyone who participates in an event without registering and without a race number. This is not only a safety issue (as race officials are unable to identify bandits in the case of an emergency), but also a drain on course resources for paying participants. If caught, bandits will be asked to leave the course immediately. Banditing may also impact a participants eligibility to participate in future races.
Participants must complete the entire course under his/her own power. If it is deemed that a participant did not complete the entire course under his/her own power, the participant will not be eligible for awards and will be removed from the official results.
No participant in the race will be allowed to be paced or given unauthorized aid by a person not officially entered in the race, whether on foot or by any other means, including bicycles, mopeds, scooters, motorized vehicles, etc. Unauthorized assistance is grounds for disqualification. However, someone may be paced by another official participant provided that both participants abide by all race rules.
Any participant responsible for jostling, running across, or obstructing another participant as to impede his or her progress shall be liable for disqualification from that event.
No participant shall use any equipment which is determined to be improper by a race official, including but not limited to equipment that might provide an unfair advantage or endanger other participants.
Any participant who refuses to obey the directions of any event official, city official, or course marshal; conducts himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner; or is offensive by action or language to officials, volunteers, participants, or spectators may be disqualified by the event and from future participation, at the discretion of race officials.
All runners have a collective responsibility to keep the event safe. Races generally discourage running with strollers or headphones. If you run with a stroller, you must start at the back of the start group and yield to all other participants. If you must run with headphones, please keep the volume low enough to hear vehicular traffic and instructions from law enforcement officers, volunteers, and race officials. Running with an animal is prohibited unless specifically and explicitly allowed by race officials.
Anyone wishing to participate in a race utilizing a wheelchair, hand cycle, other mobility assistance device or a service animal must contact race officials no less than 4 weeks before race day.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this race series or its scoring, please use the following email address:
[email protected]
Races
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Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series
Incl. $8.20 Fee & Custom Designed T-Shirts
Sat 12th April 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$128.20
Welcome to the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series: You can run/walk all or any one of the five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Races: Easter Egg Scramble 5K - Henry Fork Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Ln., Hickory, NC Saturday April 12, 2025 Aviation 5K - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC Saturday May 24, 2025 Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Night Trail Run - Hickory City Park, 1581 12 th St. Dr. NWW, Hickory, NC Friday August 15, 2025 Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K (Dog Festival) - L.P. Frans Stadium/Winkler Park, 2500 Clement Blvd. NW, Hickory, NC Saturday September 27, 2025 Hickory Trick or Trot 5K - Highland Recreation Center, 1541 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC Saturday October 25, 2025 Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed T-shirt is included with your registration up to the order deadline for each race. Those who register after the deadlines will recieve shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. -
Easter Egg Scramble 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Custom Easter Egg Scramble - T-Shirt
Sat 12th April 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
Join us for this fun family friendly, Easter themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Henry Fork River Park, 5655 Sweet Bay Lane, Hickory, NC 28602. This race will be the first in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Easter Egg Scramble T-shirt is included with your registration up to Monday, March 30 (our deadline for shirt orders). All who register by Sunday, March 30, 2025 (11:59 pm) are guaranteed a race t-shirt in the size ordered upon registration. Those who register after 11:59 pm on March 30, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, April 11th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00 am-8:45 am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory Grand Prix 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. -
Aviation 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Custom Aviation 5K - T-Shirt
Sat 24th May 2025 (8:00AM EDT)
$32.80
Due to another event at this location START TIME is 8:00 AM. Join us for this fun family friendly, Hickory pedestrian trail (Avaition Walk) themed 5K! The race will start and finish at L.P. Frans Stadium, 2500 Clement Boulevard NW, Hickory, NC. This race will be the second in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Aviation 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, May 11 (our deadline for shirt orders). Those who register after 11:59 pm on May 9th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, May 23th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00am-7:45am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. -
Lightning Bug Boogie 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Custom Lightning Bug Boogie - T-Shirt
Fri 15th August 2025 (9:00PM EDT)
$32.80
Lets get ready to Boogie! The 4th annual Lightning Bug Boogie Night Trail Run 5K will take place on at Hickory City Park (Lake Hickory Trails) 1581 12th St. Dr. NW, Hickory, NC. This course will consist of off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. All participants will be required to have a light in the form of a headlamp, chest light or flashlight. Cell phone lights are NOT effective. This race will be the third in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Lightning Bug Boogie 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 PM, Sunday, August 3. Those who register after 11:59 pm on August 3rd, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. Packet pick-up: Thursday, August 14th from 8am-6pm at Highland Recreation Center Friday, August 15th from 7-8:30pm at Hickory City Park Greenway Trailhead If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. -
Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Custom Ruff, Ruff, Run - T-Shirt
Sat 27th September 2025 (11:00AM EDT)
$32.80
Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K and Dog Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27th, race start time 11:00 am, at Winkler Park located at 2500 Clement BLVD, Hickory, NC 28601. Whether you are joining us for fun or competing to be Top Dawg on the podium, you and your dog will bond as you negotiate our trails together! This course will consist of paved portions and off road trails that include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. This race will be the fourth in a Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year at various Parks in Hickory, NC. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series. Your earned points accumulate over the series races which determines your overall standing for the Grand Prix Series. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners per race. Additionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series top 3 in each category as well as top 3 point leaders overall. Race Rules: Running with a dog (if you are running without a dog please let us know and we will place you with just runners): Must have proof of Rabies vaccination for competing dog. Must maintain control of the dog for the duration of the race. All dogs must be on a fixed length leash. It is recommended for dogs to have a full harness. You must clean up after your dog We have specific bandanas if you have a reactive dog The start of the 5k will be staggered. Finish times will be based off your time when you pass the Starting Line until you pass the Finish Line. Keep in mind the first person to pass the Finish Line may not be the fastest participant. Packet pick-up: Friday, September 26th from 9am-5:30 pm at Highland Recreation Center-1451 8th Street Drive NE, Hickory, NC 28601. DOG FESTIVAL: The day is not just about running, walking or hiking on the trail. Join us for the Ruff, Ruff, Run Dog FESTIVAL from 10 am - 1 pm. Spectators, friends and family encouraged. DOG FESTIVAL area is FREE to the public Yoga with your dog - Post race Food trucks Dog vendors with local craftsmen and dog products throughout. Dog Obedience demos, tips and class offering T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Ruff, Ruff, Run 5K T-shirt is included with your registration up to 11:59 pm, Sunday, September 14. Those who register after 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 14th will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page Packet pick-up: Highland Recreation Center, Friday, September 26th from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 7:00 am-7:30 am on the day of the race, at race registration. If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten. -
Trick or Trot 5K
Incl. $2.80 Fee & Custom Trick or Trot - T-Shirt
Sat 25th October 2025 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
Join us for this fun family friendly, Halloween themed 5K! The race will start and finish at Highland Recreation Center, 1451 8th St. Dr. NE, Hickory, NC. 2025 introduces a NEW course. This course will consist of off roads, sidewalks and trails that can include hills, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks and other trail type features. Packet pick-up will be at Highland Recreation Center on Friday, October 24th from 8am-5pm. Participants can also pick up their packets between 8:00am-8:30 am on the day of the race. T-SHIRTS: A custom designed Trick or Trot 5K shirt is included with your registration up to Sunday, October 12th. Those who register after 11:59 pm on October 10th, will receive t-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis, while sizes and supplies last. This is race is the final race in the Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series of five themed 5k races throughout this year and various Parks in Hickory. Participants earn points based on their finishing position in each individual 5k race within the series, with the highest point total across all races determining the overall series winner. Awards and Prizes will be given at each race for top 3 in each category and top 3 overall male and female runners. Additiionally, there will be Awards and Prizes for Series. *SERIES DETAILS - See Hickory Grand Prix Series page If you are racing in the Hickory 5k Series keep your Bib number for each race. You will be charged a $5.00 fee for a new Bib number assignment if lost or forgotten.
Hickory 5K Grand Prix Series