Hilltop U.S.A. 5K
- Date Wed 1st July 2026 - Tue 7th July 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Columbus, Ohio
- Price $38.90
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Just added
Secure your place early
Event summary
Join us for the spirited Hilltop U.S.A. 5K on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Columbus, Franklin! This vibrant event is not only the longest-running race on the Hilltop but also a fantastic opportunity to support a noble cause. A portion of every registration will benefit the American Legion Don Gentile Post 532 Honor Guard, and together we've already raised over $22,000 for our heroes!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a first-time runner, or simply want to cheer on the participants, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. The race features a standard 5K distance, and for those seeking an extra challenge, there's a Heavy Ruck Run division where competitors carry weighted rucksacks while pushing their limits. With registration fees starting at just $35, you'll receive a comfy race shirt and a collector's medal celebrating the armed forces. Mark your calendars and come out to make a difference in our community while honoring those who serve. Don't miss out on this uplifting event that promises to be both rewarding and memorable!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete, a first-time runner, or simply want to cheer on the participants, everyone is welcome to join in the fun. The race features a standard 5K distance, and for those seeking an extra challenge, there's a Heavy Ruck Run division where competitors carry weighted rucksacks while pushing their limits. With registration fees starting at just $35, you'll receive a comfy race shirt and a collector's medal celebrating the armed forces. Mark your calendars and come out to make a difference in our community while honoring those who serve. Don't miss out on this uplifting event that promises to be both rewarding and memorable!
Organiser's Description
> WELCOME TO THE HILLTOP U.S.A. 5K!
>
>
>
> SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026
>
> JOIN US FOR THE LONGEST-RUNNING RACE ON THE HILLTOP AND SUPPORT AN INCREDIBLE CAUSE.
>
> GIVING BACK WITH EVERY STEP
>
> SUPPORTING HEROES: A PORTION OF EVERY REGISTRATION BENEFITS THE AMERICAN LEGION DON GENTILE POST 532 HONOR GUARD AS WELL AS EVERY DONATION YOU MAKE. TOGETHER, WE'VE RAISED $22,312.55 AND COUNTING!
>
> FUELING COMMUNITY SPIRIT: YOUR ENTRY FEES EMPOWER THE COLUMBUS WESTSIDE RUNNING CLUB (CWRC), A VIBRANT, FREE RUNNING COMMUNITY. LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR INSPIRING WORK AT WWW.CWRUNCLUB.COM [http://www.cwrunclub.com].
>
> RACE PERKS
>
> FOR A $35 REGISTRATION FEE (THROUGH 3/31), SNAG A SUPER COMFY RACE SHIRT AND A COLLECTOR'S MEDAL CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES.
>
> SHINE IN YOUR AGE GROUP OR CONQUER THE RUCK RACE FOR TOP HONORS AND THE CHANCE TO WIN AWARDS.
>
> WHO CAN JOIN?
>
> WHETHER YOU'RE RUNNING, WALKING, RUCKING, OR CHEERING, YOUR PRESENCE AMPLIFIES OUR CAUSE.
>
> OPEN TO ALL: SEASONED ATHLETES AND FIRST-TIMERS ALIKE.
>
> FOR THE SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS, WE KINDLY ASK THAT YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME.
>
> LOOKING FOR AN EXTRA CHALLENGE?
>
> PUSH YOUR LIMITS IN THE HEAVY "RUCK RUN" DIVISION AT THIS YEAR'S HILLTOP U.S.A. 5KA TRUE TEST OF STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE. MALE PARTICIPANTS MUST CARRY A 35LB+ RUCKSACK, WHILE FEMALE PARTICIPANTS WILL CARRY 20LB+ RUCKSACKS, FOLLOWING UPDATED GO RUCK GUIDELINES FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE COMPETITION.
>
> SPECIAL AWARDS AWAIT THE TOP MALE AND FEMALE FINISHERS!
>
> BEFORE RACE DAY, BE SURE TO REVIEW THE ESSENTIAL RULES AND EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES TO ENSURE YOU'RE FULLY PREPARED FOR THIS UNIQUE CHALLENGE.
>
> LEARN MORE AND REVIEW THE RULES HERE: HTTPS://RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/HILLTOPUSA5K/PAGE/HEAVY [https://runsignup.com/Race/HilltopUSA5K/Page/Heavy]
>
>
>
> LETS RALLY TOGETHER!
>
> WE'RE EAGER TO GREET YOU AT THE HILLTOP U.S.A. 5K ON SATURDAY, JULY 4TH. YOUR PARTICIPATION ENRICHES OUR COMMUNITY AND HONORS OUR HEROES.
>
> WRITING HAND REGISTER NOW:
>
> BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH US!
>
> THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
>
>
>
> SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026
>
> JOIN US FOR THE LONGEST-RUNNING RACE ON THE HILLTOP AND SUPPORT AN INCREDIBLE CAUSE.
>
> GIVING BACK WITH EVERY STEP
>
> SUPPORTING HEROES: A PORTION OF EVERY REGISTRATION BENEFITS THE AMERICAN LEGION DON GENTILE POST 532 HONOR GUARD AS WELL AS EVERY DONATION YOU MAKE. TOGETHER, WE'VE RAISED $22,312.55 AND COUNTING!
>
> FUELING COMMUNITY SPIRIT: YOUR ENTRY FEES EMPOWER THE COLUMBUS WESTSIDE RUNNING CLUB (CWRC), A VIBRANT, FREE RUNNING COMMUNITY. LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR INSPIRING WORK AT WWW.CWRUNCLUB.COM [http://www.cwrunclub.com].
>
> RACE PERKS
>
> FOR A $35 REGISTRATION FEE (THROUGH 3/31), SNAG A SUPER COMFY RACE SHIRT AND A COLLECTOR'S MEDAL CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES.
>
> SHINE IN YOUR AGE GROUP OR CONQUER THE RUCK RACE FOR TOP HONORS AND THE CHANCE TO WIN AWARDS.
>
> WHO CAN JOIN?
>
> WHETHER YOU'RE RUNNING, WALKING, RUCKING, OR CHEERING, YOUR PRESENCE AMPLIFIES OUR CAUSE.
>
> OPEN TO ALL: SEASONED ATHLETES AND FIRST-TIMERS ALIKE.
>
> FOR THE SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS, WE KINDLY ASK THAT YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME.
>
> LOOKING FOR AN EXTRA CHALLENGE?
>
> PUSH YOUR LIMITS IN THE HEAVY "RUCK RUN" DIVISION AT THIS YEAR'S HILLTOP U.S.A. 5KA TRUE TEST OF STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE. MALE PARTICIPANTS MUST CARRY A 35LB+ RUCKSACK, WHILE FEMALE PARTICIPANTS WILL CARRY 20LB+ RUCKSACKS, FOLLOWING UPDATED GO RUCK GUIDELINES FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE COMPETITION.
>
> SPECIAL AWARDS AWAIT THE TOP MALE AND FEMALE FINISHERS!
>
> BEFORE RACE DAY, BE SURE TO REVIEW THE ESSENTIAL RULES AND EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES TO ENSURE YOU'RE FULLY PREPARED FOR THIS UNIQUE CHALLENGE.
>
> LEARN MORE AND REVIEW THE RULES HERE: HTTPS://RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/HILLTOPUSA5K/PAGE/HEAVY [https://runsignup.com/Race/HilltopUSA5K/Page/Heavy]
>
>
>
> LETS RALLY TOGETHER!
>
> WE'RE EAGER TO GREET YOU AT THE HILLTOP U.S.A. 5K ON SATURDAY, JULY 4TH. YOUR PARTICIPATION ENRICHES OUR COMMUNITY AND HONORS OUR HEROES.
>
> WRITING HAND REGISTER NOW:
>
> BE A PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH US!
>
> THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Races
-
In-Person Standard 5K Run/Walk
Incl. $3.90 Fee & Race T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$38.90
This is our most popular option. Participants will complete the 5k/3.1-mile course by running or walking and are eligible for the age group awards. The 5K race is a popular distance for both serious runners and casual participants, and it is a great way to get active, have fun and support our local veterans and their families. -
In-Person 5K, Heavy 'Ruck Run' (Male: 35lb+ / Female: 20lb+ Rucksack/Backpack)
Incl. $3.90 Fee & Race T-Shirt
Sat 4th July 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$38.90
What is a Ruck Race? A Ruck Race is a 5K challenge where participants complete the course while carrying a weighted backpack (rucksack). The added weight increases the physical demands, making it a true test of strength and endurance. person lifting weights Weight Requirements: male sign Male participants must carry a rucksack weighing at least 35 lbs. female sign Female participants must carry a rucksack weighing at least 20 lbs. (Updated to align with Go Ruck guidelines.) light bulb Important: Participants must bring their own rucksacks, which will be weighed and checked before the race. The rucksack must be carried for the entire courseno exceptions. Take on the challenge, push your limits, and support a great cause! -
Virtual 5K, Standard Run/Walk/Ruck
Incl. $3.90 Fee & Race T-Shirt
$38.90
What is a Virtual Race? A virtual race is a way for participants to take part in an event while being able to choose their location. It allows everyone the opportunity to stay motivated and maintain their training momentum, while also supporting a great cause. For our Hilltop U.S.A. 5K virtual race, you will have the flexibility to complete the race over the entire 4th of July weekend, and you will even have the option to submit your results if you choose. You can complete the race on locations like a treadmill, road, nature trail, park, or sidewalks. We want to express our sincere gratitude for your support of our race and the veterans in our community.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
2833 Valleyview Dr, Glenwood United Methodist Church, Columbus, 43204, OH, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Be the first
No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?
Hilltop U.S.A. 5K
