Running Events in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC, has many upcoming runs and races. Here are ten popular races in Raleigh, including 5Ks and marathons! 

It is estimated that nearly 50 million people in the United States participate in some form of running or jogging. That is about 15% of the American population and shows that running is a popular activity for getting fit and staying active. 

Unlike joining a gym, running is free exercise and encourages individuals to get outside and breathe fresh air. This growth in running has led to an increase in race participation, and interestingly enough, 53% of official race participants are women. 

Raleigh is known for its affordable cost of living and growing housing market. It is also home to many fun running races that support local nonprofit organizations. Home to Marathons, Half Marathons, 5Ks, and 10Ks, Raleigh residents have access to running events year-round. 

Check out these popular races in Raleigh. 

1. City of Oaks Marathon 

When: November 2nd, 2025 

Where: Downtown Raleigh  

Distance: 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon 

Course Type: Road 

Over 7,600 runners in 2024 

The City of Oaks Marathon is one of Raleigh's most anticipated running races, attracting thousands of runners every year. It takes place on a USATF-certified course that is clearly marked and showcases the beauty of Downtown Raleigh. Running in the City of Oaks Marathon is truly a unique experience. 

Sponsored by Martin Marietta and other businesses in Raleigh, runners can select their distance and choose to run a Full Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, or 5K. Welcoming a total of 7,600 runners in 2024, the largest turnout yet, The City of Oaks Marathon is expected to keep growing in size year after year. 

Participants can register online, and the price schedule depends on the time of signup. The Acorn 5K is the most affordable option out of all races due to its smaller distance. The starting line is at 400 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, and the start time depends on the length of the race. The Full, Half, and 10K begin at 7 AM, while the 5K begins at 7:20 AM. The wheelchair start begins five minutes before each race. 

2. Krispy Kreme Challenge 

When: February 1st, 2025 

Where: Starts at Memorial Belltower on the campus of North Carolina State University  

Distance: 5 Miles 

Course Type: Road 

Over 99,300 runners in 2024 

The Krispy Kreme Challenge is an annual charity event in Raleigh that is described as the ultimate test of physical fitness. Considered the number one tradition to complete before graduating from North Carolina State University, this student-run race welcomes all community members. 

The race begins at Memorial Belltower on the North Carolina State University campus, a top-rated college in Raleigh. From there, participants will run 2.5 miles to the historic Downtown Raleigh Krispy Kreme and attempt to eat one dozen original glazed doughnuts. After eating, participants will run the 2.5 miles back to the finish line. 

This challenging race welcomes thousands of participants each year. Since its first race 20 years ago, the Krispy Kreme Challenge has had 91,123 runners and raised more than $2 million in donations. 

3. 5K Beer Run 

When: November 8th, 2025 

Where: Crank Arm Brewery in Downtown Raleigh 

Distance: 5K 

Course Type: Road 

Crank Arm Brewery is a popular brewery in Downtown Raleigh that serves a wide selection of house-made craft beer. Crank Arm hosts a 5K Beer Run annually, encouraging community members to stay active, have fun, and drink beer. The best part is that a portion of the proceeds are used to support local nonprofits. 

Whether you run, walk, or jog, participants will wind through Downtown Raleigh and finish this 3.1-mile race with one craft beverage of choice, a collector's pint glass or swag item, and a day full of live music and food trucks. Occurring at the beginning of November, this is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh fall air with friends and family. 

Registration is available. It costs $30 to participate and $45 to add a T-shirt. 

4. Skinny Turkey Half Marathon 

When: Thanksgiving Day - November 27th, 2025 

Where: 2200 Wakefield Pines Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614

Distance: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon 

Course Type: Road 

If you like to run on Thanksgiving morning, sign up for the Skinny Turkey Half Marathon in Raleigh, North Carolina. As the only Thanksgiving Day marathon in Raleigh that offers a Half Marathon, 5K, 10K, one mile, and Kid's Dash, this race is open to everyone and all skill types and is a great way to begin the holiday season. 

The pet-friendly and stroller-friendly race begins and ends at Wakefield High School in North Raleigh. Start times depend on the race length, but packet pickup begins at 6 AM on Thanksgiving morning. The Half Marathon starts at 7:30 AM, the 10K starts at 7:45 AM, the 5K and one-mile walk starts at 8:15 AM, and the Kid's Dash starts at 9:15 AM.  

5. Ninja 5K and 10K 

When: February 8th, 2025 

Where: 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614 

Distance: 5K and 10K 

Course Type: Road  

The Ninja 5K and 10K races at Green Hills County Park are great ways to have fun and test your endurance. This race is on concrete and is an out-and-back course, meaning that participants run to a designated turn-around point. It is excellent for runners of all levels and is the perfect opportunity to test your limits. 

Packet pickup on race day is at 8:30 AM, and both races start at 9 AM. The time limit for both distances is two hours, and this event is a great way to earn points for the US Road Running Series. Registration is required in advance; it costs $32.80 to run the 5K and $48.70 to run the 10K. 

6. Canes 5K 

When: September 2025 

Where: Lenovo Center 

Distance: 5K 

Course Type: Road 

The Canes 5K, hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation and presented by UNC Health, is one of the most popular running races in Raleigh. Held annually in September, it includes a 5K run around the Lenovo Center and 100—and 200-yard dashes for kids. 

Perfect for hockey and sports fans, many current and former players of the Carolina Hurricanes participate in this race. Participants of the 5K will receive one ticket to a 2025-26 season Canes home game, a commemorative t-shirt and race bib, post-race breakfast, post-race beer, and the chance to win raffle prizes. 

7. Day of the Dead 5K 

When: October 25th, 2025 

Where: 106 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 

Distance: 5K 

Course Type: Road 

The Day of the Dead 5K will celebrate its 13th season in 2025. This exciting race occurs in October and is a fun way to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday to remember the dead celebrated mainly in Mexico. Participants are encouraged to dress up. 

This 5K begins at 9 AM in front of Centro Mexican Restaurant in Raleigh. The course loops through the famous Oakwood Cemetary in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood and back to Wilmington Street. During the event, traditional alters and displays will be set up where people can provide offerings and write messages in memory of their loved ones who have passed. 

8. The Cupcake Run at Brier Creek 

When: October 5th, 2025 

Where: Brier Creek Commons Shopping Center 

Distance: 5K 

Course Type: Road  

The Annual Cupcake Run at Brier Creek is a fun way to mix running and desserts. Presented by the American Asset Corporation, this fun running event welcomes a large crowd and donates all proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. 

Located at the Brier Creek Commons Shopping Center, this 5K Race is a family-friendly and pet-friendly event that starts at 8 AM on race day. The best thing about this race is that runners enjoy a full-size Gigi's Cupcake at the finish line, a bakery chain that offers a selection of gourmet cupcakes. 

9. Tobacco Road Marathon and Half Marathon 

When: March 16th, 2025 

Where: 7445 Green Hope School Road, Cary, NC 27519 

Distance: Marathon and Half-Marathon 

Course Type: Paved, dirt, and crushed gravel 

If you love to run and want to test your limits, register for the Tobacco Road Marathon and Half Marathon, which takes place on the American Tobacco Trail. The American Tobacco Trail is a Rails-to-Trails project along an abandoned railroad bed. This running race course is on paved roads and crushed gravel surfaces with a downhill finish. 

Scheduled for March 2025, this race is about to celebrate its 15th year. It has raised over $1.8 million for charities, including Breakthrough T1D, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, Hope For the Warriors, and the Triangle Rails to Trails Conservancy. Registration costs after New Year's Eve are $120 for both the Full and Half Marathon. 

10. Komen Triangle Race for the Cure 

When: May 3rd, 2025 

Where: 900 Park Offices Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 

Distance: 5K 

Course Type: Road 

The Komen Triangle Race for the Cure is celebrating its 29th year in 2025 and is a popular racing event that raises money for breast cancer research and patient care. Located at the Boxyard in Research Triangle Park, this 5K event is on a mission to find an end to breast cancer. 

Whether you walk or run, this approximate three-mile race is dog-friendly as long as they are always leashed. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 AM on race day, and the race starts at 9 AM. An after-party at the Boxyard follows the race at 10:30 AM. 

FAQs 

What is the most popular running race? 

The Boston Marathon is the oldest running marathon in the world and is considered the most prestigious due to its history, tradition, and large spectator base. Since 1897, all runners must meet a qualifying time to enter, making it exclusive and competitive. This special race even has notable hills, making this a challenging course to run. 

How many people run the Raleigh marathon? 

The Raleigh Marathon typically has at least 5,000 runners each year, but in 2024, the record was set with over 7,600 running the course. The City of Oaks Marathon is one of Raleigh's most anticipated running events. 

What time does the Raleigh marathon start? 

The City of Oaks Marathon has two different start times depending on the length of the race. The Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K races begin at 7 AM, and the 5K starts at 7:20 AM. 

Methodology 

Information was sourced from the New York Times, WRAL, Livestrong, and popular running events in Raleigh to determine the best running races in Raleigh, NC. All races are community events open to all skill levels and have online registration. 

Best Running Races in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

From the City of Oaks Marathon to the Komen Triangle Race for the Cure, Raleigh has many races throughout the year that are great for both serious and beginner runners. Whether you are participating to win first place or want to have a good time, register today for an upcoming race in 2025. 

If you are considering calling Raleigh home or want to buy a house in one of its many suburbs, Raleigh Realty and our team of experienced Real Estate Specialists are here to help and answer questions.