Moonlight Madness 5K & Monster Mile

The Moonlight Madness 5K and Monster Mile brings out some of the top competitors and those just looking to have a good time. Take on the two headed monster challenge, timed one mile and 5K! Double your chance for awards and double your series points! There is also an untimed 1-mile walk/run option.

This event is family-friendly and open to all ages and abilities! 

Come join us for a fantastic experience starting with the night race that includes live music, craft beer, and a family-friendly environment for all at Bailey Park. This event benefits United Way of Forsyth County and is a part of the Race Series.

Can I register on race day?

Race day registration is available if participant cap has not been met.  

Can I create/join a team?

We all know everything is better with friends. BONUS, teams that are 5 or more individuals (5K) each receive a $5 refund off their registration FEE! Teams of 10 or more get a reserved space to set up on race day for party in the park! Team "Captain" can create the team and ask others to join!  Find your team's name under Participant/ Team tab. Awards for overall and age group finishers in the 5K as well as a special award for the LARGEST TEAM! 

This nighttime race brings out some of the top competitors and those just looking to have a good time.
The atmosphere of a night race with live music, craft beer and family friendly environment make this a blast for all!

What can I expect on the course?

This nighttime race brings out some of the top competitors and those just looking to have a good time. Enjoy an evening race with all the sites that downtown Winston Salem has to offer!  Begin at Bailey Park where you'll run on a well-lit Research Parkway out and back (headlamps are recommended).  We've seen some fast times on this course and will not disappoint!

Are restrooms available?

Yes, Bailey Park restrooms are available within the park (near food and beer service). Porto johns will also be available.

Will gear check available?

Yes, we can hold onto your personal belongings during the event.  You must have your race bib to pick up items.

Should I wear a headlamp?
We suggest that you wear a headlamp during the event.  The one-mile start is 7:25PM and 5K start is 8:00PM.  This is an evening event and portions of the routes will not have adequate lighting.

Can someone else pick up my race packet?

Yes, you can pick up friends, family and coworkers race packets.  If you pick up before race day, don't forget the race bib! 

Can I walk the event?

Yes, we love our walkers! All participants must meet the requirements of completing the event by 9PM (18min./mile). If you cannot finish within time limits, we can't guarantee course support—which is paramount for your safety. Aid stations, medical support, portable toilets, and road closures will become unavailable to participants. The local police and race organizers will ask you to reroute to a shorter version of the course or move up onto the sidewalk where you will be required to obey regular traffic laws.

Where are the aid stations?

For the 5K:
Start – Water, Gatorade
Salem Avenue & Cemetery St. (1.5 Miles) – Water, Gatorade
Finish Line – Food and drinks galore

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, we are stroller friendly! Please 6" stroller wheels only for all participants safety. Bling out your stroller and let's light up the course!

What if I can't make it race day?

There are no refunds.

What is your race day cancellation policy?

In the event the race should be canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Race Director or Race Committee (inclement weather or unsafe weather conditions; local, state or national emergency), refunds will not be made, but race packets, including race shirts, will be available at a location to be determined. 

This race is a charitable event and does not allow for refunds. 

Can I run with my pet or use inline skates?

We love our furry friends, but we ask that you keep them at home.  We do not allow bicycles, inline skates or any means of transportation other than running, walking, handcycle or wheelchairs.  Race Director reserves the right to reject any entry or to remove any participant from the race course without explanation.

How can I check to see if I am registered?

Click HERE to confirm your registration.  

Record Holder's

Fastest Male 5K - Andris Goncarovs (2016) 16:12

Fastest Female 5K - Natalie Lawrence (2014) 17:53

Fastest Male Monster Mile - Will Zahorodny (2022) 4:58

Fastest Female Monster Mile - Terrieha Romer (2022) 6:30

Fastest Male Two Headed Monster (One Mile & 5K) - Will Zahorodny (2022) 22:13

Fastest Female Two Headed Monster (One Mile & 5K) - Sally VanNuland (2023) 29:00

Early Packet Pickup

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
5:00 - 7:30 PM
Foothills Tasting Room
3800 Kimwell Dr, Winston Salem

Friday, September 11, 2026
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Fleet Feet
278 Harvey St, Winston Salem

We ask you to please plan to attend packet pick up prior to race day, see above.
You may pick up race packets for friends and family.

Race Day 
Limited pick up will be available on Saturday September 12, 2026
6:15 - 7:30 PM
Bailey Park, 445 N. Patterson Ave., Downtown Winston-Salem

Parking is free along side streets, Vine St. or in the parking garage off Fifth St. and Sixth St. No parking will be available along Patterson Ave. (between 4th & 5th Street). Click on interactive map for more options and details.

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED! CONGRATULATIONS TO KAYLA WARD!

_____________________________________________________________

We are excited to announce a GIVEAWAY for the 2023 Moonlight Madness 5K, Monster Mile & Fun Run! 

~There are TWO ways to be entered in the Moonlight Madness GIVEAWAY - Instagram and Facebook ~ 

• This promotion, on both Insta a FB, will run from 8/8/23 through 11:59am on 8/21/23 EST. 
• Winners will be contacted on 8/21/23 via their social media account.

The WINNERS will receive a FREE registration in your choice of the 2024 Moonlight Madness events!

Your race registration also includes pizza and a delicious craft brew (21+) from Winston-Salem’s own Foothills (It’s one of the best breweries in North Carolina, with three locations in W-S!)

Instagram

To Enter, FOLLOW @uwforsyth on Instagram   

1.Like the specific GIVEAWAY post, shared on 8/8, image above! 

2. Tag two friends that you would run from zombies with!

3. Want more entries? Tag more friends! One additional entry for each friend you tag!

Facebook 

To Enter the FACEBOOK giveaway, like Facebook page - @MoonlightMadness 

1.Like the specific GIVEAWAY post, shared on 8/8, image above!

2. Tag two friends that you would run from zombies with!

3. Want more entries? Tag more friends! One additional entry for each friend you tag!

The Fine Print:

*No purchase necessary to enter 

*Must be 18 or older to enter

*There will be TWO unique winners selected. 1 from the Moonlight Madness Facebook and 1 from the United Way Instagram.

*Promotion is not paid for or endorsed by Facebook or Instagram.

*Be sure to follow both @uwforsyth AND @junction311 on Instagram and Facebook for future giveaways and event details! 

**The following is the tentative schedule and subject to change. **

6:15 PM – 7:45 PM Solutions & Limited Race Day Packet Pickup Opens on Patterson Ave
6:30 PM - DJ/Entertainment & Activities Begin in Bailey Park
6:30 PM - Beer Service Begins in Bailey Park

7:20 PM - Monster Mile (TIMED) on Patterson Ave
7:21 PM - 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk starts (UNTIMED) on Patterson Ave

7:59 PM - Ainsley's Angels start 5K (TIMED) on Patterson Ave
8:00 PM - 5K Run/Walk (TIMED) on Patterson Ave
9:00 PM - One Mile & 5K Awards ceremony in Bailey Park
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM - Family Friendly party with live music in Bailey Park

If you are interested in gaining more exposure for your business and would like to partner with United Way of Forsyth County's Moonlight Madness race , please email nailah.calamese@uwforsyth.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

2026 MERCHANDISE COMING SOON!

Teams
 

We all know everything is better with friends. 🥰😁🙌

That is why you need to grab your besties (or neighbors, family, co-workers, workout buddies, whoever!) and form a team!

👉Teams that are 5 or more individuals (5K, Monster Mile, or Two Headed Monster) each receive a $5 refund 💲off their already low priced registration fee!

Teams of 10 or more get a reserved space to set up on race day for party in the park! 
*Your team captain will be contacted and must confirm your reserved your team space a minimum of 7 days before the event

Team "Captain" can create the team as a step of registration and ask others to join! To join a team, find your team's name under the "Team Challenge" tab or join your team as a part of registration. 

There are awards for overall and age group finishers in the 5K and Monster Mile, as well as a special award for the LARGEST TEAM! 
LARGEST TEAM AWARD is based on team sizes BEFORE ANY EARLY PACKET PICK UP BEGINS!

PLEASE NOTE, while registration remains open, as space allows, on race day YOU CANNOT JOIN A TEAM ON RACE DAY!

JOIN OR CREATE A TEAM HERE!

The untimed fun walk/run does not receive awards or medals at the finish line. Enjoy your event!

One Mile Awards
1st, 2nd & 3rd Male and Female Overall Winners

5K Awards
1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded for Male and Female Overall Winners.

Age Groups**
1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded in five (5) year increments for Male and Female in the 5K in the following categories:
14 and Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

**Race Director reserves the right to adjust awards and age groups.

ADDITIONAL AWARDS
Two Headed Monster - 1st place overall male & female

Largest Team - Team Award

**You MUST pick up awards on race day. If you have to leave before the awards ceremony, please check at the Junction 311 tent and we will get your award. Awards WILL NOT be mailed or be available for pickup after race day.

Race participants will receive hydration (water and/or electrolytes) at the following course locations:

Start – Water, Gatorade
Water Stop #1: Salem Avenue & Rams Dr. (Outbound at 1.2 miles and Inbound 2 miles) – Water, Gatorade
Finish Line – Food and drinks galore

We strongly encourage participants to carry hydration during the event to help us reduce waste. Volunteers will remain at a safe distance from participants and ask that you grab your own hydration.