Rhino Run

The Rhino Run 5K/2K, presented by the Gaston College Foundation, invites participants to follow a course through the College’s beautiful 150-acre Dallas campus.

Race Day Schedule

The 5K Run and 2K Walk will start and finish at Wyss Tower.

• 7:30-8:15 AM: Race Day Packet Pick up (Wyss Tower)
• 8:30-8:50 AM: Announcements and Warmup
• 9:00 AM: 5K Run Start
• 9:15 AM: 2K Walk Start 
• 10:15 AM: Awards

Packet Pick-Up

Early Pick-up – Thursday, September 24, 2026 Noon–5:00 PM

Gaston College – Beam Administration Building

400 Rhodes Perimeter Dr, Dallas, NC 28034

Race Day – Saturday, September 26, 2026; 7:30–8:15 AM

Gaston College – Wyss Tower

(View Course Map Below)

Race Day Registration

Late registration will be offered on race day between 7:30–8:15 AM. Credit/Debit card transactions will be the only method of payment accepted.

T-Shirt

5K participants registered by 11:59 PM on Monday, September 7, 2025, will receive a race-day T-shirt. 2K participants have the option to add a t-shirt when they register up to this same date/time. Shirts may not be exchanged for different sizes. If there are any extra T-shirts, they will be given out on a first-come/first-serve basis at packet pickup to 5K participants who registered after the cut-off date.  Any t-shirts not picked up by race day will be donated.

Awards (5K Only)

We will award the top male and female overall winners.

We will then award the top three finishers for both males and females in each of the following age categories:

• 12 and Under
• 13 - 18
• 19 - 24
• 25 - 29
• 30 - 34
• 35 - 39
• 40 - 44
• 45 - 49
• 50 - 54
• 55 - 59
• 60 - 64
• 65 - 69
• 70 and up

*Overall winners are not eligible to win in their age category

Parking

Staff will direct you to an available parking lot. The entrance to Gaston College and the parking lots will close at 8:45 AM. (View Course Map)

Weather/Cancellation Policy

Races are held, rain or shine, unless Gaston College determines that conditions are too dangerous. This decision could be made a few days prior or a few hours before the race begins. Gaston College will determine a makeup date if availability allows. There will be no refunds if the race is canceled due to inclement weather. All participant registration proceeds are applied toward the Gaston College Foundation Fund. 

Your support helps us build our programs and continue to grow. Consider partnering with the Gaston College Foundation by sponsoring the Stampede for Student Success. Together, we can help decrease the financial barriers that may come between a student and academic success! Below are our 2025 Run for Education sponsorship levels. 

Presenting Sponsor - $10,000

• Title sponsorship with name on all event promotions.
• Creation of a named scholarship for an in-state student.
• The company representative gives a welcome speech.
• Recognition in email communications, social media, and event signage.
• Large logo on website and t-shirt.
• Sponsored promo items in race bags.
• Booth at the event.
• Eight complimentary race entries.
• Company logo on race bibs

Gold Sponsor - $4,000

• Recognition in email communications and social media.
• Three complimentary race entries.
• Booth at the event.
• Logo on website and t-shirt.
• Personalized promotional road signs along the course.

Silver Sponsor - $2,000

• Recognition in email communications.
• Four complimentary race entries.
• Booth in the Crash Café before the event.
• Large logo on website and t-shirt.
• Finish line sponsorship.

Sponsor a Student - $1,000

• Sponsor 12 students during the race. 
• Booth at the event
• Recognition in email communications.

Online Contributions:

     Click here to sponsor today!

Mailed Contributions:

     The Gaston College Foundation

     201 Highway 321 South

     Dallas, NC 28034