Run the Creek 5K & Family Fun Run

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Join us for the 2026 Run the Creek 5K and Family Fun Run on Saturday, February 28! 

This exciting event offers a Family Fun Run starting at 8:30 am and a 5K road race starting at 9:00 am. Both events wind through the beautiful (and hilly!) Highland Creek neighborhood.

We believe in community, and this family-friendly initiative welcomes participants of all ages and paces, ensuring everyone can join in the fun!

Your participation supports Highland Creek's six public schools: Highland Creek Elementary School, Cox Mill Elementary School, Ridge Road Middle School, Harris Road Middle School, Mallard Creek High School, and Cox Mill High School.

Register by February 8 to be guaranteed a t-shirt for the 5K!

(Please note: the Family Fun Run does not include a t-shirt)

Interested in sponsoring? Email jbowen@highlandcreek.com

Interested in volunteering? Visit the Volunteer tab. We would love to have you!

The course features rolling hills with an overall elevation gain of 184 ft and a flat, fast finish.

Interested in volunteering to offer course support? Visit the Volunteer tab. We would love to have you!

Finisher Medals & Timing

All Family Fun Run participants will receive a Finisher Medal at the finish line.

5K participants will be timed using BibTag timing chips, located on the back of your race bib. Please wear your bib clearly visible on the front of your body for accurate timing.

All 5K finishers will receive a Finisher Medal at the finish line.

Awards & Recognition

Participants must be present at the awards ceremony to receive awards.

Overall Awards (Male & Female)
1st Place

• Free pair of shoes (up to $175 value), provided by Fleet Feet – Concord
• $50 certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods
• $15 voucher to Texas Roadhouse
• Medal holder made by Joy Designs

2nd Place

• $30 certificate to Fleet Feet – Concord
• $20 certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods
• $15 voucher to Texas Roadhouse

3rd Place

• $20 certificate to Fleet Feet – Concord
• $20 certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods
• $15 voucher to Texas Roadhouse

Age Group Awards

The 1st place male and female in each age group will receive:

• $15 gift card to Fleet Feet – Concord
• $10 certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods

Age Groups:

• 1–12
• 13–18
• 19–24
• 25–29
• 30–34
• 35–39
• 40–44
• 45–49
• 50–54
• 55–59
• 60–64
• 65–69
• 70+

A special thank you to Fleet Feet – Concord, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Texas Roadhouse for generously providing these awards!

Interested in volunteering to pass out medals? Visit the Volunteer tab. We would love to have you!

Refund & Cancellation Policy: Due to the fundraising nature of the Run the Creek 5K and Family Fun Run, entries are non-refundable. Entries also cannot be transferred from person to person. 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 for pick up at a location to be determined.

Please note: Unless previously communicated to the Race Director, we do not hold race packets for participants who do not show up on race day. 

Thursday, February 26
4:00-7:00 pm
Fleet Feet - Concord
2420 Herron's Nest Pl NW, Suite 103
Concord, NC 28027

*Race participants receive a 15% discount on any in-store, full price purchase during packet pickup, 4-7 pm only.

Friday, February 27
4:00-7:00 pm
Highland Creek Sports Club
6616 Clark Creek Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28269

Saturday, February 28
7:30-8:30 am
Race Site (Highland Creek Elementary)
7242 Highland Creek Parkway
Charlotte, NC US 28269

We recommend picking up your packet on either Thursday or Friday, if possible!

FAQ about Packet Pick Up:
Can I pick up for a friend? Yes! 
Can I pick up before Thursday? No. Please wait until the designated times to pick up your packet.
What if I chose the wrong size 5K shirt? Due to limited availability, we are unable to swap shirts at packet pick-up. 
 
Interested in volunteering at Packet Pick Up? Visit the Volunteer tab. We would love to have you!

Parking will be at Ridge Road Middle School, located on the same campus as Highland Creek Elementary School. 

Overflow parking will be available in the upper lot at the Highland Creek Golf Course (7101 Highland Creek Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269).

After the race, join us for a 5K After Party featuring $9 mimosa flights and $8 bagel sandwiches and sides of fruit!

Please consider walking to the race, if possible.

Interested in volunteering to assist with parking? Visit the Volunteer tab. We would love to have you!