Elm Street Athletic Festival

Lace up for the Elm Street Athletic Festival, returning to Greensboro, NC, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for its 5th annual edition. This beloved event offers a diverse range of distances, including a challenging 10-mile race, a scenic 5K, and a vibrant 1-mile fun run for youth, alongside a poignant 1-mile Survivors, Healers, and Heroes Walk dedicated to brain tumor patients and their supporters.

The 10-mile course provides a grand tour through Greensboro's central boulevard and surrounding neighborhoods, offering a beautiful, USATF-certified journey through the heart of downtown, while the 5K explores the scenic Elm Street area. Starting and finishing on Historic Elm Street, specifically at 332 S Elm St, the festival boasts a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and skill levels. Typical race day conditions in early May feature pleasant highs around 78F and lows around 56F, with a low 14% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather.

Beyond the competition, the Elm Street Athletic Festival stands out for its profound community impact, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a local brain cancer foundation that supports regional brain and spine tumor patients and providers. Runners consistently praise the event for its inclusive spirit, beautiful urban course, and the palpable sense of community and support. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement at Natty Greene's, where participants can redeem a beer ticket and enjoy live music and camaraderie. This event is more than a race; it's a celebration of strength, perseverance, and hope, making it a highlight for many on their racing calendar.