Ninja 5K and Half Marathon

Lace up for an exciting challenge at the Ninja 5K and Half Marathon in picturesque Hickory, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. This US Road Running event offers runners a unique opportunity to test their mettle across 5K and 13.1-mile distances, both starting bright and early at 8:30 AM EDT. The course, set within the scenic Hickory City Park and connected to the extensive Lake Hickory Trails network, features an engaging out-and-back layout with a mix of paved and unpaved trails, all against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Hickory. The 5K course involves two loops of the out-and-back route, while half marathoners will tackle six loops, ensuring a thorough exploration of the park's diverse terrain.

Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with historical August highs around 87°F and lows around 68°F, along with a 16% chance of precipitation, though race start temperatures have historically been around 75°F. What truly sets this race apart is its vibrant atmosphere, encouraging participants to embrace the "Ninja" theme with a best costume contest before the race start. All finishers will proudly receive a themed medal, making this an event focused on personal achievement and community connection. With a generous 3-hour and 30-minute course time limit for both distances, walkers are also welcome to enjoy the scenic journey.

The start and finish lines, along with packet pickup, are conveniently located at Hickory City Park, near 1581 12th St Dr NW, across from the VFW, with ample parking and restrooms available at the trailhead. This race is a fantastic way to earn points toward the US Road Running Race Series. Be sure to register online, as on-site registration is not available, and plan to pick up your packet starting 30 minutes before the race.