Tri-Span 5K, 10K and LiveStrong Mile

Prepare for an iconic summer challenge at the Tri-Span 5K, 10K, and LiveStrong Mile, set to take place on July 11, 2026, in scenic Wilmington, NC. This beloved annual event invites runners and walkers alike to experience the charm of historic downtown Wilmington and the picturesque Cape Fear Riverwalk. Typical race day conditions in mid-July bring highs around 90F and lows near 73F, with a 19% chance of precipitation, making early hydration and race-day planning essential.

The Tri-Span offers diverse distances to suit every participant. The 5K course is an out-and-back journey winding through downtown Wilmington and along the Cape Fear Riverwalk, featuring varied terrain including boardwalk sections, cobblestones, uneven brick, and pavement. For those seeking a greater challenge, the unique 10K course lives up to its name by crossing three distinctive downtown bridges: the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, the Thomas Rhodes Bridge, which provides breathtaking views of the USS North Carolina and the riverfront, and the Isabel Holmes Bridge, guiding runners back to the finish line in downtown. Be aware that both courses share roads with vehicular traffic, and the 10K includes sections of bridge grating.

Runners will find support along the way with aid stations providing water and ice, and Gatorade at select locations on the 10K route. While the 10K has a stretch between miles 2 and 4.5 without an aid station, participants are encouraged to plan accordingly. Beyond the scenic routes, the Tri-Span is more than just a race; it's a community event that proudly supports the LiveStrong at the YMCA program, providing vital health and wellness support for adult cancer survivors. Finishers are welcomed back to Live Oak Bank Pavilion with refreshing watermelon, electrolyte sparkling water, ice, and shade tents.