Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism to host series of 5K races

The Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department will host a series of 5K races beginning this August.

These races are designed to challenge Hickory runners to go outdoors and explore different terrains, from traditional road running to trail running. 

Each run takes place in a different Hickory location and has its own t-shirt design for all participants.

The series begins with the third annual Lightning Bug Boogie 5K Trail Run. This run is scheduled for Friday, August 16, at 9 p.m. at the Lake Hickory Trails (1581 12th Street Drive NW). Registration is open online at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/LightningBugBoogie until Friday, August 18, at 8:45 p.m. Prices begin at $15 and increase to $20 on August 3.  

The second run is the inaugural Ruff, Ruff, Run, a race where participants can run with their leashed dogs. The Ruff, Ruff, Run, sponsored by Synergy Labs, is scheduled for Sunday, September 29, at 1 p.m. at Winkler Park (2500 Clement Boulevard). A Ruff, Ruff, Run festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food trucks, music, dog vendors, and dog yoga. Registration for the Ruff, Ruff, Run is open online at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/RuffRuffRun until Sunday, September 29, at 12:45 p.m. Prices begin at $15 and increase to $20 on September 16.

The final run in the 5K series is the Trick or Trot 5K, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, at 9 a.m. at Highland Recreation Center (1451 8th Street Drive NE). Registration is open online at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HKYTrickorTrot5k until Saturday, October 19, at 8:45 a.m. Prices begin at $20 and increase to $25 on October 5.
 
Please contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or via email at lriddile@hickorync.gov for more information.