50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace logo
running50TH Annual

50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace

Date
August 8, 2026
Distance
5,000 Meter Run · 10,000 meter Run · 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

From the Organizer

Come out to Valdese and join us for the 50th running of the Great Waldensian Footrace to celebrate the Festival of the Glorious Return. A long-running staple of the August race calendar, the Great Waldensian Footrace features a 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, surrounded by the Historic Valdese Festival. All participants & guests are invited to take a cool, post-race swim in the Valdese Community Pool. Enjoy local crafts, food, and great entertainment throughout the day.

Day of race registration is available from 7:00am to 7:45am. Race entry fees are $20 through March 1st; $25 from March 2nd through July 31st; and $30 through August 6th. Race day entries are $35. Students may enter the 5K or 10K for $15 through August 6th. Entries received after July 15th cannot be guaranteed a tee shirt. Register early, claim your preferred tee shirt size, and save!

Distances & Pricing

5,000 Meter Run8 AMRegister →
10,000 meter Run8 AMRegister →
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk9:30 AMRegister →

Race Location

About This Sport

From Endurance Grid's Founder

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace?
50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace is a running event held in Valdese, NC. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace?
Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Valdese, NC at 312 Massel Avenue, Valdese, NC. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace

Aug 8, 2026

Register →