50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Location
- 312 Massel Avenue, Valdese, NC
- 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!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
87°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Morganton, 6 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Valdese, NC
Population
4,689
as of 2023
Elevation
1,230 ft
Nearest Airport
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 51 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
61
Days to train
- Race
- 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Location
- 312 Massel Avenue, Valdese, NC
Coming Up
More Running races near Valdese, NC
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12 miles away
Crack Of Dawn Dash
12 miles away
Southern Sundown 4 Miler
12 miles away
Burke Day For Life 5K and Fun Run
5K
7 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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 race held in Valdese, North Carolina on August 8, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace?
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 in Valdese, North Carolina at 312 Massel Avenue, Valdese, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
Aug 8, 2026