Apple Festival 5k
Apple Festival 5k is a running race on October 17, 2026 in Lincolnton, NC, with an entry fee of $30.
- Date
- October 17, 2026 (28 days to go)
- Location
- 803 N Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC
- Price
- $30
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Apple Fest 5K
Presented By: Rhyne Financial
A Lincolnton Tradition Returns
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Lincolnton High School | Downtown Lincolnton, NC
A beloved Lincoln County tradition is back! With roots stretching back more than 35 years, the Apple Fest 5K returns to kick off one of Lincolnton’s favorite days of the year.
Runners and walkers will start at Lincolnton High School before making their way to the beautiful Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail. The primarily rail-trail course will take participants through the heart of Lincolnton before returning to Lincolnton High School for the finish.
After crossing the finish line, hop on the complimentary shuttle from Lincolnton High School to Downtown Lincolnton to experience all the Lincoln County Apple Festival has to offer!
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, walking with friends and family, pushing a stroller, or simply coming out to be part of a longtime community tradition, there’s a place for you at the Apple Fest 5K.
Best of all, your registration supports United Way of Lincoln County and our work to invest right back into programs, partnerships, and resources serving local families and individuals.
Run the trail. Celebrate the tradition. Stay for the festival.
RACE DETAILS
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 5K Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Start & Finish: Lincolnton High School
- Race Type: Timed 5K Run/Walk – primarily rail-trail course
- Course: Start at Lincolnton High School, cross N. Aspen Street toward Dixon Street, enter the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail for an out-and back route, and return to Lincolnton High School.
- Beneficiary: United Way of Lincoln County
- Festival Shuttle: Complimentary transportation will be available from Lincolnton High School to the Apple Festival following the race.
T-SHIRT + APPLE SWAG
Register by October 5, 2026 to be guaranteed an official Apple Fest 5K T-shirt and apple-themed swag bag!
Registrations received after October 5 are not guaranteed a shirt or swag bag, so register early.
PACKET PICKUP
Friday, October 16 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Lincolnton High School
Pick up your race bib, T-shirt and swag bag ahead of race morning.
In-person registration will also be available during packet pickup.
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to the Top Overall Male and Female, plus the Top Male and Female finisher in each age group:
· 14 & Under
· 15–19
· 20–29
· 30–39
· 40–49
· 50–59
· 60–69
· 70–79
· 80+
Stroller Division: One award will be presented to the overall fastest stroller participant.
Events
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
72°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lincolnton 4 W, 4 mi from the venue.
About Lincolnton, NC
Population
11,503
as of 2023
City Elevation
967 ft
Nearest Airport
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 24 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Apple Festival 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
28
Days to train
- Race
- Apple Festival 5k
- Date
- October 17, 2026
- Location
- 803 N Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC
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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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
More Running races near Lincolnton, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apple Festival 5k?
When and where is the Apple Festival 5k?
How do I register for the Apple Festival 5k?
Apple Festival 5k
Oct 17, 2026