Around the World Run
- Date
- September 9–26, 2026
- Distance
- 5K · 5K Virtual · 10K Virtual
From the Organizer
WHAT
Around the World Run.
The Around the World Run is a part of the 48th International Folk Festival - the longest running multicultural festival in the region. It brings communities together in Fayetteville, NC each year to celebrate the richness of our diverse heritage as ONE COMMUNITY. The festival will take place September 25 - 26, 2026 and will feature fantastic food, and breathtaking performances.
DISTANCES OFFERED
In Person Event:
5K Run/Walk - this event is timed
Virtual Events:
5K
10K
WHEN
In Person Race: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Virtual: Run anytime, anywhere and submit your results between September 9th and September 23, 2026.
START / FINISH LINE LOCATION
Start Line & Parking:
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
536 N. Eastern Blvd.
Fayetteville, NC 28301
**All race participants in any event can bring proof of registration to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden for a 50% discount on entry between September 24th and September 28th!
VIRTUAL EVENT SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS
- You can run anywhere!
- Submit your finish times to the RESULTS section of this website anytime September 9 - 23, 2026.
- If you register by September 16th, you can choose to pick up your shirt at packet pickup, or pay a small fee to have it mailed.
HOW TO REGISTER
Register Before the Race: Click on the SIGN UP button in the upper right corner
Register At Pre-Race Packet Pickup or On Race Day: To register at packet pickup or at the race, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.
HOW TO DONATE
If you would like to donate to the Friends of Civil Affairs, you can donate during your race registration, or click on Donate above
RACE SCHEDULE & PACKET PICKUP
Click HERE for full schedule of events
HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Friends of Civil Affairs (FOCA) Around the World Run is a running event dedicated to the global mission of Civil Affairs Soldiers and their families. The Around the World Run raises money for the FOCA Scholarship Fund that awards merit and needs-based scholarships to spouses and children. You can participate in person or virtually.
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
85°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Fayetteville (Pwc), 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Fayetteville, NC
Population
209,692
as of 2023
Elevation
120 ft
Nearest Airport
FAY
Fayetteville Regional Airport - Grannis Field · 4 mi
Major Hub
RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport · 58 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Around the World Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
93
Days to train
- Race
- Around the World Run
- Date
- September 9–26, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Fayetteville, NC
Juneteenth Celebration 5k
5K
Less than a mile away
Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH
7 miles away
Firecracker 4 Miler and 1 Mile Fun Run
Less than a mile away
Triple Nickle Remembrance Run
4 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 Around the World Run?
- Around the World Run is a running race held in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 9, 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 Around the World Run?
- Wednesday, September 9, 2026 in Fayetteville, North Carolina at Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, Fayetteville, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Around the World Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Around the World Run
Sep 9, 2026