
From the Organizer
Race Information
The race starts at 8:30 AM.
Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.
All runners must register on RunSignup.
No on-site registration.
Additional Information
Parking and restrooms are located at the Trailhead- https://maps.app.goo.gl/tJmT7w8PjTeEZpnXA
Registration and starting line are located north of the VFW, across the street from the corner of 16th Ave Pl NW and 12th St Dr NW- https://maps.app.goo.gl/5xTSLJccYk39YjU37
5K Course (0.78M)
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6233736925
The course is an out-and-back (1.56M)
The 5K does the out-and-back two times.
Half Marathon Course (1.09M)
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5975171281
The course is an out-and-back (2.18M).
The Half Marathon does the out-and-back six times.
Course Time Limit
3 hours and 30 minutes.
Finisher Medals
All finishers will receive a themed medal.
Best Costume
It is not required to wear a costume, but we do encourage it.
At the beginning of each race, we take a group photo.
The best costume will be awarded at the beginning race.
Series Points
This race earns points towards the US Road Running Race Series.
For more information, go to https://usroadrunning.com/S.php
Awards
https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php
Frequently Asked Questions and Information
https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php
US Road Running
https://usroadrunning.com
Events
Weather
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
63°
Typical Low
41°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Hickory Faa Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
43,747
as of 2023
Elevation
1,062 ft
Nearest Airport
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 40 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Gobbler 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (45), put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
152
Days to train
Coming Up
Eagle 5K, & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (27)
Less than a mile away
Ninja 5K, & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (31)
Less than a mile away
Medal Madness 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (36)
Less than a mile away
Haunted 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (40)
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
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.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
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)
Gobbler 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (45)
Nov 7, 2026