
From the Organizer
Burke Recovery, providing substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support services in Morganton and Burke County, invites all runners and walkers to join us and the fall colors for the fourth time in the NC foothills on Friday, October 30, 2026. The scenic paved 5K course winds through the beautiful campuses of Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), the NC School of Science and Math (NCSSM) and the NC School for the Deaf (NCSD) with a backdrop of the South Mountains. All who participated enjoyed our race over the previous three years.
As this is an evening race (start time is 6:00 p.m.), glow sticks will be provided and the use of headlamps or flashlights is recommended, and in the spirit of a Halloween-themed race, costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded to the 3 best costumes as determined by the judges. Post-race refreshments will include the usual plus hot dogs and apple cider.
A cotton-polyester blend long-sleeve t-shirt is included in the entry fee. Shirt size selections can be guaranteed only for those who register prior to October 15th.
This chip-timed event is suitable for competitive runners as well as those who wish to enjoy the course at a more leisurely pace.
Registration
Through October 1, 2026: $30 (adults) and $20 (student 20 & under)
October 2 through Race Day: $35 (adults) and $25 (student 20 & under)
Student and discounts will be applied automatically at check-out.
Awards
In addition to the Best Costume awards, 5K participants will be eligible for awards in the following categories: Top Overall Male & Female, Top Overall Male & Female Masters (40+) and Top 3 Male & Female in each Age Group: 13 & Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & Over.
Packet Pickup and Race-Day Registration
Packet pickup and race day registration will be available at Western Piedmont Community College On Friday, October 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 5:45pm. We’re sorry, but in order to ensure an on-time start, race day registrations cannot be accepted after 5:45pm.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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
66°
Typical Low
40°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Morganton, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
17,541
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,157 ft
Nearest Airport
AVL
Asheville Regional Airport · 52 mi
Major Hub
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 56 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 Goblin Gallop for Recovery 5K at WPCC, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
135
Days to train
Coming Up
Firecracker 10k, 5k and Kids Fun Run
18 miles away
Crack Of Dawn Dash
15 miles away
50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace
8 miles away
Southern Sundown 4 Miler
15 miles 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.
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.
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)
Goblin Gallop for Recovery 5K at WPCC
Oct 30, 2026