
From the Organizer
Cannonball Running Festival is the LARGEST celebration of running in our region.
Race distances include Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Dash AND a bonus challenge option. The backdrop for the races is the gorgeous A & Y greenway in Greensboro, NC and Country Park. The start/finish for all events take place in Country Park, Greensboro's running Mecca.
Whether a veteran to distance running or a relative newbie, this event is a MUST DO for the course, the schwag, the glory, and the PARTY!
In true celebration of the region, local craft breweries pour all day Saturday for participants and spectators. Participants have two craft brews included with their race registration and spectators are able to purchase with all funds generated from beer sales going directly to our charity partner, Brenner Children's.
What is that challenge? The Double Barrel Challenge!
The Friday night 5K allows the unique opportunity to race in the evening AND opens up the challenge of participating in either the 10K, half marathon or marathon on Saturday. Double Barrel Challenge participants receive two shirts and two custom finisher medals (one for each event), PLUS bonus bling for completing the Double Barrel Challenge. Not to mention extra beer and bragging rights!!!
All race participants will receive a custom finishers medal (Kids dash will not receive a medal or shirt, but their own "goodies'), t-shirt, food, beer (21 and up), FREE professional race photos and a celebration! Everyone, friends and family can enjoy the post-race celebration with live music, awards ceremony and activities.
**You must register 2 weeks prior to event to guarantee a shirt.**
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
72°
Typical Low
49°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Greensboro Wtp.
Host City
Population
298,564
as of 2023
Nearest Airport
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 8 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Long Life Meal Prep Cannonball Running Festival - Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
130
Days to train
Coming Up
Greensboro Distilling Speakeasy 5k
Less than a mile away
Fun Fourth Freedom Run
Less than a mile away
The Fleet Feet Pickle
Less than a mile away
Hit the Staxx 10K/5K
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)
Long Life Meal Prep Cannonball Running Festival - Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Oct 16, 2026