Race to the Rock - 5K Run
- Date
- August 16, 2026
- Distance
- Individual
From the Organizer
IT'S BACK!
The Race to the Rock 5K is back! As most of you know, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure were devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
While the area is slowly recovering, the Lake Lure Olympiad Committee is pleased to be able to bring back both the Race to the Rock 5K as well as the Slam the Dam 10K, as part of their "Race for Recovery" weekend. Unfortunately, the Lake Lure Triathlon will have to wait another year as the lake is still not up to proper standards for safe swimming.
If you're a veteran of the Race to the Rock 5K - welcome back! If you haven't done this race before, treat yourself to a challenging 5K course topped off by a spectacular finish at the top of Chimney Rock State Park with a stunning 75 Mile panoramic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
All spectators and participants will need to exit the mountain after the race and awards.
Participants will be allowed, at no charge, back up on the mountain after the park reopens.
All trails will remain CLOSED until the park reopens.
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
87°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lake Lure 2, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Chimney Rock, NC
Population
131
as of 2023
Elevation
1,019 ft
Nearest Airport
AVL
Asheville Regional Airport · 17 mi
Major Hub
CLT
Charlotte Douglas International Airport · 75 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Race to the Rock - 5K Run, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
69
Days to train
- Race
- Race to the Rock - 5K Run
- Date
- August 16, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Chimney Rock, NC
Coon Dog Day 5k
5K
15 miles away
Slam the Dam 10K Run
10K
4 miles away
Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)
Half Marathon · 10K
9 miles away
XC Experience
16 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 Race to the Rock - 5K Run?
- Race to the Rock - 5K Run is a running race held in Chimney Rock, North Carolina on August 16, 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 Race to the Rock - 5K Run?
- Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Chimney Rock, North Carolina at "Downtown" Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Race to the Rock - 5K Run?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Race to the Rock - 5K Run
Aug 16, 2026