
The Roanoke Canal 5k is a running race on September 19, 2026 in Roanoke Rapids, NC, featuring the 5K distance, with entry fees from $10 to $30.
From the Organizer
The Roanoke Canal 5k is a trail race that follows the Roanoke Canal, which was built in 1823. Help us celebrate the fascinating history of the trail! A Half Mile Fun Walk will be set up as well. Money raised at the event will go towards replacing the batteau exhibit at the Roanoke Canal Museum. Batteaux were boats specifically designed to haul cargo up and down narrow canals in the 1800s. We have two replicas on site that are in need of replacement. Authentic batteau replicas are custom made and expensive to acquire. Proceeds from this race will go towards other fundraising efforts to replace the aging batteaux.
Registration Fees/Dates:
Registration for the 5k starts at $30 and increases to $40 on race day.
Half Mile Fun Walk - $10
**Register by September 1st for guaranteed t-shirt size.**
Packet Pickup and race day registration will be at 9:00 a.m. on Race Day at 100 Oakwood Avenue
Awards/Categories:
Awards will be presented for Top 3 Overall M/F, as well as the top M/F in the following Categories: Youth (17 and under), 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+
Course:
The 5k will take place on the Roanoke Canal Trail. The natural surface trail is generally flat with a few hills. As runners travel back in time along the historic trail, they will pass over several culverts that were installed during construction of the canal in the 1820's. Runners will also pass by the large bulkhead that diverted water into the canal during the years it was used to generate electricity for the local mills. The Half Mile Fun Walk will loop through Roanoke Rapids Day Use Park.
There will be a one hour course limit for the event.
Coming in from out of town? Check out www.visithalifax.com for information on local activities for the whole family!
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
81°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Roanoke Rapids.
Host City
Nearest Airport
PGV
Pitt-Greenville Airport · 60 mi
Major Hub
RIC
Richmond International Airport · 74 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Roanoke Canal 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
81
Days to train
Coming Up
Cantaloupe 5k
31 miles away
Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Rocky Mount, NC (31)
37 miles away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Rocky Mount, NC (36)
37 miles away
Haunted 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Rocky Mount, NC (40)
37 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 an 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)
The Roanoke Canal 5k
Sep 19, 2026