50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC

Date
August 8, 2026
Location
Valdese, NC
Venue
312 Massel Avenue
Start Time
8:00 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $30.00
Events
5,000 Meter Run, 10,000 meter Run, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Includes
Great Waldensian Footrace T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

The 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace takes place August 8, 2026, in Valdese, North Carolina, starting at 8:00 AM from 312 Massel Avenue. The event offers three distance options: a 1-mile run, a 5K, and a 10K, accommodating runners of varying ability levels. Entry fees range from free to $30, making it accessible to most budgets. Whether you're looking for a short, fast effort or a longer weekend race, this established footrace provides straightforward racing without the premium pricing of larger events.

From the Race Organizer
Come out to Valdese and join us for the 50th running of the Great Waldensian Footrace to celebrate the Festival of the Glorious Return. A long-running staple of the August race calendar, the Great Waldensian Footrace features a 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, surrounded by the Historic Valdese Festival . All participants & guests are invited to take a cool, post-race swim in the Valdese Community Pool. Enjoy local crafts, food, and great entertainment throughout the day. Day of race registration is available from 7:00am to 7:45am. Race entry fees are $20 through March 1st; $25 from March 2nd through July 31st; and $30 through August 6th. Race day entries are $35. Students may enter the 5K or 10K for $15 through August 6th. Entries received after July 15th cannot be guaranteed a tee shirt. Register early, claim your preferred tee shirt size, and save!

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Valdese, NC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for August 8.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Valdese, NC. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC?

50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC takes place on August 8, 2026. The race is held in Valdese, North Carolina.

Where is 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC held?

50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC is held at 312 Massel Avenue in Valdese, North Carolina.

Where can I find hotels near 50th Annual Great Waldensian Footrace 2026 — Valdese, NC?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Valdese. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.