Back2School 5K takes place at 1700 Rutherford Drive in Florence, South Carolina on August 22, 2026. The race offers a single 5K distance and starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $25 to $40. As a late-summer race scheduled just before the school year begins, it draws local runners looking for a pre-fall fitness checkpoint. The early morning start time helps athletes avoid peak heat during their effort. Florence's location in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina makes it accessible for runners throughout the central part of the state.
From the Race Organizer
The 9th running of the Back2School 5K is a benefit run for South Florence High School Cross Country Team. The team will use funds raised to cover meet expenses, purchase training items and gear. We are excited this year that Kona Ice will be onsite to refresh you with some cool treats. The course is fast and flat through the neighborhood adjacent to the YMCA. WALK or RUN with us. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash. See you there! Back2School 5K Type: 5K Date: 8/22/2026 Start Time: 8:00 am Location: Florence Family YMCA Friendship Park Address: 1700 Rutherford Drive, Florence, SC 29505 Proceeds: South Florence Cross Country Team Race Day Schedule: Packet Pickup: Friday 8/21: 4-6 pm Race day starting at 7:15am Race Start Time: 8:00 am Shirts: To be guaranteed a t-shirt, register by August 10, 2026 Adult - S, M, L, XL Youth- YS, YM,YL 5K Awards (Awards are based on Gun Time) Overall Male / Female: 1 male/ 1 female Masters: 1 male/ 1 female Age Group Awards for Male / Female: 3 in each 5K Age Groups: 11 & under (5th grade) 12- 18 (middle & high school) 19-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ 5K Fees: Early Registration Price: o Students (18 & under) registering by June 30, $20. Adults registering by June 30, $25 July 1- August 11- $30 Late Registration Price August 12- August 23- $40 Packet Pickup Location and time: Florence Family YMCA Friendship Park 1700 Rutherford Drive Florence, SC 29505 Time of packet pickup Friday August 21 from 4-6 pm Come to the covered pavilion area at the park & playground Please bring an ID Event special notes: Are strollers welcome? Yes Can people listen to music while running? Yes Are pets welcome? Yes- must be on leash or in pet stroller Are there parking restrictions that people should know about? Not aware of any. Will set up cones day of race Are there any age restrictions for any of the races? No- Children 11 and under must have a parent/ guardian either in the race OR at the start/ finish line. Race Director: Michael Hart- mihart@fsd1.org
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 22.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Florence, SC.
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
Back2School 5K 2026 — Florence, SC takes place on August 22, 2026. The race is held in Florence, South Carolina.
Where is Back2School 5K 2026 — Florence, SC held?
Back2School 5K 2026 — Florence, SC is held at 1700 Rutherford Drive in Florence, South Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Back2School 5K 2026 — Florence, SC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Florence. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
