Join us for the 5th Annual Race to the River 5K & Fun Run. All proceeds from the race will benefit Spencer Parks & Recreation Activities Initiative. Race to the River 5K Course (see map below): Fast point to point course (see map below)!! The fifth annual Race to the River 5K will begin near Spencer Town Park at the intersection of 3rd Street and Salisbury Avenue in Spencer and follow US-29 North to the finish line at Spencer's Yadkin River Park Trailhead (Old NC Finishing Company) and the Wil-Cox Bridge. Trolley shuttles (sponsored by Novant Health) will provide transportation back to Spencer Town Park between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. for the Race Awards and the Race to the River Festival (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.). Spencer Town Park Fun Run: Following the 5K, a 1/2-mile youth fun run will be held at the new Spencer Town Park. Runners 12 & under will run 4 laps around the park. Shirts: Each participant will receive a race t-shirt and sponsor bag with miscellaneous treats and gifts. Awards - F ollowing the races at Spencer Town Park: 5K - Top 3 Overall Male & Female, Top 3 Masters Male & Female, Top 3 in each age group Male & Female: 10 & Under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Over Fun Run - Top 3 Overall ages 12 and under Do the DOUBLE! This day (10-17-2026) is a rare Rowan County opportunity - the chance for anyone who wants to race two fast 5Ks in 1 Day! - this race, the Race to the River 5K, in Spencer in the morning and the China Grove Rotary Fall Crawl 5K in the late afternoon! The top 5 Male and top 5 Female runners with the overall FASTEST combined times for both races will receive special recognition and an award following the Fall Crawl 5K! Race-Day Registration ($35-5k / $20-Fun Run) & Check-In / Packet Pick Up : 8 :00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. - at Spencer Town Park Pavilion (460 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159) Proceeds: The Spencer Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Activities Initiative is dedicated to bringing fun, engaging, and inclusive activities for all ages to the parks throughout Spencer, NC. Our goal is to create more opportunities for families, youth, adults, and seniors to play, connect, explore, and enjoy our community parks together through recreational activities, special events, and community gatherings. Making Spencer's parks vibrant spaces where everyone belongs and there's always something fun to do! Timing and scoring for the 5K will be provided by Salisbury Rowan Runners .
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 17.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Spencer, 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
When is Race to the River 5K & Fun Run 2026 — Spencer, NC?
Race to the River 5K & Fun Run 2026 — Spencer, NC takes place on October 17, 2026. The race is held in Spencer, North Carolina.
Where is Race to the River 5K & Fun Run 2026 — Spencer, NC held?
Race to the River 5K & Fun Run 2026 — Spencer, NC is held at Spencer Town Hall in Spencer, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Race to the River 5K & Fun Run 2026 — Spencer, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Spencer. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
