The 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K offers a 1-mile run and a half marathon starting at 7:30 AM on October 4, 2026, in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The race launches from the Eno River Farmers Market. Entry fees range from $20 to $80 depending on registration timing and distance selected. Hillsborough provides a small-town setting for fall racing in the North Carolina Piedmont, with both shorter and longer distance options for runners of varying abilities. If you're traveling for this early October event, consider accommodations that support a pre-dawn start and post-race recovery nearby.
From the Race Organizer
Hillsborough, North Carolina is no ordinary small, southern town. Its scenic beauty and graceful architecture spanning three centuries, provide an incredible location for a road race. Hillsborough continues to host numerous successful races, including the Little River Trail runs, Got GRIT 5K race, and the Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail races. Hillsborough Running Club is very pleased to present the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K races. Both the half marathon and 5K routes have been designed to showcase many of Hillsborough’s historic sites, and scenic routes. Course Highlights 1. Run past many historic sites in Hillsborough: Old Orange County Courthouse, Burwell School, Margaret Lane Cemetery, Occoneechee Indian Village 2. Half Marathon and 5K runners will run one lap of the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, the only surviving track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season 3. Enjoy running on Churton Street, and on Hillsborough's River Walk, part of the Mountains to Sea trail Merchandise There will be custom medals for all finishers in both the half marathon and 5K T-shirts (male and female cut) and youth sizes if you registered before the t-shirt deadline Note: for female sizing - you may want to order a size or two larger than you would normally Anyone needing to change t-shirt size needs to come to the t-shirt table at the pavilion after the race Packet Pick-up Packet pick-up dates, times and locations are as follows: Thursday 1st October Fleet Feet Durham (Southpoint Store) , 4-7pm Saturday 3rd October, Hillsborough, Farmers Mkt Pavilion (race finish area), 1-5pm Sunday 4th October, Race morning, 6.00-7.00am Awards Awards to the overall top three male and female winners, top three male and female masters (40+), and top three males and females in each of the following age groups. Half Marathon age groups are as follows: 19 & under; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-80; 80-84; 85-90; 90+ 5K age groups are as follows: 9 and under; 10-12; 13-15; 16-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-80; 80-84; 85-90; 90+ Cut off time End of race is 11am for both races, which is 3.5 hours for the half marathon, and 3 hours 20 mins for the 5K Parking Details will be emailed to all participants during the week of the race, in short, parking is at the deck by Weaver Street Market and at River Park Elementary School
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 4.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Hillsborough, 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 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K – 2026 2026 — Hillsborough, NC?
9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K – 2026 2026 — Hillsborough, NC takes place on October 4, 2026. The race is held in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Where is 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K – 2026 2026 — Hillsborough, NC held?
9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K – 2026 2026 — Hillsborough, NC is held at Eno River Farmers Market in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K – 2026 2026 — Hillsborough, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Hillsborough. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
