On July 11, 2026, Coon Dog Day brings a 5K and 1K running event to Saluda, North Carolina. The race starts at 8:00 AM from McCreery Park, located at the corner of Main Street and Greenville Street in downtown Saluda. Entry fees range from $15 to $35 depending on registration timing or category. The downtown venue puts you within walking distance of local services and accommodations in this small North Carolina town. Whether you're running the full 5K or the shorter 1K option, this midsummer race offers a straightforward community event structure. Check with the race organizers for course specifics, aid station locations, and post-race logistics before finalizing your travel plans.
From the Race Organizer
Coon Dog Day 2026 will be held in Saluda, NC on July 11th and the 5K will be better than ever! PACKET PICKUP, Friday July 10 : Free gourmet trail mix at packet pickup! Please pick up your race bib and t-shirt (if applicable) at the Saluda Inn on Friday night at 229 Greenville St., Saluda, 5-8 pm. Follow the packet pick-up signs. SATURDAY MORNING, July 11: Race Day Check-in will be at Looking Glass Realty at 108 East Main. St, beside the post office. The start/finish line is on Main Street. Note: All registration will be online through the runsignup.com page. No paper forms for late/ walkup registration, so bring a phone. You can register until the race starts with a phone. PARKING - 5K parking is available only until 9:30am at the First Baptist Church, the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration and Saluda United Methodist Church for the race only. If you want to stay for Coon Dog Day, please move your car out of those lots by 9:30am (the shuttle will bring you from the festival parking lot at that time). Parking is also available at the Saluda Elementary School back (bus) Parking Lot on Seminary Street (short walk to start line on Main Street) and there's no rush to leave the school lot. The Coon Dog Day 5K is hosted by and raises funds for the Polk County High School Cadets marching band. The run begins in McCreery Park beside Main Street at 8am and follows the traditional Coon Dog Day 5k route . If you'd like to guarantee a t-shirt, be sure to register by June 15th! The Coon Dog Day 5K includes chip timing for all participants. Awards are given by age groups. The KIDS' Fun Run with clock timing and a new route for the kids is back Plan to stay for the daylong festival of crafts, food, music and quirky small town fun. We sure do appreciate our 2026 Sponsors. We couldn't do this without them! We hope you can join us as a sponsor and/or runner at the 2026 Coon Dog Day 5K! Awards Top 3 in Male and Female Age Groups 0-9 10-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Saluda, NC. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for July 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Saluda, 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
Coon Dog Day 5k 2026 — Saluda, NC takes place on July 11, 2026. The race is held in Saluda, North Carolina.
Where is Coon Dog Day 5k 2026 — Saluda, NC held?
Coon Dog Day 5k 2026 — Saluda, NC is held at McCreery Park (corner of Main Street and Greenville Street in the middle of downtown Saluda) in Saluda, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Coon Dog Day 5k 2026 — Saluda, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Saluda. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
