The Crack of Dawn Dash is a running event in Lenoir, North Carolina offering 10K and 5K distances. Taking place on July 11, 2026, the race starts at 7:00 AM from 401 Mulberry Street SW. Entry fees range from $30 to $50 depending on registration timing and distance selected. The early morning start time suits athletes who prefer cooler conditions for their weekend training or competition. Whether you're targeting a 10K effort or looking for a shorter 5K option, this local event provides a straightforward running opportunity in the Lenoir area.
From the Race Organizer
Wake up when the rooster crows and get to downtown Lenoir for The Third Annual Crack Of Dawn Dash! The race offers two distances (5K & 10K) and starts early so it will be nice and cool! The unique course traverses downtown on city streets, navigates some side roads and zips down the newest section of the Lenoir Greenway. Do it twice for the 10K distance with an opportunity to pass your cheering family, friends and spectators at the halfway point (Start / Finish line). The Crack Of Dawn Dash 10K is the official distance for The Foothills Run Series and therefore only results from the 10K distance will be considered toward the series ending standings. Just because you are getting up early and getting your run on, we will have free, fresh, hot Southern biscuits handcrafted from scratch and provided by Biscuitville Of Lenoir (while they last!) We will also have an amazing coffee truck with plenty of coffee and specialty drinks for purchase! *Register by June 29 to secure your Third Annual Crack Of Dawn Dash event shirt! Early Packet Pick Up - Friday (July 10) @ Liquid Roots Brewing (1048 Harper Ave) 5:30pm - 7:30pm Race Day Packet Pick Up / Registration - Saturday (July 11) 5:45am - 6:45am 2026 Crack Of Dawn Dash 10K Awards: * Top 3 Overall Male / Female (Winner - Custom Award + $35 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 2nd - Custom Award + $30 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 3rd - Custom Award + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate) * Winner Male / Female Master (40 & Over) (Winner - Custom Award + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate) *Top 3 Male / Female Age Groups (Winner - Custom Gold Finished Medal, 2nd - Custom Silver Finished Medal, 3rd - Custom Bronze Finished Medal) 14 and under; 15 - 19; 20 -24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 39; 40 - 44; 45 - 49; 50 - 54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64; 65 - 69, 70 - 74, 75+ 2026 Crack Of Dawn Dash 5K Awards: *Top 3 Overall Male / Female (Winner - Custom Award + $30 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 2nd - Custom Award + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 3rd - Custom Award + $20 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate) * Winner Male / Female Master (40 & Over) (Winner - Custom Award + $20 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate) *Top 3 Male / Female Age Groups (Winner - Custom Gold Finished Medal, 2nd - Custom Silver Finished Medal, 3rd - Custom Bronze Finished Medal) 14 and under; 15 - 19; 20 -24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 39; 40 - 44; 45 - 49; 50 - 54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64; 65 - 69, 70 - 74, 75+
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Lenoir, 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 Lenoir, 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
Crack Of Dawn Dash 2026 — Lenoir, NC takes place on July 11, 2026. The race is held in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Where is Crack Of Dawn Dash 2026 — Lenoir, NC held?
Crack Of Dawn Dash 2026 — Lenoir, NC is held at 401 Mulberry St SW in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Crack Of Dawn Dash 2026 — Lenoir, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Lenoir. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
