The Happy Valley Humdinger takes place at 1275 NC-268 in Lenoir, North Carolina on October 24, 2026. This running event features a 5K distance, making it accessible for a range of fitness levels. The race starts at 11:00 AM, giving participants a mid-morning option for race day logistics. Entry fees range from $5.00 to $40.00, offering flexibility depending on registration timing or package options. If you're traveling to the area for this event, you'll want accommodation within reasonable distance of the venue to keep travel time minimal on race morning.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for a Fall morning run in beautiful Happy Valley, NC. This 5k course is a point to point that cuts through the scenic valley and meanders along the Yadkin River before finishing at Happy Valley Filling Station. Considered the "country cousin" to Southern Sundown 4 Miler, this race is more rural, flatter and faster than SS4M but shares the same fun vibe and celebration of the running community. Feel free to don your Halloween costume and get an early start celebrating this spooky, fun, beautiful season. You will want to be a part of this growing event! Note to participants: The course is 90% hardtop and 10% natural surface. The majority of the race is on a public, yet low traffic hard top secondary road but the route does traverse a mowed grass field. *Every registered runner (21+) for the Happy Valley Humdinger receives a full pour of a Happy Valley Filling Station craft beer after the race! New this year: Costume contest for runners, walkers, bystanders, all ages! Best costume awards for Adults (Winner & Runner Up) and Kids (Winner & Runner Up) *Register by October 12 @ Midnight to guarantee your size in the Fifth Annual Happy Valley Humdinger Official Event Shirt! (Design coming soon!) Event Schedule Friday (10/23) - Pre Race Packet Pick Up (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm); Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 NC-268, Lenoir, NC) Saturday (10/24) - On Site Registration & Packet Pick Up (9:30 am - 10:45 am); Starting Line at Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC) Start of The Fifth Annual Happy Valley Humdinger (11:00 am) Note New Time! After race party begins at the outside stage (11:30 am) Shuttles available to return runners and their guests back to their cars at the starting line parking area (11:30 am) Start of The Kids Fun Run Presented By UNC Ortho (12:00 pm) Awards for The Happy Valley Humdinger begin (12:15 pm) *Hang around The Happy Filling Station enjoying good music, amazing wood fired pizza and cold beer for as long as you would like. The Fall colors in the valley will be at their peak! We will have shuttles available to get runners and their guests back to their vehicles at the starting line parking area. PARKING *Runners are required to park at the starting line area ( Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC) *Families of runners, friends, guests, spectators and the general public are welcome to park at Happy Valley Filling Station (1275 NC-268, Lenoir, NC) or at the starting line area ( Lapaz / Marshallberg Farm (3232 Indian Grave Rd, Lenoir, NC) SHUTTLE A prerace courtesy shuttle will run from the start line area to the Happy Valley Filling Station at 1045 am and 11:05 am for those wishing to park there and get to the finish line before the first runners cross. Return shuttle service from the finish line at Happy Valley Filling Station to the start line area will begin at 11:30 am to return runners and their guests back to their vehicles. The shuttle will make the trip between the two points approximately every 20 minutes until 2:30 pm GEARCHECK A gear check service will be available for runners to check items they wish to have transferred to the finish line area such as warm clothing. Please no high value items! The Fifth Annual Happy Valley Humdinger Individual Awards * Top 3 Overall Male / Female (Winner - Custom Trophy + $45 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 2nd - Custom Trophy + $35 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate , 3rd - Custom Trophy + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate) * Top 2 Male / Female Master (40 & Over) (Winner - Custom Trophy + $25 Mountain Running Company Gift Certificate, 2nd - Custom Trophy + $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+ The Kids Fun Run Presented by Quest 4 Life is for kids age 12 and younger. The race is a 1/2 mile course that begins and ends at the Sunset River Run Finish Line (At the Happy Valley Filling Station). Cost for the race is $5 in advance and $10 on raceday. Every participant receives a medal as they cross the finish line and a custom bib. This non-timed event will begin after the 5k at 12:00pm.
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 24.
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
Happy Valley Humdinger 2026 — Lenoir, NC takes place on October 24, 2026. The race is held in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Where is Happy Valley Humdinger 2026 — Lenoir, NC held?
Happy Valley Humdinger 2026 — Lenoir, NC is held at 1275 NC-268 in Lenoir, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Happy Valley Humdinger 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.
