Get ready for a spooktacular morning of fitness, fun, and furry friends at the Howl-O-Ween 5K & Dog Walk! Hosted by NC State Vet school community, this Halloween-themed event welcomes runners, walkers, families, students, and dog lovers of all ages -- whether you bring a canine companion or come on your own. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume (pets encouraged too!) and enjoy a festive 5K course filled with seasonal spirit, community camaraderie, and plenty of wagging tails. After the race, stick around for costume contests, photo opportunities, and treats for both human and canine competitors. Our HowlOWeen 5K is raising money for Harnett County Animal Shelter and our SAVMA chapter. Harnett County Animal Shelter: "We are a county-operated, open-intake municipal shelter serving Harnett County, North Carolina. Being open intake means that we are often the first stop—and sometimes the last safety net—for animals in our community who have nowhere else to go. We receive strays, owner surrenders, animals from difficult circumstances, medical cases, and animals who simply find themselves without a family. Our staff is a relatively small team, but we care deeply about the animals who come through our doors. Every day involves much more than providing food, water, and clean kennels. We work on enrichment and socialization, monitor behavioral and medical needs, reunite lost pets with their families, coordinate adoptions and rescue transfers, educate the public, and spend a lot of time figuring out what each individual animal needs to have the best chance at a successful future. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to give as many animals as possible the opportunity to leave our shelter healthy, safe, and headed toward a permanent home." We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with them and donate to their mission! 60% of all proceeds will be donated to Harnett County Animal Shelter. This event celebrates the human-animal bond while bringing our community together in support of animal health and wellness. No matter your pace or experience level, everyone is welcome to join the fun! Come run, walk, wag, and celebrate Halloween with us; we can't wait to see you and your four-legged friends at the starting line!
Course & Travel Notes
The HowlOWeen 5K takes place in mid-October when Cary typically sees highs around 72°F and lows near 51°F, so bring layers for a cool morning start at 9:00 AM—the sun won't rise until 7:18 AM. With only an 18% chance of rain historically this time of year, most runners won't need rain gear, though it's worth monitoring the forecast. The venue sits at a modest 472 feet elevation, so acclimatization shouldn't be a concern. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is just 6.5 miles away, making it convenient for traveling competitors.
⛰️ 472 ft elevation☀️ Typically 72°F / 51°F · 18% chance of rain✈️ Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) — 6.5 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Cary, 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
HowlOWeen 5K 2026 — Cary, NC takes place on October 11, 2026. The race is held in Cary, North Carolina.
Where is HowlOWeen 5K 2026 — Cary, NC held?
HowlOWeen 5K 2026 — Cary, NC is held at 101 Soccer Park Drive in Cary, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near HowlOWeen 5K 2026 — Cary, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Cary. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
