2026 Water For People 5K - Raleigh

We will be offering a virtual Water For People 5K option for those who might want to participate from out of state or those that cannot attend the race in person. For information on registering, please click "Virtual 5K" to visit the Charlotte Water For People 5K page.

PACKET PICKUP
Friday, April 24, 2026, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Fleet Feet Raleigh - Ridgewood (3524 Wade Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607)
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM: 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex, NC 27523
Race packets will be available for pick-up both the day before the race and at the race site on the day of. We encourage picking up your packet on Friday to avoid the lines on race day! Fleet Feet is offering 10% off all merchandise (excluding shoes and electronics) if you attend packet pickup on Friday. Extra T-Shirts will also be available for sale for $15 each.

RACE DAY
8:00 AM: Day of registration opens for those not yet registered. Race packets can also be picked up if you missed Friday's packet pickup event.
8:40 AM: Day of registration closes.
9:00 AM: Race starts!
9:50 AM: Awards are announced for the fastest male and female in each age bracket.
10:30 AM to 1:00 PM: Post-race celebration to be held at a location to be determined, with food trucks and drink specials

Photos: Race photographs from the 2025 race are now available on this website: https://rjhennessyphotography.smugmug.com/Sports/Water-for-People-5K-2025. If a password is required when accessing the site, it is 5kwater2025. 
Parking: We do anticipate a full event, so please be mindful of this when driving to the race and consider carpooling where possible. Parking on White Oak Church Road is strictly prohibited! Wake County sheriffs will be stationed at the entrances to the parking lot, directing traffic. Should parking be full upon your arrival, we will have overflow parking at White Oak Baptist Church and Young Scholars Academy. The main parking lot will likely be full about 45 minutes prior to the race start. Volunteers shuttle drivers will be available at both overflow lots to take you to and from the start line; overflow parking participants can also opt to walk to the starting line.
Race Route: An interactive course map can be found on Strava here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3314798372228709818
Bathrooms: Waterless restroom facilities are available at the parking lot, which have pit toilets and no flushing capabilities. There will also be portable toilet facilities located near the start / finish line.
Day of Registration: Day of registration is allowed and will be available between 8:00 AM and 8:40 AM on race day. Please check in at the registration table located near the start / finish line.
Medic: Medics will be on site to address minor medical issues should they occur during the race.
Food and Water: Plenty of snacks and water will be provided to race participants at the finish line.
Pets: Leashed pets are allowed to join the 5K event as well as the post-race celebration at Bottle Theory.
Volunteers: We have many volunteering positions available on race day (some positions are also open to those running the race). If you have interest in volunteering at the race, please reach out to RaleighWFP5K@bv.com.
Sponsors: For sponsorship opportunities, please take a look at the 2025 Annual Sponsor Letter by clicking on this text.

Join your fellow philanthropists, water lovers, and athletic and community minded neighbors, for a fun run and a good cause. The fastest male and female runners in each age bracket will receive a gift card to TBD! The biggest team will compete for bragging rights like in years past, and will receive a trophy to display in their office. Following the race, all participants are invited to stick around for a chance to win raffle prizes donated from local businesses!

The biggest team will compete for bragging rights and will receive a trophy to display in their office! Click on the Teams tab to create or join an existing group.