Run for the Roses 5K

Events

$40

($20: Ages 0 - 17)

2:00PM EST

Price increases after February 1, 2026 at 11:59pm EST

Place

Walnut Creek Athletic Complex
1201 Sunnybrook Rd
Raleigh, 27610.

Description

One of the oldest 5K’s in the Triangle where every female finisher receives a red rose, the North Carolina Roadrunners Club is proud to present the 45th Annual Run for the Roses 5K. This fun traditional weekend race offers a fun-filled afternoon for the family including face painting and balloon animals to raise money to benefit Four Paws NC an organization which trains service dogs for veterans and Team Red, White and Blue NC, an organization with the mission to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

Registration Fees:

$40 until midnight on February 1, 2026 - Race Shirt Guarantee
$45 until race day

Special rate - $20 for all entries under 18 years old

Awards:
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female, and to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups (male and female): 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. In the team competition, awards will be given to the top three teams with the fastest combined times. For our youth runners, medals will be awarded to the top three in the 14 and under age group.

Giveaway (Race shirt):
The fee includes a long sleeved shirt to all those who enter by midnight on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The shirts will be the same as last year, just a different color and come in youth, women's and men's. The women's shirts are V-neck and run small so order accordingly. If you desire to donate all of your registration fee to the two charities, select "no shirt" on the registration form.

Early Packet Pickup
Location: Fleet Feet Raleigh - Ridgewood Shopping Center 3524 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 2-6pm

Race Day Schedule:
12:30 PM - Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup
2:00 PM - 5K Start
3:00 PM - Kids Fun Runs Start
3:15 PM - Awards

Jogging Strollers & Dogs

The course has portions that are off road and gravel. We are still a jogging stroller friendly race and participants are welcome to run or walk with jogging strollers but wanted to give you a heads up about the course. We are also a dog friendly race but your dog must be on a leash at all times and not interfere with other runners and please be responsible for picking up your dog's poop.

Fundraising

We will donate a portion of the race proceeds to Four Paws NC and Team Red, White and Blue NC (in 2022 the race was able to donate $2000 to each charity, our best to date). You can also raise money that will go directly to the charities using our "fundraising" service. Once you have registered for the race you can create your own fundraising page.

Team Competition

There will be a 2-person team competition: 1 male and 1 female of any age can register as a team and will run against other "couples" for the fastest combined course time. The top three fastest times will receive a gift card to a local restaurant. There is no fee for the team competition and teams can register when they sign up on the website.

If signing up both team members (at the same time):

On the signup page, select "Add Another Registrant"
Select "Yes" under "Would you like to join or create a Team Competition?"
Select box "Create New Team Competition"
Create Team Name
To sign up 2nd team member, Select box "Join the Same Team Competition as First Name Last Name"

If signing up separately (individually):

On the signup page, select "Yes" under "Would you like to join or create a Team Competition?"
If you are the 1st team member to sign up, create a Team Name
If you are the 2nd team member to sign up, search for the already created Team Name

Children's Events

Face painting - Mimi the Clown (12:30-2:30)
100 meter dash for 6 years old and younger
400 meter dash (1/4 mile) for 6-10 years old
Registration for the Children’s Races will take place on race day. Parents are welcome and encouraged to run with their children. All children participating in these events will receive a medal for completing their race. These races will start at 3:00 pm.

Refunds/Race Cancellation

There are no refunds for any reason. If, for reasons out of our control (i.e. an ice storm or such), we are unable to hold the event on the scheduled day, the race will be cancelled and not rescheduled. However, we will make all t-shirts available to those that registered. We will make every effort to run the race as long as it is safe to do so.

Pet Food Collections

We will be collecting pet food for the Wake County SPCA and other Animal Rescue Organizations. Please bring your donation on race day or to early packet pickup!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Werner at roses@ncroadrunners.org

Event Timed by Run The East, LLC

This event is timed by Run the East! With professional race timing services and a focus on delivering accurate results,
we’re here to make your race day seamless and enjoyable. Learn more at runtheeast.com.