Race to the Rock - 5K Run

IT'S BACK!

The Race to the Rock 5K is back!  As most of you know, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure were devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
While the area is slowly recovering, the Lake Lure Olympiad Committee is pleased to be able to bring back both the Race to the Rock 5K as well as the Slam the Dam 10K, as part of their "Race for Recovery" weekend. Unfortunately, the Lake Lure Triathlon will have to wait another year as the lake is still not up to proper standards for safe swimming.

If you're a veteran of the Race to the Rock 5K - welcome back! If  you haven't done this race before, treat yourself to a challenging 5K course topped off by a spectacular finish at the top of Chimney Rock State Park with a stunning 75 Mile panoramic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

All spectators and participants will need to exit the mountain after the race and awards.
Participants will be allowed, at no charge, back up on the mountain after the park reopens.
All trails will remain CLOSED until the park reopens.

The race starts in "downtown" Chimney Rock at the base of Chimney Rock State Park. The course takes you through the entrance of Chimney Rock State Park and climbs up the switchback road ending at the base of the Rock with a stunning 75 Mile panoramic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

All participants must be finished by 9:30am. If anyone is still on the course at 9:30am, race staff will pick them up and take them to the finish line.

All 5K runners MUST stay on the mountain until the event is over.

Once the run course is cleared (9:30am), runners can ride the bus or go down with a companion who has entered the park prior to 7:15 am. Cyclists can ride down the mountain, but they MUST follow the Park Ranger vehicles.

NO strollers allowed in this race do the the unique and challenging nature of the course.

Family and friends of all race participants can enter the park and drive to the finish line at the Rock free of charge if entering before 7:15 am.

Race participants can visit Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park free of charge anytime after the race on Sunday by showing their race bib at the Ticket Plaza.

This event will occur rain or shine. In case of lightning, the start will be delayed.

Overall Male and Female 

3 Deep Male/Female Age Group Awards as follows:  9 and under, 10-14, 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- 79, 80+

T-Shirt Deadline: 

In order to receive a T-Shirt - participants must register no later than July 31, 2026.

When: Sunday, August 16th - 6:00 am - 7:15 am

Where:  TBA