Stars & Strides 5k
When is Stars & Strides 5k?
Stars & Strides 5k takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Jacksonville, NC.
What distances does Stars & Strides 5k offer?
Stars & Strides 5k offers 2 events: 5K, 5K Virtual.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 3.1 mi | $25.00 | Register |
| 5K Virtual | — | $25.00 | Register |
How much does Stars & Strides 5k cost?
Registration for Stars & Strides 5k starts at $15.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Stars & Strides 5k held?
Stars & Strides 5k is held in Jacksonville, NC at 815 New Bridge St.
About Stars & Strides 5k
Stars & Strides 5K – Celebrate America’s 250th!
Lace up your running shoes, pull on those American flag socks, and join the party as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in style! The Stars & Strides 5K kicks off Sunday, June 7, 2026, with an early-evening run through the heart of downtown Jacksonville. You’ll start and finish on the beautifully revitalized New Bridge Street, surrounded by the energy of family and friends and American spirit.
This isn’t your typical 5K—cross the finish line and trade in that post-race banana for a slice of birthday cake! Stay for the music, cheer on your fellow runners, and soak in the patriotic vibes as we come together to celebrate health, happiness, and America’s milestone birthday.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking, jogging with friends, or bringing the whole family for a fun evening out, the Stars & Strides 5K is the perfect way to honor our nation’s big 250.
America 250
About America 250
July 4, 2026 marks America's 250th anniversary.America 250 is a national celebration of this historic milestone and will span the year of 2026. 
We will be celebrating in Onslow County with special events and an exhibit at the Onslow County Museum. We hope you will join us in celebrating America 250! Visit the America 250 Events page for a list of all the events happening in 2026.
About the America 250 Onslow County Logo
- Circular shape mimics the Onslow County seal
- Seven stars represent the seven towns/ cities and Camp Lejeune in Onslow County
- Semper Fidelis (Latin, always faithful) included across the bottom to represent the official Onslow County slogan (Arthur Onslow's Family Motto) and the Marine Corps slogan
Semper Fidelis: A Community Wide Celebration of America 250 in Onslow County will commence in February 2026. The Official Onslow County America 250 NC Committee was authorized in spring 2024 to begin planning for the upcoming celebration. The title of Semper Fidelis was selected as it is the historically coincidental motto of the Onslow family for whom the county is named and that of the United States Marine Corps which Onslow County has been proud to be the home to since 1941.
The purpose of Semper Fidelis is to explore the role of Onslow County in the nation's early struggle for Independence, and to create a meaningful connection to our contemporary community with local, national, and international heritage and traditions. Throughout the year of 2026, residents and visitors to the county will be immersed in the story of America's quest for freedom and Onslow County's role in that struggle.
The exhibition, SEMPER FIDELIS: Onslow County Celebrates America 250 will feature a series of stories of people, places, and events including Black Patriots of the American Revolution, the 18th Century Homefront, Naval Stores and the Agricultural Economy, the Life of Mary Pounds Ordinary and Ferry Keeper, the Waterfront and Maritime Life of Swansboro, and an interactive Court House setting with actual cases from the court records. The exhibit will invite visitors to walk into the pages of an 18th century inspired graphic novel and meet those who were eyewitness to Onslow County's experience during the War for Independence and the path to building a new nation.
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THIS PROJECT WAS PRODUCED WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE AMERICA 250 NORTH CAROLINA INITIATIVE, ADMINISTERED BY THE NC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES. ANY OPINIONS, FINDINGS, AND CONCLUSIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS MATERIAL ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR(S) AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
