Wild Bill 5k
When is Wild Bill 5k?
Wild Bill 5k takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026 in Raleigh, NC.
What distances does Wild Bill 5k offer?
Wild Bill 5k offers 2 events: Kids Race (~1/2 Mile, 10 and under), 5k.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Race (~1/2 Mile, 10 and under) | 0.5 mi | $25.00 | Register |
| 5k | 3.1 mi | $40.00 | Register |
How much does Wild Bill 5k cost?
Registration for Wild Bill 5k starts at $25.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Wild Bill 5k held?
Wild Bill 5k is held in Raleigh, NC at Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club.
About Wild Bill 5k
In both memory and honor of William “Wild Bill” Sonner, Seven Oaks and the Stonehenge HOA is proud to hold our fifth annual Wild Bill 5k in 2025. Wild Bill was a coach, mentor and community leader in Raleigh for decades. The same passion that made Wild Bill an All-American athlete at NC State, made him a beloved Raleigh fixture for nearly 70 years. While his forte was swimming, Wild Bill was well known for running daily, no matter how hot the summer days got. Wild Bill was relentless and we wish to harness that energy to raise money for good causes in his honor.
The 5k course has been certified by USATF and issued course number NC21006BDS. An easily viewable course map is linked below and HERE using mapmyrun.
Volunteer
Don't run but want to be a part of the action? Volunteer to assist with The Wild Bill 5k!
Course Map
Course Records: Male Record - Andre Michaels- 15:27.6 Female Record - Kaitlyn Estep - 18:00.6.
Registration
Our race capacity is 500 runners for the 5k, so be sure to register before we sell out!
Benefitting Charities
The 2026 Wild Bill 5k will benefit The Helene Foundation and an annual Wild Bill Sonner Scholarship!
Race Schedule
Packet Pick-Up: Will be @ Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club: 2500 Howard Rd., Raleigh NC 27613
Race Day Packet Pick-Up & Registration: @ Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club: 2500 Howard Rd., Raleigh NC 27613.
5k Race: Saturday, August 1st: Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club: 7:00 am
Youth Fun Run: Saturday, August 1st: Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club: 8:00 am
Post-Race Party: After you finish your race! Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club – to include awards ceremony (must be present to receive award)
Cost
5k Race: $35 if registered by December 31, 2025// $40 if registered between 1/1/26 and 6/30/26 // $45 if registered after 7/1/26
Youth Fun Run: $25, includes T-shirt and race swag (10 and under)
Awards
Awards will be given to Top 3 overall for both male & female, Top 3 overall Master for both male & female, along with top 3 per age group. Overall awards will be based on gun time; Age group awards will be based on chip/net time. All youth participants will receive a prize. You must be present to receive awards/prizes (none will be mailed).
Timing
All 5k participants will have Chip Bib timing. For the youth race, a simple running clock will be used. Youth participants will receive a standard numbered race bib (no Chip)
Race Swag Shirts
Each 5k Participant will receive a technical, gender-specific cut race t-shirt (Youth S - XL; Adult Men's S - XL or Women's XS - L). To be guaranteed a t-shirt, you must register no later than Noon on July 10th.
Each Kid's Race Participant will receive a youth, cotton t-shirt sizes Youth S- XL. To be guaranteed a t-shirt, you must register no later than Noon on July 10th.
Race Rules
No headphones allowed for safety reasons. While little to no traffic is expected and volunteers will be protecting the course, the race course is technically not closed, so we want runners to remain as aware as possible. No pets/dogs allowed on the course. Strollers are allowed, but we request that strollers and baby joggers start at the back of the field for safety reasons. For the 5k race, participants will have 60 minutes to complete the course prior to the start of the youth race.
Water Stations
Water stations will be available at miles 1 and 2 on the course.
Race Day Parking
Limited parking will be allowed in the Seven Oaks Parking Lot (2500 Howard Rd.), BUT- no cars will be allowed in or out starting 45 minutes before race time and until the end of all races. Park wisely! Additional parking will be available on Stonehenge Drive (street parking) and the Diocese building lot on Creedmoor Road. We encourage carpooling and for Stonehenge residents, consider walking or jogging to the race due to your close proximity.
Post-Race Party
Once you finish conquering the race course, you’ll be ready to celebrate! Breakfast will be provided, along with other snacks & goodies. We will have beer vendors on site providing free beer for participants. A DJ will be spinning tunes, and we’ll have activities for the kids, along with other fun activities. Take a plunge in the Seven Oaks Pool after you run or walk. We will of course have the standard post-race offerings as well (bananas, water, etc.). MUST HAVE VALID ID TO DRINK BEER (NO ID = NO BEER)
Inclement Weather
We will race Rain or shine! In the unlikely and unfortunate event that inclement weather (such as thunderstorms and lightning) dashes our plans, please understand that no refunds will be given. Rest assured knowing that your funds will still go to support our wonderful charity partners!