

9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026
The Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon showcases North Carolina's charm with a scenic tour of historic sites.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Hillsborough, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Hillsborough, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 2,478
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Hillsborough, North Carolina, a town steeped in three centuries of history and graceful architecture, provides a captivating backdrop for this annual road race. Runners will trace a path through the heart of this southern gem, passing significant landmarks like the Old Orange County Courthouse, Burwell School, and the Margaret Lane Cemetery.
The course offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, including a lap on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, the sole surviving track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. Participants will also experience running along Churton Street and Hillsborough's River Walk, a segment of the Mountains to Sea trail. This race, now in its seventh edition, typically sees around 724 finishers, with approximately 27% returning year after year, drawing participants from about 16 states.
All finishers receive custom medals and T-shirts. The event, first run in 2016, has grown steadily, offering a well-organized experience that celebrates the rich heritage and scenic routes of Hillsborough.
Race-provided description
Hillsborough, North Carolina is no ordinary small, southern town. Its scenic beauty and graceful architecture spanning three centuries, provide an incredible location for a road race. Hillsborough continues to host numerous successful races, including the Little River Trail runs, Got GRIT 5K race, and the Camp Chestnut Ridge Trail races. Hillsborough Running Club is very pleased to present the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K races. Both the half marathon and 5K routes have been designed to showcase many of Hillsborough’s historic sites, and scenic routes. Course Highlights 1. Run past many historic sites in Hillsborough: Old Orange County Courthouse, Burwell School, Margaret Lane Cemetery, Occoneechee Indian Village 2. Half Marathon and 5K runners will run one lap of the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, the only surviving track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season 3. Enjoy running on Churton Street, and on Hillsborough's River Walk, part of the Mountains to Sea trail Merchandise There will be custom medals for all finishers in both the half marathon and 5KT-shirts (male and female cut) and youth sizes if you registered before the t-shirt deadlineNote: for female sizing - you may want to order a size or two larger than you would normally Anyone needing to change t-shirt size needs to come to the t-shirt table at the pavilion after the race Packet Pick-up Packet pick-up dates, times and locations are as follows: Thursday 1st October Fleet Feet Durham (Southpoint Store), 4-7pmSaturday 3rd October, Hillsborough, Farmers Mkt Pavilion (race finish area), 1-5pmSunday 4th October, Race morning, 6.00-7.00am Awards Awards to the overall top three male and female winners, top three male and female masters (40+), and top three males and females in each of the following age groups. Half Marathon age groups are as follows: 19 & under; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-80; 80-84; 85-90; 90+ 5K age groups are as follows: 9 and under; 10-12; 13-15; 16-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-80; 80-84; 85-90; 90+ Cut off time End of race is 11am for both races, which is 3.5 hours for the half marathon, and 3 hours 20 mins for the 5K Parking Details will be emailed to all participants during the week of the race, in short, parking is at the deck by Weaver Street Market and at River Park Elementary School
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Eno River Farmers Market, Hillsborough, NC, 27278
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town, Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.30 m
Separation
0.9%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC16049DF · Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout797 years running
~309 finishers a year
growing or steady
27% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 16 states
winner 1:16:56
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
58°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,478 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
2,478
Median time
2:04:55
Latest turnout
367
States
23
Turnout by year
2016–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026?
The 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026 is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026 take place?
It takes place in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
What distances does the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026 offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026 course flat and good for a PR?
The 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026 is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,478 runners who have completed the 9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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