Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49)
Hickory's Holiday 5K & 13.1M offers a festive, flat course with holiday cheer.
Race Date
Dec 5, 2026
Location
Hickory, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Location
- Hickory, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 12
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Holiday 5K & 13.1M in Hickory, NC, provides a straightforward racing experience set against a backdrop of typical early winter weather, with average temperatures ranging from 36–54°F. This event, which has been held for two editions, offers a flat, out-and-back course designed for steady pacing.
The half marathon course is an out-and-back loop completed six times, while the 5K version repeats the shorter out-and-back loop twice. Both races are designed to be fast, with minimal elevation change, making them suitable for runners aiming for personal bests. The time limit for the half marathon is a generous 3 hours and 30 minutes, accommodating a wide range of participants.
Runners can expect a no-frills event focused on the race itself, with a strong emphasis on holiday spirit, including a best costume award. The event is managed through RunSignup, with packet pickup conveniently scheduled shortly before the 8:30 AM start. Finisher medals and shirts are provided, contributing to the race's appeal as a holiday-themed running event.
Race-provided description
Race Information The race starts at 8:30 AM. Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts. All runners must register on RunSignup. No on-site registration. Additional Information: The starting line is located across the street from the corner of 16th Ave Pl NW and 12th St Dr NW. 5K Course (0.78M) https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6233736925 The course is an out-and-back (1.56M) The 5K does the out-and-back two times. Half Marathon Course (1.09M) https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5975171281 The course is an out-and-back (2.18M). The Half Marathon does the out-and-back six times. Course Time Limit 3 hours and 30 minutes. View Race Information on US Road Running
US Road Running https://usroadrunning.com
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Start Time
8:30 AM
Start Location
1581 12th St Dr NW, Hickory, NC, 28601
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
2 years running
~6 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:28:13
typical high 54°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
36°
Afternoon (High)
54°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 12 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
12
Median time
1:52:46
Latest turnout
8
States
2
Turnout by year
2024–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49)?
The Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49) is held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 8:30 AM.
Where does the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49) take place?
It takes place in Hickory, North Carolina.
What distances does the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49) offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49) course flat and good for a PR?
The Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49) is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49)?
HalfRuns has finish records for 12 runners who have completed the Holiday 5K & 13.1M at Hickory, NC (49).
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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