Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon
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Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K
The Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K is an annual road race held in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The 10th edition takes place in early October at 144 E. Margaret Lane and features courses designed to showcase many of the town's historic sites and scenic routes.
Distances:
- Half Marathon
- 5K
Both races pass several local landmarks including the Old Orange County Courthouse, Burwell School, Margaret Lane Cemetery, and the Occoneechee Indian Village. Runners from both distances complete one lap of the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Trail, the only surviving track from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. The courses also include stretches on Churton Street and Hillsborough's River Walk, part of the Mountains to Sea Trail.
The half marathon course is paved until about mile 10.5, then continues on firm gravel around the Speedway track and back to the finish. The 5K is mostly firm gravel. Aid stations and restroom locations are placed along each course at specified mile points. Custom medals are provided to all finishers. T-shirts were available for participants who registered before the deadline, with exchanges and post-race purchases handled at the pavilion near the finish as supplies remain.
Packet pick-up is scheduled in the days before the race at Fleet Feet Durham (Southpoint Store) and at the Farmers Market Pavilion near the finish, with an additional option on race morning. Recommended parking is near Weaver Street Market or at River Park Elementary School close to the start and finish areas.
The event proceeds rain or shine. Much of the half marathon is on public roads; some roads are closed for the event but local traffic may access residences. Participants must obey course volunteers and law enforcement, and runners without a registered bib are not permitted to run. Registration fees are non-refundable and transfers are not permitted; fees are also non-refundable if the event is cancelled for hazardous weather. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
