Race for the Planet
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Event overview
The Race for the Planet takes place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Kure Beach, North Carolina. The event supports the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher through the NC Aquarium Society. Race options include:
- 5K (in-person)
- 5K (virtual)
- 1 Mile Fun Run (timed)
Registration fees listed are $30 for each 5K option and $24 for the 1 Mile. In-person registration for the 5K and the 1 Mile includes a race shirt and admission to the aquarium on race day. The virtual 5K registration includes a race shirt.
Awards for the in-person 5K include overall and masters male and female placements plus age-group awards (10 and under; 11-15; 16-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+). The 1 Mile awards are for the top three male and female finishers.
Logistics and sustainability
The primary race location is Battle Acre Park, 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. South, Kure Beach, NC 28449. Packet pick-up is available Friday, April 17 at Fleet Feet Crossroads (3852 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington) and on race day at Battle Acre Park. Specific packet pick-up times are provided by the organizer.
The event emphasizes sustainability. Registrations come with a "Sustainabili-TEE" made of 100% organic cotton printed with water-based ink. There is a no-shirt option that donates $10 of the registration fee to the aquarium’s sustainability initiatives. Additional sustainable merchandise is available, and a mobile household hazardous waste and electronics recycling drive is part of the event. Team registration savings are available for groups of 10. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.