Tackle The Tar
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Event overview
Tackle the Tar is a 5K obstacle course race and family fun day on May 16, 2026, hosted by the Rotary Club of Rocky Mount at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, NC (600 Independence Dr). Proceeds fund college scholarships for students in the Rocky Mount area; since 2016 the event has raised and awarded more than $510,000. The 5K course starts at the sports complex and runs through historic Battle Park and the E.B. Grain Company property. The race features a mud pit and more than 15 obstacles, including walls, crawls under trucks and buses, tire and log obstacles, rope nets, culvert tunnels, pond wades, and slides. All racers receive a T-shirt, medal, one free beer if over 21, and a goodie bag.
Race details
The event includes a dedicated kids obstacle race and multiple heats for different groups. Distances:
- 5 km
- 1 mile (kids race)
Age and participation rules: participants must be at least 14 years old to enter the 5K; children ages 8-13 may run only in the 1-mile kids race. Participants aged 14-15 must run with a parent or guardian and are excluded from competitive heats. Participants aged 16-17 may run in fun run heats only and must provide a parental consent form. Packet pickup is available on Friday and Saturday of race week; online registration closes Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 12:00 noon, with onsite registration available the night before and on race day. Special discounts and group rates are offered for first responders, students, veterans, and qualifying groups. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
