Winter Flight 8K
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Event overview
The Forum Fitness 43rd Annual Winter Flight will be held the weekend of January 31 - February 1, 2026 in Salisbury, North Carolina. The event includes multiple running events and a pre-race pasta dinner the evening before. Race day activities are based at the Catawba College gymnasium at the corner of Summit and Yost, with the 8K finishing in Catawba’s Shuford Stadium.
Races and key details
- 8K Run
- 5K Run/Walk
- Fun Run - 1/2 mile
- Wheelchair / Ainsley's Angels
- Pre-Race Pasta Dinner
Entry fees listed for the main events are $35 for the 8K, $35 for the 5K, $35 for the wheelchair event, $0 for the fun run, and $10 for the pasta dinner. The 8K is a certified USATF course and will serve as the 2026 RRCA North Carolina 8K Championship. Chip timing is used for the 5K and 8K; manual timing can be arranged for 8K state record attempts with prior notification to race staff. Live results will be posted during the races.
Shirts: a long-sleeve hoodie will be provided to 8K and 5K participants. Race rules note a 90-minute limit on the 8K - walkers must register in the 5K - and headphones are discouraged. No dogs are allowed.
Awards and beneficiary
The 8K and 5K offer overall and age-group awards; the 8K also awards masters, grandmasters, and senior grandmasters and includes cash prizes and bonuses for new Winter Flight 8K records. All proceeds benefit Rowan Helping Ministries; the 2025 race raised $16,000 for the organization. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
