This popular event is only in its third year, but attracted over 300 athletes last year, and almost 1000 spectators. It is not only a favorite for local runners and walkers due to the challenging hills and unique distance, but attracts a diverse audience as it is co-conducted with a large interagency open house event with military, emergency management, and law enforcement equipment displays, live music by a top 40 cover band, and games and events for children.

The races run concurrently and start and finish at the NC National Guard Military Center (1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh). The race is hosted by the NC National Guard with profits benefitting the North Carolina National Guard Association’s Educational Foundation, providing equal opportunity for quality college education for Soldiers and Airmen of all ranks and their family members, based on scholastic achievement and community service.

Participants have the option to compete as a team for the 8K race only.  The Chief of Joint Staff Challenge (Chief's Challenge) requires that teams be composed of 4 members. Team members register individually and record their team name in the appropriate box.  Scoring is based on the combined time of all 4 team members.  The team with the lowest combined time is declared the winner. There are no age groups for the Chief's Challenge.  Teams finishing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place will be recognized.

The early registration fee is only $25 for the 5k and $30 for the 8k and includes a t-shirt.  Early registration ends on March 14.  Only early registrants are guaranteed a t-shirt.  Click here to download the 8K course map. Click here to download a 5K course map.  The 5K runs the same route but with a turnaround point 2.5K into the route.  Both the 5K and 8K courses are certified with USA Track and Field (USATF).

The Open House is free to all and the general public is welcome. Click here for the link to additional information regarding the public Open House event, as well as the 5K and 8K route.  On both races, medals are awarded to the first male finisher overall, to the first female finisher overall and to the first three males and females in each of the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-over.  The Chief of Joint Staff Challenge is only available to NC National Guard 4-runner teams in the 8K race. However, all registrants are eligible to compete in the 5k and 8k events for individual medals/awards.

Pre-registered runners can pick up their packets and late entrants can register at Fleet Feet Sports from 4-7 pm on Thursday, May 14, and/or on Friday, May 15.  Fleet Feet is located in the Ridgewood Shopping Center located at 3532 Wade Avenue in Raleigh.

Pre-registered runners can also pick up their packets and late entrants can also register at the race site on race day beginning at 7 am.

Please direct any event questions to SGM Elliott Marks at  elliott.n.marks.mil@mail.mil