At sunrise on an upcoming April morning, volunteers will gather in a grassy meadow near Umstead State Park to erect an entertainment stage, festival tents, educational displays, and a finish line with flags waving in the breeze. Musicians will begin to play as the first cars arrive. Soon the meadow will fill with over 400 walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and abilities waiting for the signal to make their way into the park on bike and bridle trail. 

This is the Walk/Run/Bike for Umstead, taking place this year on Saturday, April 13 from 8am-1:30pm. This is also your opportunity to enjoy outdoor group exercise, arts and entertainment, delicious food-truck fare, and the chance to win numerous prizes — all while supporting your backyard park. 

There is definitely something for everyone at this annual event, whether you choose to get a little exercise or not.  You can choose to walk or run along the beautiful four-mile course; or if cycling is your thing, join the 12-mile intermediate mountain bike ride. Triangle Off-Road Bike Club (TORC) will also offer a guided 4-mile ride designed for beginners. Prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers in several age categories in the walk/run event, with top finishers winning $100 gift certificates.

Once you cross the finish line, there’s much more to enjoy.  If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can snack on complimentary hummus and pita bread, trail mix cookies, fruit, vegetarian protein bars and more. Then shop for hand crafted pottery, jewelry, and original art. While enjoying the educational exhibits, make sure to listen for your names as dozens of door prize winners are announced. You will also have the opportunity to bid on gift cards for dinners, pet sitting, ballet tickets, artwork and much more in the silent auction. To see a listing of prizes, vendors, and entertainers, visit the Walk/Run/Bike event page.

Register by Sunday, April 7 to take advantage of the early bird registration discount. Not only will you support the park with your registration fees, but funds raised will go towards restoration of the historic cabins and mess halls, invasive plant control, and environmental education for your wonderful state park.

by Arianne Hemlein

Register Here

Early Bird Registration Discount through Sunday April 7

Online registration through Thursday April 11.  On-site registration Friday April 12  (5-7pm) and event day April 13 (8-9am)