NC Fossil Fest 5K

Sun, May 24, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT

Location: Aurora, NC; Main Street, 27806
Type: RUN

At a glance

Run for a cause at the Fossil Fest 5K, where every step supports the Aurora Fossil Museum and leads to unique festival fun.

Competitive
Quirky
Festive
For a Cause

Who it's for

For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners, runners who like a competitive edge

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

Join the Annual NC Fossil Fest 5K in Aurora, NC, a unique event that supports the nonprofit Aurora Fossil Museum. This 5K run offers a chance to earn awards for top finishers and age groups, plus all participants receive a custom Finisher's Medal and a commemorative T-shirt if registered by April 22nd. After your run, stay to enjoy the Fossil Festival activities, including fossil digging, vendors, and educational booths, making for a memorable day out.

What to expect

Run a 5K through the town of Aurora, competing for overall and age group awards.
Receive a custom Finisher's Medal and a 2026 Fossil Festival T-shirt.
Enjoy post-race Fossil Festival activities like fossil digging and vendors.

Standout details

Annual NC Fossil Festival theme
Benefits Aurora Fossil Museum
Custom Finisher's Medal
Awards for top overall and age groups

Perks & features

Awards

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

2 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

5K
Sun, May 24, 8:00 AM EDT · From $28.00
Opens Feb 25, 2026, 7:01 PM EST · Closes Mar 26, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT
5K
Sun, May 17, 12:01 AM EDT · From $33.35
Opens Mar 2, 2026, 7:01 PM EST · Closes May 31, 2026, 7:59 PM EDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

warm-day exposure

Warm season

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

Flat
Timed race

From the organizer

The in-person NC Fossil Fest 5K run will be held on Sunday , May 24, at 8:00 am in Aurora, NC.

Join us for our Annual NC Fossil Festival 5K Fossil Run! The 5K will take place in the Town of Aurora. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Aurora Fossil Museum. Race bibs can be picked up on race day in front of the Aurora Fossil Museum at 7:00 a.m. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. so you can park in the designated Festival Parking (grass lots south of Main Street), walk to the Race Start, and pick up your bib before 7:50 a.m. If you arrive after 7:45 a.m., you may be late starting the race. After the race, stay and enjoy the Fossil Festival activities! Dig for fossils, visit the food and product vendors, and explore the educational booths!

All runners participating in-person will be eligible for awards. Awards will be given for the Top 3 Overall Male/Female, as well as the Top 3 age group awards for Male/Female.

If you can't make it to the in-person event, you can opt to participate in our virtual event from May 17 to May 31. See Virtual FAQ's for more information. An $8 shipping fee will be added to the registration fee to cover the cost of mailing your race packet to you.

All racers , whether in-person or virtual, will receive a custom Finisher's Medal to commemorate participation in this year's Fossil Fest 5K!

All racers signing up by April 22nd will also receive a 2026 North Carolina Fossil Festival T-shirt! Encourage your family and friends to sign up with you for this jaw-some swag!

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