Stars & Strides 5k
Sun, Jun 7, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT
- Location
- Jacksonville, NC
- 815 New Bridge St, 28540
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Celebrate America's 250th with a festive evening 5K in downtown Jacksonville, complete with birthday cake at the finish line.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveJoin the Stars & Strides 5K in Jacksonville, NC, for an early-evening run celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. This event invites runners, walkers, and families to experience a festive atmosphere through downtown, starting and finishing on the beautifully revitalized New Bridge Street. Beyond the course, enjoy music, cheer on fellow participants, and trade a traditional post-race snack for a slice of birthday cake, soaking in patriotic vibes and community spirit.
What to expect
- An early-evening 5K run or walk through the heart of downtown Jacksonville.
- A festive finish line experience with music and patriotic vibes.
- Enjoy a slice of birthday cake instead of a traditional post-race snack.
Standout details
- America's 250th Birthday celebration
- Birthday cake at the finish line
- Downtown Jacksonville route
- Early-evening run
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
2 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 3.1 Miles
Sun, Jun 7, 7:00 PM EDT · From $16.90
Opens Nov 12, 2025, 1:35 PM EST · Closes Dec 1, 2025, 6:59 PM EST
5K Virtual
Sun, Jun 7, 7:00 PM EDT · From $27.50
Opens Feb 19, 2026, 6:53 AM EST · Closes Jun 7, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT
Vibe Check
Easygoing
Easygoingwarm-day exposure
- Warm season
Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.
The course
- Flat
- Timed race
From the organizer
Stars & Strides 5K – Celebrate America’s 250th!
Lace up your running shoes, pull on those American flag socks, and join the party as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in style! The Stars & Strides 5K kicks off Sunday, June 7, 2026, with an early-evening run through the heart of downtown Jacksonville. You’ll start and finish on the beautifully revitalized New Bridge Street, surrounded by the energy of family and friends and American spirit.
This isn’t your typical 5K—cross the finish line and trade in that post-race banana for a slice of birthday cake! Stay for the music, cheer on your fellow runners, and soak in the patriotic vibes as we come together to celebrate health, happiness, and America’s milestone birthday.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking, jogging with friends, or bringing the whole family for a fun evening out, the Stars & Strides 5K is the perfect way to honor our nation’s big 250.
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