2026 Water For People 5K - Raleigh

Event Info

Water For People is a non-profit organization that works in Latin America, East Africa, and India to ensure that every person has access to reliable and safe water and sanitation services. With over 300 participants for our last in-person race, this event provides a great opportunity to connect with athletic and like-minded individuals both in and out of the water and wastewater industry. The American Tobacco Trail is a flat and shaded course, making this a perfect race for beginners and experienced runners alike. Runners, joggers, walkers, rollers, pets, and strollers are all welcome!

We will be offering a virtual 5K option for those who might want to participate from out of state or those that cannot attend the race in person.

Race Details

PACKET PICKUP

• Friday, April 24, 2025, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM : To Be Determined
• Saturday, April 25, 2025, 8:00 AM to 8:40 AM : 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex, NC 27523

Race packets will be available for pick-up both the day before the race and at the race site on the day of. We encourage picking up your packet on Friday to avoid the lines on race day! Extra T-Shirts will also be available for sale for $15 each.

RACE DAY

• 8:00 AM : Day of registration opens for those not yet registered. Race packets can also be picked up if you missed Friday's packet pickup event.
• 8:40 AM : Day of registration closes.
• 9:00 AM : Race starts!
• 9:50 AM : Awards are announced for the fastest male and female in each age bracket.
• 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM : Post-race celebration to be held at a location to be determined, with food trucks and drink specials

Parking

We do anticipate a full event, so please be mindful of this when driving to the race and consider carpooling where possible. Parking on White Oak Church Road is strictly prohibited! Wake County sheriffs will be stationed at the entrances to the parking lot, directing traffic. Should parking be full upon your arrival, we will have overflow parking at White Oak Baptist Church and Young Scholars Academy. The main parking lot will likely be full about 45 minutes prior to the race start. Volunteers shuttle drivers will be available at both overflow lots to take you to and from the start line; overflow parking participants can also opt to walk to the starting line.

Race Route

An interactive course map can be found on Strava here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3314798372228709818

Bathrooms

Waterless restroom facilities are available at the parking lot, which have pit toilets and no flushing capabilities. There will also be portable toilet facilities located near the start / finish line.

Day of Registration

Day of registration is allowed and will be available between 8:00 AM and 8:40 AM on race day. Please check in at the registration table located near the start / finish line.

Medic

Medics will be on site to address minor medical issues should they occur during the race.

Food and Water

Plenty of snacks and water will be provided to race participants at the finish line.

Pets

Leashed pets are allowed to join the 5K event as well as the post-race celebration at Bottle Theory.

Volunteers

We have many volunteering positions available on race day (some positions are also open to those running the race). If you have interest in volunteering at the race, please reach out to [email protected].

Awards and Door Prizes

Join your fellow philanthropists, water lovers, and athletic and community minded neighbors, for a fun run and a good cause. The fastest male and female runners in each age bracket will receive a gift card to TBD ! The biggest team will compete for bragging rights like in years past, and will receive a trophy to display in their office. Following the race, all participants are invited to stick around for a chance to win raffle prizes donated from local businesses!

Together We Can Do More - Join a Team

The biggest team will compete for bragging rights and will receive a trophy to display in their office! Click on the Teams tab to create or join an existing group.