NC Fossil Fest 5K

NC Fossil Fest 5K - In Person

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM EDT - 9:00 AM EDT

Location: Main Street, Aurora, NC 27806

Description: 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.

Virtual 5K

Date Range: May 17, 2026 - May 31, 2026

Description: 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.

General Information

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!

Event Timed by: Run The East, LLC