General Information

Register Online – 2026 Registration is now open through September 9 at 11:59pm. Register by August 28 to guarantee an event t-shirt with a minimum donation of $10.00. Race packets will be available to pre-registered participants. All race packets must be picked up before the race start time from 7:00am – 8:00am. Day of registration will be available.

NEW for 2026! The official 9/11 Commemorative 5K t-shirt has a brand-new design! The reveal is coming soon…stay tuned!

Event Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026 (rain or shine)
Event Times: 7:00am – 11:00am (see schedule below)
For All Ages
Donations: Donations collected for the Children of Fallen Heroes organization
Location: City of Graham – City Hall Campus • 201 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253

Event Options: (2026 route tentative)
5K Run/Walk – 6 laps (Individual Registration)
Non-Competitive 1-Mile Run/Walk – 2 laps (Individual Registration)
First Responders Team Cup 5K – 6 laps (Team Registration)
NEW! Community Team Cup (Team Registration)

Schedule for the Event: 
Day Before Event Packet Pick-Up at Graham Fire Department’s fire station bay (09/11): 11:00am – 1:00pm or 4:00pm – 6:00pm (registration will also be available during these times)
Day of Registration/Packet Pick-Up (09/12): 7:00am – 8:00am
Opening Ceremony: 8:00am
5K Run/Walk Start: 8:30am
1-Mile Run/Walk: 8:35am
Medal Ceremony: approx. 10:00am
Touch A Truck Area & Family Game Activities: 8:00am – 11:00am

The City of Graham presents the sixth annual 9/11 Commemorative 5K Run/Walk Event on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Come dressed in your red, white, and blue for the event! The event will also feature a First Responders Team Cup 5K, a Community Team Cup, a Non-Competitive 1-Mile Run/Walk, a Runner Services station located in the fire bays, a Touch A Truck area, a blood drive, games, and music with a DJ. This is a community event and is open to all to participate! Lawn chairs are permitted. Carpooling is recommended. This event is rain or shine. 

For participants looking to participate in the 5K but wanting a shorter distance, we invite you to register for the Non-Competitive 1-Mile Run/Walk. This run/walk will take place after the 5K. Families are encouraged to explore and play in the Park & Play Mobile Recreation area.

5K Run/Walk Age Groups: 
10U, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ (NEW for 2026 – Overall Men & Women’s 1st, 2nd & 3rd)

Medals will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place age group winners, men, and women. Unique to this run is the “First Responders Team Cup”.

Donations

Donations will be collected for the Children of Fallen Heroes organization, which provides support and immediate needs for surviving spouses and children of First Responders & Military fallen heroes.

Children of Fallen Heroes‘ mission is to provide support and immediate needs for children of First Responders and Military fallen heroes through partnerships and donations. Because of the community’s help, they help make a positive difference in their lives and the surviving spouses. 

Event T-Shirts

Participant t-shirts not picked up by event time will be available for purchase at the registration tent the day of the event, following the race: $20 each

Street Closure Information

2026 Street Closures for the Event: The Northbound lane of Maple Street from Mcaden Street to Pine Street, Mcaden Street from South Main Street to Maple Street, a southbound lane of South Main Street from Pine Street to Mcaden Street, Pine Street from South Main Street to Maple Street will be closed on the day of the event from 6:00am to 12:00pm.

2025 Race Results

2025 Race Results – Photos from the 2025 event and race can be found on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page.

Event Maps

• Route Map – Coming soon!
• Parking Map 

First Responders Team Cup 5K

Fire, Police, EMS, and Military agencies are invited to compete in the First Responders Team Cup 5K! Teams must have a minimum of three runners to qualify. The top three First Responder teams with the fastest average finish times will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals. Teams may register in advance or on the day of the race. Be sure to wear your agency swag and show your team spirit!

NEW! Community Team Cup 5K

Gather your church, gym, workplace, neighborhood, or other community group and compete in the Community Team Cup 5K! Teams must have a minimum of three runners to qualify. The top three Community teams with the fastest average finish times will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals. Teams may register in advance or on the day of the race. Be sure to wear your team swag and show your team pride!

Donate Blood at the 5K

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 7:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Graham Fire Department • 201 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253

Reserve Your Time to Donate – Coming soon!

Appointments are encouraged. Please visit oneblood.org/donate-now. ID required.