General Information

2023 Race Results– Photos and videos from the 2023 event and race can be found on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page (coming soon!). Feel free to share with friends and “Like” our page for updates on future programs and events! 

Did you attend the 2023 9/11 Commemorative 5K Event? Help us improve the event by completing this brief survey.

Register Online – 2023 Registration is now open through September 13 at 11:59pm!

Register by September 1 to guarantee an event t-shirt with a minimum of a $5.00 donation • Race packets will be available to pre-registered participants. All race packets must be picked up prior to the race start time from 7:00am – 8:00am. 

Registration Dates: Registration is now open through September 13, 2023, and closes at 11:59pm
Event Date: Saturday, September 16, 2023 (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

NEW FOR 2023! The Children of Fallen Heroes Honoring Heroes Tour Parachute Team will participate in the 9/11 Commemorative 5K Event on Saturday, September 16 at approx. 9:45am. Two world-class parachute jumpers will demonstrate the skill and precision it takes by landing in the event space at City Hall, with one featuring a large American Flag as they land. The Honoring Heroes Tour brings attention to the bravery of our first responders, military, and veterans and is one of the largest fundraising opportunities for Children of Fallen Heroes. Sponsored by Wilson Tire Pros & Automotive

Event Options: 
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)

Schedule for the Event: 
Day Before Event Packet Pick-Up at Graham Fire Department’s fire station bay (09/15): 11:00am – 1:00pm or 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Day of Registration/Packet Pick-Up (09/16): 7:00am – 8:00am
Opening Ceremony: 8:00am
5K Run/Walk Start: 8:30am
1-Mile Run/Walk: 8:35am
Honoring Heroes Tour Parachute Team: approx. 9:45am
Medal Ceremony: approx. 10:00am
Touch A Truck Area & Family Game Activities: 8:00am – 11:00am

The City of Graham presents the third annual 9/11 Commemorative 5K Run/Walk Event on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Come dressed in your red, white, and blue for the event! The event will also feature a non-competitive 1-mile run/walk, a Runner Services station located in the fire bays, a Touch A Truck area, 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+

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

2023 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.

Questions? Please email Emma Griffin, Program Supervisor, or call (336) 513-5510.

Event Maps

• Route Map 
• Parking Map 

First Responders Team Cup

The First Responders Team Cup 5K (6 laps) invites first responders (Fire, Police, EMS, and Military) to register as a team. A minimum of three runners creating the First Responders Team is required. The top three First Responder Teams with the average fastest times will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals. Pre-registration or day of registration is available for first responder teams. Be sure to wear your agency swag!