HICKORY — Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism will host the second annual Aviation 5K at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at Winkler Park, the City of Hickory said April 23, 2026.
The city said the race gives runners a chance to cross the Hickory Bridge along the Aviation Walk.
Registration is open at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries. The cost is $30, rising to $35 after May 10. A custom T-shirt is included with purchases made before May 10.
After the race, an awards ceremony will recognize the top three men and women in all age categories with a custom medal.
Bib and shirt pickup is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Highland Recreation Center, or 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 22, also at Highland. Race-day pickup is 8 to 8:45 a.m. as needed.
The city described the Aviation 5K as the second race in its 5K series. Runners may enter any or all races for a chance at overall prizes. Details are at www.runhky.com. Frye Regional Medical Center is listed as the Official Healthcare Provider of the Hickory 5K Series, and OS1st as the Official Performance Sock.
Winkler Park is at 2500 Clement Boulevard NW. Contact Lance Riddile at 828-322-7046, Ext. 7254, or [email protected].
The April 23 notice does not list a runner cap, a rain date, or the overall-series prize.
Official release from City of Hickory, April 23, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/hickory-parks-recreation-sports-tourism-host-aviation-5k
