Donate Life NC Hero Run

Durham, United States • 13 Sep 2026

Event Overview

The Donate Life NC Hero Run takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026. It is held at Herndon Park, located at 511 Scott King Road in Durham. The event raises awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation in North Carolina.

Distances

The event offers three options:

  • 5k Run/Walk/Roll for $35.
  • 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk/Roll for $20.
  • Sleep In Superhero for $25.

Course and Logistics

The race starts at Herndon Park. Participants run an out-and-back course on the American Tobacco Trail and finish back at the park. Parking is available at Herndon Park.

Registration Details

Registration for the 5k opens on March 31, 2026, while registration for the 1 Mile and Sleep In Superhero options opens on April 3, 2026. A t-shirt is included with 5k registration and with the Sleep In Superhero option if registered by September 1st. The 5k registration also includes a bib with a timing chip and post-event refreshments.

Awards

Awards are given for the 5k event. The top three male and female overall finishers receive awards, as do the top three combined male and female finishers aged 10 and under. There are also awards for the top male and female in each standard age group from 11-19 up to 70+.

All funds from the event support statewide outreach and education about donation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

5 km
5k Run/walk/roll
1 Mile Fun Run/walk/roll
Sleep in Superhero
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Viking Dash in Raleigh is a trail run on February 14, 2026 at Harris Lake County Park offering 5K and 10K races. The event features a five inch Viking Longship finisher medal, age group awards, and a heavyweight long sleeve race shirt.

Run or walk a Valentine's Day 5K on scenic trails at a 63-acre family farm in Hurdle Mills. The two-lap course winds through old-growth forest, past historic tobacco barns, and finishes by the goat pen. Proceeds support local student athlet..

Run on the last remaining dirt track in NASCAR history at the Occoneechee Speedway Relay. Teams of two or four will complete 20 laps for a total of roughly 13.5 miles, with a flexible hand-off format. All participants receive custom swag an..

A 10 mile trail race in Hillsborough, NC combining paved riverwalk sections and single-track around Occoneechee Mountain, with about 700 feet of elevation gain, two aid stations and a 2.5 hour time limit.