Union Mills Wilderness Runs

Event overview

The Union Mills Learning Center presents the 5th annual Union Mills Wilderness 5K & 10K on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Union Mills, NC. The event offers two timed races with a registration fee of $30 for each. Registration closes February 25, 2026. Pre-made goodie bags with a disposable timing chip, a race T-shirt, and small sponsored items will be distributed at packet pick up. T-shirt orders are not guaranteed for registrations after February 16; shirt colors may vary.

• 5K Timed
• 10K Timed

Course, logistics and awards

Both courses begin at the Union Mills Learning Center near the gazebo and finish at the same start location. The 5K route follows campus paths and roads to Hudlow Road, turns onto Box Creek Road to a marked turnaround, then returns to the start. The 10K uses a combination of pavement and compacted gravel, runs the full length of Box Creek Road to a turnaround just past the bridge near Hwy. 221, then returns. The 10K route runs alongside the Second Broad River, the CSX railroad, and around the base of Rocky Face Mountain and the Box Creek Wilderness area.

Race-day sign ups are available. Refreshments will be prepackaged and self-serve on course and at the finish-line auditorium. Awards include top two male and female overall and top three male and female in each age group. Awards will be presented in the auditorium and mailed if not collected; results will be posted on RacingToes.com. Proceeds support building upgrades and educational programs at the Union Mills Learning Center. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.