On Saturday, July 12, the Twin City Track Club hosted the Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K race at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, where runners started and finished on an out-and-back course that followed Shorefair Drive and Reynolds Boulevard.
The event once again brought out hundreds of athletes, families, and fans for one of the city’s signature summer running traditions.
Despite a sudden storm that swept through around 5:30 p.m.—uprooting tents, rattling exhibitors, and delaying the start by 15 minutes—the energy and spirit of the running community prevailed. By race time, conditions settled, the skies cleared, and runners took to the course in pursuit of fast times, camaraderie, and celebration.
Elite Racing Shines Bright
The evening was highlighted by a historic performance in the Elite 5K race, where Andrew Colley of Blowing Rock set a new North Carolina 5K state record, blazing to victory in 13:53. Adding to the storyline, his wife Tristin Colley captured the women’s crown, making it a memorable family sweep.
For the second consecutive year, the Cook Medical Beat the Heat served as host to the RRCA State Championship 5K, drawing even greater competition and prestige to Winston-Salem’s vibrant running scene. The championship designation meant top finishers were celebrated across multiple categories, including overall and age group winners. Notably, the event proudly recognized the 1st Place Adaptive Athlete for the fastest Ainsley’s Angels team and, for the first time in race history, honored a non-binary division winner. These recognitions underscored the event’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and achievement, ensuring that every athlete’s effort was celebrated.
By the Numbers
The 2025 edition of Beat the Heat brought together a wide mix of athletes:
- 704 finishers across all events, including the Family Fun Run, Youth Mile, 5K Walk, and Ainsley’s Angels division.
- 510 finishers in the traditional Beat the Heat 5K, plus 38 elites.
- 27 teams with 323 members, making up more than 40% of participants.
- 55 first-time 5K finishers.
- 9 states represented, with runners traveling from as far as Maine and Wisconsin.
Support from the community was also strong, with 124 volunteers, 26 sponsors, and 6 partner organizations contributing to the success of the event.
Charity and Community Impact
Beat the Heat continued its tradition of giving back, raising $7,420 for its charity partners, Ainsley’s Angels in the Triad and Girls on the Run of the Greater Piedmont. This total included $1,278 in direct donations from 74 participants.
Participant Experience
Survey feedback showed that 94% of participants were satisfied overall, with many praising the atmosphere, course, volunteers, and food. Areas for improvement included parking logistics, but the overall tone reflected a strong and positive race experience.
Looking Ahead
Big news was announced after the races:
- Cook Medical has extended its presenting sponsorship through 2028.
- In 2026, Beat the Heat will host the RRCA National 5K Championship on July 18, 2026—a tremendous honor and opportunity for Winston-Salem to showcase its running community on the national stage.
As temperatures hovered near 90 degrees during the day, the event lived up to its name, but runners once again proved they can Beat the Heat. With record-breaking performances, expanded inclusivity, and strong community support, 2025 will be remembered as one of the most exciting editions yet.
For full results, photos, and details about next year’s event, visit www.bth5k.org.
